GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Cindy Gardner of Albion, Michigan, was named the 2024 Online Mentor of the Year – a distinction given to a Michigan Virtual mentor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and enhanced student success in the online classroom.
“Michigan Virtual students work with highly talented and dedicated mentors who have a passion for helping students succeed academically, mentally, and socially,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “Cindy first became a mentor in the fall of 2022 and has proven, through her deep concern for our individual students, that whole child education helps students flourish.”
Gardner began with Bellevue Community Schools in 2021 as a guest teacher. In her work serving as a Michigan Virtual mentor, Gardner focuses on helping students succeed and learn the academic skills to become self-directed learners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She also founded and operates a non-profit foundation that tailors pathways to success for young scholars and their families.
“I am truly honored to have received this distinguished award, ” Gardner said. “My main goal each year is to motivate, empower, and ultimately celebrate the daily successes of these young scholars.”
“Cindy Gardner has been a very positive mentor for our students,” said Amy Tesolin, science instructor for Michigan Virtual, “She always communicates in a clear and supportive way. She reaches out when there seems to be a discrepancy or question about processes or policies, and she treats instructors with professional courtesy while not discounting the student perspective. It’s clear she is a kind, caring, and capable educator who models and supports a growth mindset.”
Since its inception in 2015, ten mentors have received the distinction of Michigan Virtual Online Mentor of the Year. Mentors of the Year 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 the Mentor of the Year distinction, the mentor must be a positive and proactive communicator with instructors and parents and assist as an ambassador for students to ensure their success. This distinguished award was established to set a bar for excellence and recognize the incredible mentors in the digital learning community.
Learn more about Michigan Virtual mentors at michiganvirtual.org/mentors.
