Michelle Bailow
Position: Tutor Connection Program Manager
School: San Diego Office of Education
School District: San Diego County Office of Education
City, State: San Diego, CA
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Michelle Bailow's nominator wishes to remain anonymous.
Michelle Bailow is always on the move, and her phone never stops buzzing. As Tutor Connection program supervisor for the San Diego County Office of Education, Ms. Bailow has nearly 250 college students and just as many children in foster care who rely on her. She wouldn’t have it any other way because she knows the work is benefiting future teachers and the county’s most vulnerable students.
Tutor Connection is a community-based program that pairs university students with youth in San Diego County foster care for free and offer one-on-one tutoring. The program is a service learning component of some sections of an upper-division education class at Cal State San Marcos. The students at this university make up the majority of the tutors. About four dozen SDSU students participate and must complete 20 hours of tutoring in the semester.
Ms. Bailow has managed the program for about 10 years, and her tutors say she is the glue holding it all together. She takes referrals from social workers, schools, and SDCOE educational liaisons and helps coordinate schedules. Ms. Bailow assists new tutors in completing their fingerprinting and background check process. She also lectures in numerous sections of Education 364: Diversity, Ethnicity, and Schooling, and teaching tutors about the child welfare system.
Ms. Bailow has to sell the program to education professors who may be reluctant to incorporate Tutor Connection into their Education 364 sections. Since the implementation of Tutor Connection, more than 2,300 university students have provided life-changing assistance to 3,000 students in foster care.
She also acts as a liaison between Foster Youth Services Program and schools, districts, parents, caregivers, educational rights holders, group homes, placing agencies, Health and Human Services Agency, Child Welfare Services and many others.
"Ms. Bailow demonstrates leadership and commitment by providing information with respect to program priorities and planned activities," the nominator said. "She is responsible for organizing meetings with group homes and current tutors by setting meeting dates, coordinating participation, and preparing and distributing meeting materials."
Michelle Bailow has been a strong role model for students fortunate enough to work with her. Her dedication has made a positive impact on the community through the Tutor Connection program. Her work exemplifies that together we can make a difference in the lives of the under-served and under-represented. She promotes social equity for foster-youth and spreads awareness for trauma identification to future teachers and mandated reporters. Her worthwhile efforts are changing lives and for that, I believe Michelle Bailow is deserving of this distinguished award of recognition.
Michelle is COMPLETELY deserving of this award. There is absolutely no limit to what she will do to make sure that the foster youth of San Diego have the resources and advocates to assist them in excelling. She always makes time for anyone who needs her – no matter the time or what may be happening in her own life. Having the opportunity to previously work alongside Michelle and most recently have her train my school staff on working with foster youth, I know that she has a heart of gold that allows her to continue to be a humorous, creative, passionate, outspoken advocate for all youth, but specifically foster youth. As a school counselor, it is a dream come true to have such a fantastic resource like Michelle to collaborate with. Michelle will not settle when it comes to doing the absolute best when it comes to serving these children and that is why she deserves the Life Changer of the Year Award. Michelle, I am so proud of you and know that with or without this award, you will continue to work hard and spread your contagious energy to future educators to better serve the youth who need the most help!
Michelle, thank you for changing the lives of many students, including mine. I had the privilege to participate in the Tutor Connection Program through my pursuit in completing my Leadership Minor; and, my experience as tutor opened my eyes and heart to youth in the foster care. Through the weekly class sessions and my experience as a tutor, I came to realize how amazing and passionate you are about what you do. You truly do care about the well-being of every foster youth that you work with and you ensure that those who tutor foster youth are prepared and understanding to effectively help the youth in the best way that they can. There are not enough words for me to express how thankful I am of you and the amazing work that you do for the youth in the San Diego community.
Michelle has to be one of the most amazing foster youth liaisons in San Diego County. As a former foster youth in San Diego AND past SDSU Student of Michelle, I was beyond impressed at how passionate she goes about her kids in foster care. The approach that Michelle takes in protecting, yet challenging her foster care youth when teaching her college students is honorable. The class she helped teach at San Diego State had to be my favorite class I have taken throughout my four years here. Michelle, I do not know anyone else in San Diego County who is more deserving of this recognition than yourself!
Michelle Bailow, you are completely deserving of this award! I am fortunate to have worked alongside you. You always went above and beyond to support your tutors and the students they serve. You always had the students best interest in mind and so many students in foster care have benefited from your dedication to this work. For years you have juggled the huge workload and continue to grow the program. You truly are a change maker and I'm so lucky that I have been able to see you shine. You are a strong leader and educator. I am so proud of you!
I had the pleasure of being apart of the Tutor Connection program under Michelle Bailow's instruction and leadership in 2017. It is clear upon meeting her that she has had a courageous and dedicated career path. She takes a bold aim to spread awareness of the foster care system and implement specific and life changing strategies to aid foster youth in the San Diego area. Michelle has touched the lives of thousands of foster care students, and has educated and opened University students to a part of our communities that is overlooked too often. She's given myself and so many more the opportunity to be apart of the change and participation needed to better today's youth, no matter their home life. Michelle is incredibly deserving of this award. Her work is honorable, authentic, and life changing.
Michelle Bailow has a passion for working tirelessly for the interests of the foster kids. She thinks about them as though they are her kids. Their success and wellbeing are very important to her. Thanks for being there for these kids who need help and attention.
