Celebrating a Life Changing Educator: Honoring FLVS Teacher of the Year, Michael Ann Elliott

October 2, 2025

By Monica Cardoza – Mom of FLVS H.S. Student Aiden C. and GiGi to FLVS M.S. Student Sylar B. (Captain A and Captain SySy)

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for our family, that village includes the incredible teachers, administrators, and team at Florida Virtual School (FLVS). They have not only supported our Captains’ education but also nurtured their creativity, encouraged their dreams, and walked beside us every step of the way. And now, one of those remarkable members of our village has received a truly well-deserved honor: Michael Ann Elliott has been named FLVS Teacher of the Year. 

This recognition couldn’t be more fitting. Michael Ann is more than an educator; she’s a life shaping force. Our journey with her began in 2021, when she taught my grandson Sylar (affectionately known as “SySy”) in third grade. From the very first day, she brought far more than lessons and assignments to the classroom, she brought heart. She saw SySy for who he truly was: a deeply imaginative child with an artistic gift just waiting to be nurtured.

What impressed me most was not just her ability to teach art, but her gift for building confidence. Michael Ann met SySy exactly where he was, helping him feel safe and seen while gently encouraging him to take creative risks without fear of failure. She transformed each DBA into a joyful adventure, so much so that SySy would finish class giggling and asking, “Was that even schoolwork?” That’s the magic of a teacher who truly loves what they do.

It was during one of those joyful sessions that the seed for SySy’s now famous piece, “Voyage to the Stars,” was planted: an illustration of a wooden ship sailing through space that fused his love of history, curiosity, and wonder. That piece would go on to orbit Earth aboard the International Space Station and later be time capsuled on the Moon as part of a historic lunar mission a once in a lifetime milestone made possible because Michael Ann believed in him before he believed in himself.

But her impact didn’t stop there. Even though she was never Aiden’s teacher, Michael Ann has followed his photography journey, shared resources, encouraged his art, and made him feel just as valued. That kind of care, for students she’s taught, and for those she hasn’t, speaks volumes about the kind of educator she is.

A Champion Beyond the Classroom:

One of the greatest blessings of our journey has been the chance to work alongside Michael Ann beyond the classroom. Over the last three years, she has been an integral part of the FLVS Foundation’s Artful Expressions events; a statewide celebration of student creativity that raises vital funds for scholarships, teacher mini-grants, student clubs, and enrichment programs.

From helping plan and shape the event to reviewing student submissions, Michael Ann has brought her heart, expertise, and educator’s insight to every part of the process. Perhaps most impactful of all, she’s helped lead live art classes hosted by the FLVS Foundation, where FLVS elementary students and their families can come together to create, learn, and connect through art.

Watching her in action during these events is nothing short of inspiring. She makes every student feel capable, every family feel welcome, and every moment feels magical. Michael Ann doesn’t just teach art, she builds community. And in a virtual learning environment, that sense of connection is priceless.

A Lasting Legacy:

It’s difficult to fully express how grateful we are for Michael Ann. She’s more than an educator; she’s a mentor, a champion, a part of our creative village, and a dear friend. She’s helped shape the dreams of two Captains I love deeply, one who now calls himself an artist and another who continues to grow as a photographer, and she’s inspired countless other students and families along the way.

Michael Ann Elliott embodies everything that Teacher of the Year represents. Her dedication, her compassion, and her ability to see potential long before it blooms are gifts that ripple far beyond the classroom. And our family, along with so many others, will feel those ripples for a lifetime.

Thank You, FLVS Foundation:

As we celebrate Michael Ann’s incredible achievement, we also want to express our deepest gratitude to the FLVS Foundation and the entire FLVS team. It’s because of their unwavering commitment to students, their belief in the power of creativity, and their dedication to building opportunities like Artful Expressions that Captains like SySy and Aiden and so many others are able to dream boldly and reach higher than they ever imagined.

Together, this FLVS Village changes lives. And Michael Ann Elliott is one of the brightest lights leading the way. 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Monica Gardoni

Vice President

FLVS Foundation Board