2024 DLC Awards Recipients

The Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC) has the opportunity to work with so many amazing leaders and organizations around the world. We are excited to announce the following awards to recognize the hard work they have endured to implement their innovative ideas. 

Awards are given each year to honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a significant impact in key areas of K-12 digital learning during the past calendar year (February 2023 - January 2024). *We may not award a recipient for each award every year. Awards given are:

Individual Excellence in Digital Learning Award

Jessica Enderson

North Dakota Center for Education

  • The DLC Individual Excellence in Digital Learning Award recognizes someone who has changed the field of K-12 digital learning during the 2022-2023 school year. This year’s recipient is Ms. Jessica Enderson, assistant superintendent, for her exemplary implementation of competency-based education (CBE) for the North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE).

    “I am deeply honored and humbled and this achievement is not mine alone to claim, but rather a reflection of the amazing team I have the privilege to work alongside and the support of our incredible leader, Dr. Alyssa Martin,” shared Ms. Enderson. “Their relentless commitment, innovative ideas, and unwavering support have been instrumental in advancing our collective goals in digital education. I am fortunate to collaborate with such an inspiring group of professionals who share a common vision for enhancing the learning experience. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that have been the driving forces behind our efforts at NDCDE.”

Research Impact Award

Joe Freidhoff

Michigan Virtual

  • This year’s Research Impact Award recognizes Dr. Joseph Freidhoff, vice president at Michigan Virtual for his research report K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report, 2021-22, published in March 2023. This award recognizes researchers whose studies in the field of K-12 digital learning have fostered best practices to advance the industry and have a real impact on practice. It underscores the vital role of research in advancing educational innovation, linking research, practice, and policy, and enhancing student outcomes in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape in a landscape that often lacks actionable data.

    “This report aligns so closely with the awards’s focus on research that impacts practice,” Freidhoff remarked. “I am proud of the report as one of the country’s best examples of an annual state-level analysis of K-12 virtual learning, and while it is specific to Michigan, we are proud of this contribution to the field and as an inspiration for researchers and leaders in other states.”

Unsung Super Star Award (Individual)

Jeff Tracy

The Learning Center in Kansas

  • Mr. Jeff Tracy, The Learning Center in Kansas, is the DLC’s 2024 Individual Unsung Super Star Award recipient. This award illuminates the amazing work someone does that most people are unaware of, and the impact they have on their students' lives and learning over the past year. Mr. Tracy works tirelessly and closely with every student at The Learning Center Kansas to provide the extra care and guidance needed to map out each student’s path and get her and him back on track. Under his guidance The Learning Center’s graduation rate has doubled and perhaps more compelling is the story of each student who went from an incredibly hard path, to being on track, to then graduating from high school and on a path to a better future.

Unsung Super Star Award (School/District)

Mesa Digital Learning Program – Julie Davis

Mesa, Arizona

  • This year’s 2024 School or District Unsung Super Star Award is awarded to the Mesa Digital Learning Program (MDLP) in Mesa, Arizona, was accepted by Julie Davis, department specialist. This award goes to an organization that is implementing innovative learning models that most people are unaware of, even with a significant impact on students' lives and learning. Mesa Digital Learning Program addressed post-COVID realities head-on and continues to provide vital support to students, families, schools, and its district.

    A few notable programs include teacher continuity that alleviates the strain on districts and schools during times of unexpected teacher departures; a computer literacy initiative that ensures competency in an ever-evolving technological landscape; schools-within-a-school for students who thrive in smaller environments; specialized courses for advanced learners; and academic recovery and credit replacement. The program's multifaceted initiatives, including peer-tutoring program and collaborative ventures with partner districts exemplify a forward-thinking and community-focused approach to education during these extraordinary times.

Spirit of DLAC Award

2024 - Dan Pfaff

Shelby County Schools

  • Mr. Daniel Pfaff, Shelby County Schools (SCS) Digital Learning Coordinator, leads a groundbreaking online school within the district. At DLAC 2023, the idea of The Shelby Academy was born, and grew from a concept into a vision to revolutionize online education. Mr. Pfaff, armed with his diverse educational background in marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, and secondary education is the driving force behind this initiative. The Shelby Academy has evolved from multiple separate programs into a unified platform that represents academic excellence and moreover, the understanding and support of the educational and social-emotional needs of its students who find traditional learning environments challenging.

    “I am certainly honored to accept this award on behalf of Shelby. I am but a small piece in the cog that is making our program go, and we have a long way to go to get where we want this program to be,” said Mr. Pfaff.

    Mr. Pfaff and his team have created a unique blend of personalized online learning, operationalized GED opportunities, and an alternative schooling approach, all delivered in a hybrid format. The success of The Shelby Academy lies in its ability to provide flexible learning opportunities and continuous growth and improvement. By inviting the superintendent and school board members to visit exemplary schools, he ensured that the program learned and evolved from the best practices in the field. He generously shares with fellow educators, mentoring them to elevate their teaching methodologies. This journey has just begun, and the impact of Mr. Pfaff’s work will resonate for years to come, inspiring many more in K-12 digital education.

2024 - Julie Young

  • The second Spirit of DLAC Award is awarded to someone whose work pre-dates DLAC, Ms. Julie Young. She was the founder of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and most recently is a senior advisor to Arizona State University Prep. Long ago, Julie chose to help the US — and almost everyone who asks — because she wants to help students worldwide and improve digital learning writ large.

    As the founding President and CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), she successfully led the organization's growth from a small group of students in 1996 to a highly acclaimed online school that employed personalized, next-generation learning solutions. Ms. Young draws upon her extensive experience and recognized status as a leading authority on education to provide guidance and advice to others. Her career began as an elementary educator and her work has garnered numerous accolades, including the distinguished Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education.