Michelle is great at what she does! She genuinely cares about the kids in this program, and wants us as tutors to be passionate about what we do as well. Tutor connections is a great program, and she really works hard to make sure it is as effective as possible. Through this program we, as tutors, are afforded the opportunity to help kids that need it. I’m this program helps us build bonds with kids we would have Berger net in the first place. Michelle Bailow is a blessing to the community and her work makes San Diego County a better place for all of us!
I loved working with Michelle! She was informative and sweet, I learned a lot about the foster youth and it was a great experience for me!
Mrs. Bailow is an amazing leader, through her hard work and dedication she has changed the lives of students in the workfield and at the university. I have been inspired through witnessing her work ethic, and as a future teacher I appreciate her dedication to all students.
Michelle Bailow and the Tutor Connections Program truly changed my life. I have always had a passion for reaching students, but it was not until Tutor Connections that I learned how much of an impact I can directly have on at-risk students. These foster youth are scared, angry, confused, and many broken. What this program helps to do is give them dignity and confidence in themselves. These at-risk children are partnered with a university student tutor whose purpose is to uplift, empower and educate them on how to work pass their adversity and find their greatness within. The work that Michelle does changes lives on a daily basis, from the small victories of higher grades, to the larger victories of healed hearts and souls. I wish that all future educators could participate in this program. Thank you Michelle!
The opportunities that Michelle has given to me and all of my fellow students through the Tutor Connection program are irreplaceable and unforgettable. My views and biases towards homeless children and children in the foster care system are completely and forever changed. Her work is critical to these kids' educational success. If my classmates have had similar experiences to my own, I know that we can change the world as future educators and role models and give these vulnerable youth a fighting chance!
Michelle is one of the best educators I've had the chance to have during my time at CSUSM. Many people rely on Michelle and she is able to take time with each of them to help them in any way she can. She is truly an inspiration to me with how she cares so much about her foster children and I will never forget that. To whoever gets the opportunity to work with Michelle, they will have a life-changing experience, just like me.
I have had the opportunity to observe Ms. Bailow in action as part of the Tutor Connection program. It is clear she has a passion not only for the program, but also for the foster care and homeless students benefiting. While I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate as a tutor in the program, I am more inspired by the commitment Michelle has to the program. Clearly she has made a difference in both the students and the tutor's lives.
Michelle, has turned this program into a two way street win! The tutor's and the students both gain such an amazing experience from this opportunity. I feel so proud to be apart of this experience :)
Michelle is one of many people who cares and is very lovable. She cares so much about the foster kids and she is extremely passionate about her job. She is has dedication and teaches for students to be amazing tutors for the foster kids. I really appreciate that she mentor us in becoming successful to those who will be working with kids.
Michelle has done amazing things with Tutor Connection and has managed to make the program and herself very well known on campus at CSUSM in the best way possible. I am so glad I was able to gain this experience and be led by such an amazing woman!
Michelle is an incredible mentor and a great person overall. She has tenacity and commands such a down-to-earth personality that helps her connect with the foster kids she helps. She is knowledgeable and passionate about her work that it affects everyone she meets. It was a pleasure working for the program and she definitely deserves acknowledgement for the awesome work she does!
Michelle is amazing! Thanks to her I know so much about Foster kids, being in the tutor connection program was a great experience because Michelle prepared us very well. She is also helpful and always available.
Michelle was an amazing instructor! During our Tutor Connection classes, Michelle would always walk in ready to assist us on any problem we might have had. Whether it be from tips on how to engage with our students, or supplying us with tools to help improve their study habits, Michelle always had a way to help!
Michell Bailow is a true professional who truly enjoys what’s she does and shows nothing but class to both the students and the foster children and their families. The tutor connection program impacted my life because it gave me the opportunity to help a child who needed it the most. Through this program I built a relationship with the child I tutored and the hardest day for me was our last session because neither of us wanted our sessions to end. That feeling was something I’ve never felt before and Michelle was so awesome in setting up a way that I could continue to tutor for a little while longer. That’s just one example of Michelle just being Michelle, a warm and loving person who would do whatever it takes to make sure that these kids get the help they need. She deserves every accolade and all the praise she’s gotten.
Michelle is one of the most passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of volunteering for. Her dedication and care for the kids she works to support shine through in every interaction you have with her. As a tutor I could not have asked for a better mentor to support me throughout the difficult process of working with foster students. Her work is inspirational to say the least and I wish there were better words to describe the impact she and her program have had on my life. It is people like her that make me excited to someday work in the public service sector.
Michelle has really made a huge impact in my life. Tutor connection really opened my eyes to what I want to do with the rest of my life. Without Michelle’s guidance i wouldn’t be working in a career that I love. She gets to make a difference in youth lives as well as those in college. She truly helped me for the better and I know she will continue to help others into the future. Thank you Michelle for everyrhing!!!!
Michelle is so sweet. It is impossible for someone in her position to remember the names and faces of everyone she meets, but she is so kind and reassuring to everyone. My experience with her teaching style and her support for local foster children was at California State University, San Marcos. Michelle reached out to every one of the students in the "Diversity in Education" classes and worked to assign all 100+ students to a child within his/her driving range. Michelle is an incredible influence on the lives of foster children and of students in higher education.
Thank you, Michelle!
