LANSING, Mich. — Sara Sibble, of Hamilton, Mich. has been named a 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year — an annual distinction given to online instructors who have demonstrated excellence and made a positive impact in the online classroom.
“No year has been more challenging in the educational space than the past year, so for Sara to be able to cultivate an environment that ensures all students are able to learn effectively in their own ways is truly inspiring,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “Sara embraces Michigan Virtual’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it was evident in her nomination letters that her approach is having lasting, positive impacts on Michigan students, which makes her an ideal recipient of the Online Teacher of the Year award.”
“Sara embraces Michigan Virtual’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it was evident in her nomination letters that her approach is having lasting, positive impacts on Michigan students, which makes her an ideal recipient of the Online Teacher of the Year award.”
Jamey Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Michigan Virtual
In a letter from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Sibble was praised for her devotion to her students throughout the pandemic. Whitmer also stated: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your tireless commitment to achieving equitable education for students in American Sign Language over the past 23 years. I truly appreciate your passion to educate, inspire, and encourage the next generation of leaders in our state.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank [Sibble] for [her] tireless commitment to achieving equitable education for students in American Sign Language over the past 23 years.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Since 2009, Michigan Virtual has annually honored outstanding online educators through this award. Sibble, awarded for her time as a Special Education Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with Holland Public Schools since 2012, was praised for her creativity, flexibility and selflessness in ensuring her students are heard and given the right tools to ensure they succeed. She recently accepted a new position as Lead Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.
Among her nomination letters, Sibble was described as helping to turn the frightening stereotype of being deaf from a “disability” into a beautifully unique ability. As a Special Education Teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing with Holland Public Schools, her ultimate goal is to create an environment that is completely deaf-inclusive.
“Just three years ago I joined the adventure of online teaching,” said Sibble. “What a gift online education – and more specifically Michigan Virtual – is to students all across Michigan. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
“What a gift online education – and more specifically Michigan Virtual – is to students all across Michigan. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Sara Sibble
Sibble earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Michigan State University and studied at Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Community College for graduate studies. She previously held positions as a Great Start Readiness Program and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at Holland Public Schools and first-grade teacher in the Lansing School District.
Since its inception in 2009, 15 teachers have received the distinction of being named a Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year. To be selected, key criteria include a positive impact on students, continuous improvement of practice, and a vision for the future of online education. This distinguished award was created to set a bar for excellence and put a face to the incredible teachers in the digital learning community.
