LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Virtual has announced its 2025 Teacher of the Year and Mentor of the Year. Dayna DesJardins, a social studies teacher from Port Huron, has been named Teacher of the Year, and Brianna Capson, from Coopersville High School, has been named Mentor of the Year. These distinctions are given to Michigan Virtual instructors who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and leadership and enhanced student success in the online classroom.
“Michigan Virtual students are privileged to work with highly dedicated and talented educators and mentors who have a passion for helping students succeed academically, mentally, and socially,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “Both Brianna and Dayna exemplify, through their deep passion for impacting the lives of their students and the leadership example they set among their peers, that whole child education helps students flourish.”
DesJardins has been an educator for 11 years at Port Huron Northern High School, where she currently teaches AP U.S. and World History in addition to online courses for students within the building. That experience opened her eyes to all of the high-quality educational opportunities available to students through the online space, and she joined the Michigan Virtual team. Now, she says, she loves to personalize feedback, differentiate instruction, and support students on timelines that honor their realities and help them master their own learning.
“Dana started in a rural district with me, and now is in a big urban district with me. On behalf of the Board of Education and 900 employees and many students of Port Huron Schools, we’re just so proud of you and all you do for kids,” said Port Huron Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas at her awards ceremony.
“My goal as an educator is to cultivate a climate in my classroom where student voices are valued, heard, and respected,” said DesJardins. “To me, being a teacher is more than delivering content. It is about building relationships, fostering curiosity, and empowering students to see their own unique potential. I am actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, embrace new technologies to ensure all my students feel seen, supported, valued, and challenged.”
Capson, a mentor for Michigan Virtual, has served in her role for eight years. She first connected with the Michigan Virtual mentoring program while she was teaching as part of her school’s special education program, working closely with another mentor.
“Being a mentor with Michigan Virtual allows me to build strong, trusting relationships with students, understand their individual goals and challenges, and support them in a more personalized way, ” said Capson. “As an online mentor, I have the opportunity to help students develop essential life skills. More than anything, I want my students to leave my classroom knowing they are valued, capable, and resilient. I hope they remember that they can overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and that they always have someone in their corner who believes in them.”
Since its inception in 2015, 22 mentors and teachers have received the distinction of Michigan Virtual Online Mentor of the Year or Teacher of the Year. Individuals are nominated by Michigan Virtual instructors who are in regular contact with both students and educators regarding student progress and success.
To be selected for a mentor or teacher distinction, the instructor must be a positive and proactive communicator with other students, parents, and other Michigan Virtual instructors, and an ambassador for students to ensure their success. This distinguished award was established to set a bar for excellence and recognize the incredible leaders in the digital learning community.
Learn more about Michigan Virtual mentors and teachers at michiganvirtual.org/mentors.