Michelle Bailow started me on the path to my career. She didn't know it. I didn't know it. However, her introducing me to the world of teaching children, in believing in them with all your heart, in never giving up even when it's really tempting, has set me on the path to doing what I truly love: teaching and learning. Michelle taught me that the two go hand in hand. Thank you so much Michelle. You have made such an impact on my life and those I will come to teach in the future.
Michelle is passionate and protective of everyone she meets and involves in her program, from the collegiate tutors to the tutees of various ages. She never fails to support and encourage us to be the best we can as tutors. She keeps it real and keeps us tutors on our toes for what to expect in the field and from the Foster child tutoring experience. She does everything she can for the good of the kids and she is no push-over. I truly admire her dedication and energy for the people and this program. Thank you so much Michelle!
I was a student last semester that participated in the Tutors Connection program and I had to work with a foster student one on one I’m trying to help better themselves in school. As a Psychology student, it was one of the most enriching, hard, and inspiring things I have ever done. I am so glad that Michelle was able to have me make a connection with that kid even just for a semester. I got to see them go from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. I got to see them grow intellectually, gain self-efficacy, and look up to someone to give them help when needed. I called Michelle when things got hard to help me build a relationship and I wouldn’t have done it without her. Michelle is doing things that a lot of other people would have a hard time doing and she does a great job! She’s very inspirational and I hope she continues to make an impact on the community.
Michelle is incredible. Understanding and kind-hearted, she has a genuine love for her kids. All of them--the students, the tutors, the TAs. She fully conceptualizes authentic leadership and empowers students to live to the fullness of their potential. More than that, she has grace. Grace is what moves her to compassion in her understanding of specific situations and individual cases--but this grace is not at the cost if integrity. Michelle holds her position very seriously, and does not allow circumstances to twist her arm into unhealthy compromise. Instead of letting the environment shape her, the values that she holds shapes the environment around her; and the product of this dichotomy is peace. If all students had a teacher like Michelle, emotionally intelligent leaders grounded in empathy would permeate through all professional fields.
Absolutely love Michelle Bailow! I was apart of her tutor connection program at SDSU and it was a life changing experience. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work that Ms. Bailow put forth to aid in helping me make a life long connection with a foster youth.
Michelle Bailow has inspired me to go out into our community to do more for people! She reignited my passion for helping the less fortunate. I remember the first day I met her in my Education class at Cal State San Marcos. She spoke to our class with such a passion about foster youth. By the end of her presentation the entire class was excited to go out into the community to tutor foster kids and homeless kids. At the beginning of the semester we talked about the problems we were experiencing getting the students to care about school. Each week she came to class to educate us about the life stressors our students face to help us understand and feel empathy. Those lessons she would give helped my classmates and myself to better connect with our students. That connection helped create a positive impact on their lives. I am eternally greatful to have had the opportunity to participate in Tutor Connection. Thank you Michelle!!!!
Michelle is amazing! The tutor connection program has truly changed my life! Michelle is so hard working and has changed so many lives.
Michelle was very helpful during the tutoring process. She taught how to act in a professional way towards the people living in the foster home. She quickly responded to any problems we had. And she was very easy to work with. I wouldn’t mind working with her again in the future.
Michelle does a lot for the community and the dedication of her work is reflected in the classroom. She is absolutely passionate about creating a better future for all children, especially those who are underprivileged and in foster care. For us tutors, she gave the support and materials that we needed in order to be successful in fulfilling that goal. She is an amazing professor and I hope her work one day will influence an area much larger than San Diego!
I was in tutor connection last spring. Michelle is the most dedicated, candid, caring, and reliable person in the field. She is not only concerned with and dedicated to the well being of the foster youth in the program, she is also incredibly supportive of the tutors under her care and instruction. She provided us all of the resources and skills we needed to succeed, and she was incredibly considerate of our needs regarding scheduling, travel distance, and any difficulties we were facing during the program. I can't imagine a more perfect candidate for lifechanger of the year.
I loved meeting Mrs. Bailow she is very down to earth and knowledgeable. I have gained so much more insight with dealings with children with this experience that will stay with me forever! I recommend her for every student looking to be an educator. Super awesome!
Ms. Bailow was always there for us whenever we needed her, and she is very passionate about what she does. She is wonderful as a person and as a leader. She is very organized and I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this program.
Ms. Bailow does a great job keeping on top of a very difficult set of responsibilities. As a student involved with her tutor connection program, I was impressed by her ability to attend to a variety of challenges. I think she deserves this award for sure. She is exactly the type of person who should be recognized as lifechanger of the year because she advocates for foster youth day in and day out. It is clearly her passion.
I had the opportunity to participate in the Tutor Connection program this past year and Michelle's support helped make it a meaningful and memorable experience. Regardless of how busy she was managing the program, she always made time to provide individual attention to those who needed her. Her dedication to the program and the foster kids who are part of it is apparent in all that she does. I felt well-prepared and supported in the program and Michelle is the reason for that.
Michell Bailow is the best! She no joke works tirelessly to organize endless tutors and fosters. Tutor Connection is doing the finest nonprofit work of any organization in San Diego. This organization helps struggling fosters with whom the county laregly can't be bothered. Thank you Michelle!
