IAOTP names Kayla Dornfeld Empowered Woman of the Year for 2026

By AI, Created 11:37 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The International Association of Top Professionals will honor educator and CEO Kayla Dornfeld at its annual awards gala in New York City this December. The recognition underscores Dornfeld’s national profile in teaching, speaking and educator support.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s award puts Kayla Dornfeld in a select group recognized for professional accomplishment, leadership and impact. - The honor reinforces Dornfeld’s reach in education, where her work now spans classroom teaching, speaking, digital content and educator resources. - The recognition may further amplify Top Dog Teaching’s audience of more than 150,000 teachers and families.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals named Kayla Dornfeld its Empowered Woman of the Year for 2026. - Dornfeld is a nationally recognized educator, keynote speaker and CEO of Top Dog Teaching. - IAOTP will recognize Dornfeld at its Annual Awards Gala this December at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - The announcement was made April 28, 2026.

The details: - Dornfeld has 19 years of classroom experience. - She served as the 2019 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. - Dornfeld is a two-time Global Hundred honoree, a distinction tied to innovation in education. - The New York Times named Dornfeld one of the most tech-savvy teachers in the United States. - Dornfeld has presented at TEDx, Twitter Headquarters and conferences across the country. - Her classroom approach focuses on flexible seating, innovative teaching strategies and technology integration. - Through Top Dog Teaching, Dornfeld reaches more than 150,000 teachers and families with classroom strategies, reviews and everyday inspiration. - Dornfeld serves as CEO of Top Dog Teaching and develops resources for educators nationwide. - She earned her degrees from the University of North Dakota and received the university’s highest honor for her contributions to education. - Dornfeld has also been recognized by the Governor of North Dakota and appointed to the state’s Innovative Education Task Force. - More information is available at Top Dog Teaching. - More information on IAOTP is available at IAOTP.

Between the lines: - IAOTP’s selection process is designed to spotlight professionals the organization views as highly accomplished and influential. - Dornfeld’s profile blends traditional classroom credentials with a large online audience, which gives her influence beyond a single school or district. - The award also reflects broader attention on educators who build public platforms around practical classroom tools and teacher support.

What’s next: - Dornfeld will be honored at IAOTP’s gala in New York City this December. - Dornfeld is expected to continue speaking, writing and expanding support for teachers and students through Top Dog Teaching. - IAOTP will continue using its gala and membership network to highlight selected professionals across industries.