The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) will honor Dr. Phip Ross with the 2026 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year Award at LDA’s 63rd Annual International Conference in St. Louis.
The award, named in honor of Dr. Samuel Kirk, a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities, is given to an outstanding educator who has made significant contributions to the field.
“LDA is pleased to honor Dr. Ross with the 2026 Sam Kirk Award” said LDA’s CEO, Cindy Cipoletti. “Dr. Ross’s dedication to innovative education for students with learning disabilities embodies the mission of LDA.”
Ross is a faculty member and program chair of Developmental English at Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ross’ dedication to supporting struggling learners led him to study learning differences at Landmark College, where he later became an adjunct faculty member.
Based on his research on improving instruction, Ross led the effort to redesign the structure and curriculum of class sequences at SCC. Ross also facilitates trainings with faculty and tutors to promote an understanding of learning disabilities.
“As a college instructor, required accommodations for students have provided a curtain more than an aid to instruction,” Ross said, “I am driven to explore opportunities for students. I consider myself lucky to have so many educators, parents and students to help me rearrange the ‘furniture’ of curriculum.”
Ross developed the framework of what would become SCC’s Transitions Program, a non-credit course that helps to prepare students for college-level coursework with practice in reading, writing, math, computer and study skills. Since its inception, the Transitions Program has helped thousands of students who had struggled to place into credit courses.
Carolee Ritter, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Southeast Community College, praised how Ross is moving the college to be more inclusive for all learners.
“Dr. Ross has focused on improving the institution to adapt to students, not change who students are,” Ritter said.
The Sam Kirk Award will be presented to Dr. Ross on February 17, 2026 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel during the LDA Annual International Conference.