Michelle honestly cares about her students and the foster youth. She put so much time and love into pairing us with as many kids in the area as possible. She took the time to educate us on how we should behave around the foster youth and truly wanted the youth the be positively impacted and to impact us in return. I can say from personal experience that I will always remember the foster child i tutored. She made a lifelong impact on me that I am so grateful for. Thank you michelle for giving me this opportunity and for being such a selfless, loving human being!
Michelle is the warmest and most passionate person I have ever met. Her dedication to student success is almost unbelievable! She epitomizes servant leadership because of her willingness to serve others at all times. Her mission to empower youth is so compelling that I would do whatever she asks me to do in order to contribute. Thanks to Michelle, I discovered what it means to be a great leader. She taught us how to show empathy through effective communication and genuine care for others. We learned that leadership is not about a position or a title at all. It is about service first and sacrifice for the greater good. When I signed up for the service learning class that she offers through SDSU, I initially thought that I would mentor and tutor youth. I quickly realized that I am the one who needs to learn how to lead. Through Michelle's leadership coaching and our professor Dr. Timm, I had the privilege to experience what it feels like to make a true impact in our community. Because of Tutor Connection Program, I got back in touch with my "human" side. I cultivated deeper empathy, love and compassion for our community. I will wholeheartedly continue to mentor younger generations of leaders. I encourage everyone to be a part of the movement.
Michelle’s passion and dedication are contagious! She brings an energy and wealth of knowledge to the university student looking to make a real connection with foster youth. Everyone loves to work with her.
I was lucky enough to be able to work with Michelle through the Tutor Connection Program; she is an amazing, strong and caring person. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to work with this program this semester and with Michelle who has so much passion when it comes to working with the college students and the foster youth. Overall, she has made positive impacts on all foster youth groups and is a great role model.
A huge shout out and warm thank you to Michelle for challenging me to be my best and preparing me to be the person I want to be in terms of achieving my career goals as a Professor in Post-secondary education. Her lessons in class this semester were invaluable to me. I appreciated her service and leadership that she continually does on a daily basis. She really is a change agent, an opportunity maker, and inspirational leader in so many ways. I'm grateful I had the time to get to know her in class.
Michelle is so awesome! She has such a big, genuine, and loving heart. She has the best personality ever and is always making things more fun and exciting. I adore her passion with the tutor connection program and all the hard work she puts forth for these children. She’s the best!!!
Over the course of this semester Michelle Bailow has become a mentor as well as a friend. It’s as if she has no other students she deals with because when I have called upon her for help, she always responds quickly. Each phone call, text, and email has been sent with love from a professional vantage point. I have no idea how she can do it. I feel like I would go insane if I had her job. Bottom line she always has my back in dealing with my student and the group home she lives in, especially when I felt the staff wasn’t supporting my attempt to help the student. This is the reality of the situation with foster youth, in this case, in a group home. Michelle truly has a heart of gold and has learned exactly how she needs to respond to individuals who reach out, whether it be a foster kid, colleague, student or friend. She has extended the offer to write letters of recommendation despite the busy schedule she keeps. Her phone never stops. I can’t think of another human who is more deserving of being recognized for all she does for others. It takes a special person to do all she does therefore, I believe she deserves the honor! I can honestly say, she has changed my life.
Mrs. Bailow does amazing work! I have seen first hand the impact that she has made with youth as well as the University students. There is a ripple effect that goes far and wide of the lives she has impacted!!
Michelle has a genuine passion for underprivileged children that has sparked a passion for me to pursue the same. To be able to have that influence on someone must mean that they're passion is contagious. I hope Michelle has the opportunity to do something amazing with that money!
Michelle is an amazing woman that offers a fantastic program to students taking Multicultural Education classes. I was worried about this class and put off taking it due to my fears. I was 100% wrong to have any worries. This program has enriched my life and given me the unique opportunity to work one on one with one of the foster youth in our area. It was a great experience and I learned so much about the homeless and foster youth. Michelle is so dedicated to the program an all of the students from elementary school to us college students. She makes herself available to all of us and responds with whatever our needs. Her passion is so obvious and she instills that in us as we go out to tutor. She is definitely one of a kind and I admire what she does for all of us. This class has changed me and my outlook on diversity in and outside the classroom.
I'm currently enrolled in one of the sections Michelle is involved in teaching, and I have come to understand through it not just the struggle of these foster youths that she strives to help, but also the monumental task of organizing and coordinating people that is involved in it. Michelle has done and continues to do exemplary work in this regard, and her passion for these children is unmistakable. I'm glad I had the honor to meet and learn from Michelle over this course of this semester.
Michelle's work helps both the foster youth receiving tutoring but the hundreds of college students she coordinates as tutor/mentors. She is a down-to-earth and caring class instructor. We are blessed to work with her at San Diego State University
I have worked with Michelle Bailow for over 10 years. Her commitment and dedication to the Tutor Connection program is remarkable. She is so supportive to the students who both receive the tutorial services as well as to the college students who are taking on this extra responsibility for their class requirements. It is a true service learning project and Michelle is a true community organizer.
Michelle Bailow and the Tutor Connection program are an amazing asset to our students in foster care. The program not only impacts students today, it improves outcomes for future students by educating our future teachers. The college students who tutor the children and youth in foster care gain an understanding of the traumas these students face and become better equipped to work with and teach all students who have faced traumas and hardships. This is great program, and Michelle is wonderful advocate for this student population. Michelle's passion for these students shines through in her work. She, and this program, are shining stars in our county.
