Christy Trombetta named Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year

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Christy Trombetta, a senior math instructor in Grand Ile, Michigan, has been named a 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Michigan Virtual.

Educator Christy Trombetta of Gross Ile, Michigan, has been named a 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year. Each year since 2009, Michigan Virtual has recognized outstanding online educators through this award. Those educators who earn the award have been selected for their positive impact on students, their continuous improvement of practice, and their vision for the future of online education. 

Christy has been a senior math instructor with Michigan Virtual since 2018. She has been praised for her ability to help her students master concepts by working with them on their unique challenges. For this award, Christy received numerous nomination letters. One of her students wrote, “Once I reached out to Mrs. Trombetta I started getting better scores while genuinely understanding the content. Right now I’m ahead of where I thought I would be thanks to her patience, teaching methods, and dedication.” 

In a letter from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Christy was praised for her dedication and contribution to student success. “Over the past year, you have shown exceptional commitment to your students and outstanding devotion to building a strong educational foundation in Michigan,” the governor wrote in her letter. “This past year has been a difficult one, however, through your determination, insight, and leadership, you have persevered and instilled the joy of learning in countless students and led them to grow into strong, resilient individuals,” Governor Whitmer continued. 

Christy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University. She earned her Master’s degree in Mathematics at Eastern Michigan University. In addition, she completed graduate courses at the University of Michigan, Dearborn. Before working at Michigan Virtual, she held teaching positions with the Covenant House Academy Southwest, Westwood Community Schools, and Taylor Public Schools, all in Michigan.

 

Author Terry Lee Marzell addresses AAUW

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Author Terry Lee Marzell addresses the Glendora chapter of the American Association of University Women at Glendora Public Library on Sat., Nov. 13. Photo credit: Hal Marzell.

Many, many thanks to the Glendora chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The group invited me to speak about the two books I authored to recognize the achievements of remarkable American teachers. The event took place at the Glendora Public Library, in Glendora, California, on Sat., Nov. 13, at 10:00 am.

The AAUW is such a wonderful organization. Though nonpartisan, the AAUW champions a number of important causes. For example, they work to remove the barriers and biases that stand in the way of gender equity and, they champion equal opportunities in education for women.

Learn more about the AAUW, click on this link to their website: https://www.aauw.org.

 

Kristi Reinke named North Dakota’s 2021 Teacher of the Year

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Congratulations to Kristi Reinke, a social studies teacher at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot, North Dakota, who has been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Minot Daily News.

Congratulations are due to educator Kristi Reinke, a middle school social studies teacher from North Dakota, who has been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Kristi teaches geography and Social Studies to seventh graders at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot, North Dakota. In a career spanning 16 years, she has taught 15 of them at Jim Hill. In all, she has spent seven years of her career in special education and seven years in general education. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked as an education support professional working with at-risk students.

Kristi is well-respected among her students. “She’s really opened my eyes to wanting to learn more,” remarked student Erin McLean. “School is not the most favorite thing for people, but she made it one of my favorite classes,” she said. And the inspiration the honored teacher generates goes beyond her students. “She keeps me young and innovated,” declares colleague Pete Sternberg. “She’s always doing new things. One of the things that I want to do, that she does regularly, is skyping people from all over the world,” he continued. Principal Mike Arlien agrees. “Her unbridled compassion and enthusiasm in the classroom is what makes the magic happen. You just can’t fake that,” he remarked.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Kristi is involved in school leadership, the Superintendent Advisory Committee, and the Minot Public Schools Safety Committee. She is also a student council advisor. And, as if all that were not enough, she is active in her local teachers’ union. She serves as an executive officer of the Minot Education Association and is an active member of North Dakota United.

her current honor is not the only one Kristi has earned. For her outstanding work on behalf of students and teachers, Kristi was named the 2019-2020 Minot Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Kristi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a second Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, and her Master’s degree in Special Education, all at Minot State University.