Michelle has the passion, drive and dedication in serving our youth in care. She works so hard to teach, guide, and empower her students to make a difference and an impact on the lives of youth in foster care. She is always available to assist and goes above and beyond. It’s been a pleasure to work with Michelle for the past 8 years.
I have worked with Michelle during my first semester at CSUSM. We collaborated in involving my students in Tutor Connections. I was incredibly impressed with her passion and dedication to helping foster children and youth. She is also an incredible recruiter of college students to her cause. Her compassion and enthusiasm are contagious. She makes herself available at all hours to those she works with should they run into an issue. I definitely recommend her for this award!
I have had the privilege of observing Michelle in action with the Tutor Connection Program. She is fully engaged with the college tutors, offers unconditional support, and goes above and beyond to make sure foster youth receive services. Michelle serves youth from her heart. She is an advocate for the most vulnerable youth and is passionate about making a difference.
Ms. Michelle Bailow is an advocate for the voiceless and the marginalized. She puts a stance on the injustice of foster youth through education while providing and connecting university students to experience only but a sample of what it is like to be in a foster youth’s shoes. She encourages empathy and applies basic leadership theories on a daily basis and allows university student to apply these theories on such an impactful basis. She deserves her nomination and will continue to do great things for her community in San Diego if chosen.
Michelle is a hero. A hero is defined as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. She could've excelled in any type of industry as a career but she chose to dedicate her life to helping children in need. She performs her role with compassion and with great pride and determination.The Tutor Connection program is amazing resource that helps a lot of Foster Children in San Diego and Michelle manages it very well. The results are really impressive. In addition to the Tutor Connection Program she is fully involved with the Foster Children's schooling and home life. She definitely meets all the criteria for someone who is a LifeChanger. She is a perfect nominee. As a wife, mother I have seen the interaction with her family and it is evident that she has that same compassion and love as she exudes at work. I can't help but think how many children past and present that Michelle has touched would be blessed to know she was LifeChanger of the Year.
Michelle Bailow has been an aw some help through this journey with the tutor connection program. she personally has helped me out several times and I have no idea what i would of done without her help. Her knowledge on foster kids and trauma is absolutely amazing. Anybody can tell that she is very knowledgeable and passionate about this job. She is a great person for all the hard work she does.
Michelle is amazing and this program is incredible. I have learned so much about servant leadership through this course and it is because of Michelle. She has so much passion for the foster students and has such a big heart. She will do anything for any of her students and is just overall and amazing human!
Michelle was so helpful throughout the program! She really taught me what foster youth may have experienced. My knowledge about foster youth has grown immensely thanks to her. Her passion for foster youth transfers to anyone she talks to. Not only did she teach me about foster youth but also how to be understanding and patient with these kids.
Michelle is funny, relatable, caring, and has truly changed my life for the better. I met her through my EDUC 364 class where she implemented the tutoring program for foster youth. Although I struggled in the beginning, this experience turned out to be the most heart warming and rewarding experience of my life. Michelle's constant ability to make her students feel comfortable and reassured are only a few of the qualities I wish to possess as a future educator. From the bottom of my heart, I am extremely grateful and appreciative for everything she does.
Michelle goes above and beyond for her volunteer college students as well as for the program in general. She truly makes a difference in our community. It was a pleasure working with her this semester at CSUSM.
As a future educator, Ms. Bailow has prepared me for the realistic experiences of what some of San Diego's foster youths are exposed too. Her knowledge about foster care shows through her ability to care for each student and child involved in the tutor connection program. She shows resliance in keeping the program effective by supporting my peers as well as each family that particpates in the tutor connection program. Ms. Bailow is the perfect nominee for the "Lifechanger of the Year Award" because she hasn't only changed the lives for foster children, but she's also changed mine.
Being a part of this program was truly a humbling experience, and Michelle was the absolute best thought it all. My foster youth student was moved from where I was tutoring him at, and she helped to her best ability with locating him. I am truly grateful for this experience
I am currently part of Tutor Connection Program which I find to be an excellent program. This is because it is an exemplary program that allows both students being tutored and potential teacher candidates to provide and receive quality education. Michelle is always available and helpful towards everyone. She does her best to attend all matters as soon as possible. This program gives such a rewarding experience to anyone who is part of it, especially since Michelle makes this experience as easy as possible for us.
Michelle embodies the qualities of a true servant leader. From the moment she steps into her classrooms, her home, or any of her other civic duties it is easy to see her passion for serving others. She teaches with fervent desire to make the world a better place for all those around her. She sees and understands many of the issues facing the younger generation and does all within her power to change the lives of the youth.
For Michelle there are no days off. Whether it's Wednesday at 11 AM or Sunday at 4pm she is always prepared to help if need be.
Michelle deserves this award not because she needs it but because the world needs it. We must give her the resources to continue changing lives like she does.
Michelle Bailow is defiantly a hero that goes around unnoticed. In the shadows running a program that helps thousands of college students and foster youth every year without anyone knowing besides us few. Less than 5% of college students will graduate college and another 50% will not finish High School. I am sure with Michelle and her logistical efforts have helped increase that percentage in graduations that used to be 3% just a few years ago. How many lives has she and saved from going to prison, drugs, or dropping out. This is much more than donating money, food, or clothes, which is good but this is giving your heart to these kids at least for me it has been. Kids that do not live with their family for unknown reasons is heartbreaking, and this program gives these students free tutoring because of all the odds stacked against them. Who else better to nominate and assist than Michelle Bailow?
Michelle Bailow is honestly one of the most important people to have impacted my life. As a former foster youth myself, I had faced many struggles regarding my education when I was in the system. One of my fondest memories when in the system was receiving tutoring from students at San Diego State when I was a freshman in High School. My F in math turned into a B as my final grade/ I remember working hard to prove to my tutors I understood what they taught especially because they brought so much positivity during that time.
I was fortunate that Michelle allowed me to participate and provide tutoring of my own. When life comes full circle there doesn't seem to be anything that can happen to make it better. It really hit me that I made an impact in my student's life until the student told me that they wanted to extend our sessions for one more session and gave me an unexpected gift. My student by this time had improved by great strides in math and has increased their own hunger for reading. It is amazing to have gone through Tutor Connection and I have volunteered to come back next semester so that when I become a teacher I will have experience in helping this beautiful and intelligent group of students who are often enough forgotten through the court systems and even by their families.
It was hard for me to say goodbye and it hurts to know there will be many more, but I take away that by making a positive impact in the lives as small as it may be, they may one day return the favor as I have.
Michelle is one of the most giving and caring people in the world. We need so many people like her in this industry. To know her and learn from her is life changing.
There are not enough kind or accurate words to explain how truly motivational and incredible Michelle Bailow is. She is a teacher, a mentor, a change-maker, a wife, a mother, and for me, a true friend. She balances so many different roles in her life and each comes with its own tasks and emotions, but I have never seen someone put so much passion into each role as Michelle does.
Michelle implemented a Tutor Connection program to reach foster youths in the San Diego area. She pitched this program, and after receiving a reluctant "yes", her program has grown to reach over 3,000 students in foster care. This is truly inspiring. I had Michelle as my instructor for the Tutor Connection course at San Diego State University and she was consistently supportive of me in both my academic and personal life. Michelle established a bond with the class that allowed us to trust her and know that we could turn to her if we ever felt uneasy with our role as foster youth tutors; I had to call Michelle several times after my sessions and she always picked up the phone and she always validated me and mentored me through the situation. On a more personal note, Michelle assisted me in bettering me mental and physical health, and continues to do so. Her approachable nature allowed me to feel comfortable enough to open up about my own life, which she still helps me to overcome.
Michelle's passion for the Tutor Connection program, for her family, for her students, and for her life is unlike none I have seen before. She lives each day to its fullest potential. She is bold, daring, and unafraid to say what needs to be said in order to successfully and positivity advocate for the foster youths. I very quickly looked at Michelle as a role model, leader, and mentor that I could hopefully transform into in my coming years. When I think of the life I want to live and the passion I want to have for the things I do, I always think of Michelle. When I imagine a leader who is professional, efficient, emotional but strong, and stays true to their values, I think of Michelle.
Michelle is changing lives. Because of Michelle, the foster youths of San Diego are receiving the outreach, care, and education they deserve. Because of Michelle, I became inspired to join the field of Higher Education to ensure that all individuals and all students have access to the resources necessary for their education.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Bailow this semester as my teacher for a leadership class at SDSU. Tutor Connection has been an extremely overwhelming but even more rewarding experience that I have ever faced in my college career. I would not have been able to do it without Ms. Bailow mentoring me through it. She has always been there to talk me through any concerns or challenges that I have faced this semester. Seeing how passionate she is about this work has inspired me to consider working with foster youth for my own career in the future. Thank you Ms. Bailow for everything that you have done for me personally but more importantly for foster youth!! You’re the best!
I was involved in the Tutor Connection program for a a social justice in education class at CSUSM. I am now in the Single-Subject Credential Program there as well. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to work as a tutor for foster-care students, and it was only possible because of Michelle. She was helpful in training us for what we would experience and how to deal with things that might come up, always available to us when we needed her, and most of all, PASSIONATE. It is an undeniable fact that Michelle truly cares about these kids. Tutor Connection is an amazing program that gives foster care students support and stability, which is so lacking in their lives. Michelle has welcomed foster care students into her own home, and touched the lives of hundreds more just by being who she is. She deserves this award for her big heart, and for sharing it with those that need it the most.
Michelle is a hard worker and always committed to getting the best for her students or kids in need. She demonstrates leadership and equality in all that she does and always has open arms. She inspires many to never give up, helping reach their dreams.
Life changer doesn’t even begin to cover how many lives Michelle Bailow has touched. I first met Michelle through my teaching credential program. She was a phenomenal mentor and advocate for homeless and foster youth, teaching new teachers on how best to serve the population she loves. Years later as a classroom teacher, and despite her insanely busy schedule, she comes to my classroom to teach my students about foster youth to build empathy among their peers. She is the most hardworking, compassionate, and selfless woman I have ever met. She consistently puts the needs of others first and is always innovating to continue to cast her support net further and wider. I cannot even begin to imagine how many lives she’s changed based on her amazing work!
Michelle is more than deserving of this nomination for more reasons than I can list. Michelle is passionate, dedicated, and an inspiration to so many. My experience with the Tutor Connection Program and working with Michelle was the highlight of my college career. I was so moved and inspired by Michelle's dedication to the program. Michelle isn't just a hard worker, she's the hardest working person I've ever met! The Tutor Connection Program is so fortunate to have Michelle and I am so beyond fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know Michelle.
I had a class at Cal State San Marcos in 2015, and I had the honor and privilege to meet Michelle Bailow! Her energy is very contagious! Amazing big heart!!!Michelle Bailow is far more than a life changer, she is a WORLD changer!!! She brings her heart and energy with her work! She makes it easy for students to connect with children who need tutoring, she makes herself available multiple ways!
I really hope she gets this award because that is the very least she deserves!!! Thank you so much Ms Bailow for being a world changer!!!!
This woman puts herself on the line for many disadvantaged children in San Diego who need positive role models to look up to, further assistance in education, and people they can depend on in their life. It's pretty "life-changing" in itself for those that are affected. Michelle does not turn down any child, seeking these rare resources. As a student in her Tutor Connection Program, I can tell you that she does not take any bullshit, nor does she give any. She is real, honest, and professional. Quirky? Maybe a little, but that's what makes her unique. Her energy and passion are infectious and her heart, is bigger than anyone's I know. Life changer of the year.
Correction on my previous post. Students tutor for 20 hours, not 20 years!
Our non profit has worked with Michelle for 10 years. Foster youth involved with our organization are referred to Michelle Bailow, who arranges for them to receive one on one tutoring for the school year. Not only do the foster youth receive help with schooling and homework, tutors become mentors and the youth have role models. Michelle goes above and beyond to ensure good matches are made. She is amazing and it shows through the relationships and excellent referrals.
Michelle is a strong, caring, compassionate professor and person! She loves her job and Tutor Connections truly shows for it. Michelle puts countless hours into her community, parents, students and foster youth. She makes herself available and pushes all her students to succeed! Her enthusiasm is contagious and am very pleased to have a mentor like Michelle!
Congratulations on your nomination Michelle!!
Michelle Bailow's passion with Tutor Connection was the single most impactful thing I did while I was in college. The care she has for, not only the college students who rely on her, but the foster children is second to none. I have never met someone who did everything in her power to better someone else before herself. She is someone I look up to and still remain in contact with after I graduated. I use her as a reference and she is someone that has changed me in the best way possible.
Michelle is such a great person all around! She puts hard work and all her heart into everything she does. Michelle has inspired me to be aware of children's need especially those who might have a more difficult up bringing and changed the way I have looked at becoming a teacher. She has made me even more excited to begin my career in working with children. She has taught me a tremendous amount of skills to be used when working with youth. Michelle's passion for working with children inspires me to want to reciprocate that passion and drive in my future teaching career. She is so authentic and down to earth and brings hope and love to everyone she encounters. I believe we need more people in this world like Michelle Bailow, she is truly making this world a better place.
Michelle is truly an inspariont. I am truly grateful to have met her and for the opportunity to be a part of Tutor Connection. Being a part of this program has changed my life and I will forever be grateful for that. Michelle is always looking good different ways to help kids and students at Cal State. I know I can always count on her no matter what time of the day it is. She is an amazing woman and rolemodel to all. She loves her job and all the kids that she helds and has helped over the years. Her dedication has inspired me to get more involved in foster youth. Thank you Michelle for making a huge difference in my life.
I teach EDUC 364 at CSUSM. Over several years I have had the pleasure and great honor to work with Michelle Bailow in the Tutor Connection foster youth tutoring program. Under Michelle's guidance, my students tutor a foster youth for at least 20 years during the semester. At first, some are anxious about the task because of the time commitment and tutoring itself. With Michelle supporting them, and informing them of boundaries, the experiences of the youth, including their hurtful pasts, my students grow and become better prepared to be teachers of all youth. I have not had a single student not feel enriched and gratified by this experience. Many continue to tutor their youth far beyond the requirement. Michelle makes this possible with her dedication, enthusiasm, and concern for my students and the foster youth she serves, all with a dash of humor. I can unhesitatingly recommend Michelle for Lifechanger of the Year.
Michelle was a great addition in my education classes. While we were getting started with Tutor Connection, she ensured each of us were paired up. We had a large class and many of us had to be cleared before being paired up, but Michelle was friendly and very helpful in preparing us. I always looked forward to her visiting our class, and although some foster stories were saddening, they exposed us to the harsh realities some of our own students will be facing. Tutor Connection was a valuable experience for me, and it helped me learn about some of the challenges faced by foster youth today. Because of this, I hope to be an effective teacher in understanding and sympathizing with my student’s struggles. Thank you Michelle for this great experience!
Michelle Bailow is the most impactful and rememberable person that I have encountered during my undergraduate career at CSUSM. I had the privilege of working with her during the fall of 2016 and it was very apparent to me that her passion includes helping foster youth. I took the experiences and insights that I have gained from tutoring a foster student into my graduate education. Not only did Michelle Bailow further my understanding and awareness of the foster youth, but it encouraged me to become more knowledgeable of students who may be in the foster care system. Thank you Michelle for all that you do, I am taking those experiences that I have gained and I am currently applying them to my graduate education at UCI!
I got the pleasure of meeting and working with Michelle Bailow, through the Tutor Connection Program, during CSUSM Fall 2016 semester. She helped my classmates and I realize how passionate we were about teaching by taking the time to help tutor her kids. Just the fact that she refers to the foster children as “her kids”, makes is easy to realize how much she cares about all of them. She is very protective of them all and wants the very best for the kids. However, she is honest about how tough it may be at times, to deal with them and never sugar coats it. She is very hard working, loving, and honestly amazing. Her job isn’t easy at all, but she gives it the time and dedication needed because she loves what she does. Tutor Connection wouldn’t be what it is, if it weren’t for her.
I would like to nominate Michelle for Life Changer of the Year for several reasons. I met Michelle a few years ago through a class at Cal State San Marcos that offers a tutoring program for foster students. Michelle organized this program with CSUSM and it gave me the opportunity to meet three students in foster care that I’ve become close to. Before I met them, Michelle gave the class insight on students in foster care and some of the hardships that they deal with. Prior to this discussion, I had no idea about the plight that these children face daily. Michelle taught me so much about foster students. As a new, first-year teacher, I think this is very important information that not many have the opportunity to learn about. Many teachers are unaware of the difficulties that children in foster care face, and write them off as “the problem child”. Michelle combats this presumption by teaching hundreds of future teachers that these kids are a sensitive and at-risk population. Because of Michelle, I as well as many other teachers have learned a great deal about foster students, and for that I am forever grateful. Not only does she want to teach as many future teachers as she can about the difficulties that these students face, but she is passionate about these kids in the sense that she cares about them in a way that not many do; she does not give up on them, and for that I wholeheartedly believe she deserves this award.
As I stated, I have tutored three foster children for the past year and a half. These students have changed my life and have changed my perspective on a lot of things. Getting to know them because of Michelle has been the ultimate blessing. Through Michelle, I have been given such an insight on foster care and what these kids go through that I was not aware of prior to meeting her. It’s created in me a great sense of compassion for these children and a greater sensitivity to their situation which I might not have felt before, and for that I am indebted to her. I truly believe that Michelle has helped me become a better teacher; one who is more capable of maintaining a sense of empathy for my students as well as more sensitive to the difficulties that students in foster care face. Michelle’s passion for helping students in foster care made such an impact on me that it ignited the same passion in my own heart for foster students and their education, resulting in it being the topic I discussed in my Master’s thesis. I believe that Michelle deserves the Life Changer of the Year award because I can say that not only has she changed my life, but she has changed the lives of countless teachers, and more importantly, the lives of countless foster students who need an advocate like her in their lives. I am incredibly proud to know you and am forever grateful for you Michelle!
Michelle Bailow is an awesome and extremely radical human-being; I have a ton of respect for her and her work ethic. I was honored to work with Michelle this past spring while in Tutor Connection at CSUSM. I continuously looked forward to her engaging, passionate and always fun lectures. Enthusiasm is a word that resonates with her attitude towards the Tutor Connection program as she supports students to navigate and find themselves through life. She has a lens of equity for all students and opens new doors and equal opportunities for learning and growing. Michelle is a compassionate, honest, friendly, considerate and firm & fair with her students. She is humble in that she conducts her position with Tutor Connection for the kids and learning, creating community and honoring diversity in the classroom. Michelle’s teaching is not just an activity throughout the day, it permeates the students, parents, schools, teachers and community surrounding her. Michelle is a role model, mentor and a life changer when it comes to her students and positive experiences. In a nutshell, Michelle is radiant; one of the most legitimate and authentic professors I have ever had!
Michelle Bailow has been by far the most influential teacher in my academic career. She has one of the hardest classes to teach, and I believe she doesn’t get the recognition that she deserves. She truly dedicates her time, effort, and intellect for the development of student leaders. The most caring, passionate, and sincere teacher/ role model I have ever been in contact truly deserves this award in my mind. I could go on and on about all that she has done and gone through FOR HER STUDENTS AND FOSTER STUDENTS. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from someone like Michelle. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and once again, she deserves this award more than anyone. She is truly the epitome of care, trustworthiness, commitment, and everything in between. Last but not least, she has helped develop not only her direct students, but she has touched the hearts of those in need. Foster students who are falling behind due to their past, and that many of us cannot compare with. She has helped her students develop empathetic skills and a new level of commitment to be there for others in need. Her broad range of knowledge and empathy (not sympathy) has ultimately reached far beyond the boundary of the campuses she works with. I could go on and on, but Michelle deserves more than just a nomination for this award. She deserves to have this award showcased in her name.
Ms. Michelle Bailow was an amazing coordinator and important asset in helping myself and other college students feel confident and strong in our ability to tutor and provide support to foster children. She was always willing to hear our concerns and answer our questions whenever needed, no matter how busy she was because she understands the enormous impact the program has on both the foster children and university students. Her passion for helping others is contagious, and she inspired us so much just in our short time together! With her smile and 'can-do' attitude, Michelle Bailow is making the world a much better place.
Michelle Bailow has a passion for working with her foster youth. She puts a great deal of time and effort into supplying her foster youth with tutors to help support them in their classes.
Michelle Bailow also puts this same energy and passion into her classes at CSUSM where she works with college students who are studying to work in the education field. Her main goal is to insure that future education employees will be able to recognize and understand the lives of their future students.
The amount of time and organization that is required to not only coordinate college students schedules but also foster students schedules is phenomenal and Michelle handles this with great care.
She has a great deal of compassion and empathy for all people and this relates in her daily dealings.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle in the fall semester of 2016. I have never met anyone like her before, she is such a dedicated and passionate woman. Her passion and empathy are what drives the tutor connection program and helps prepare the students. My experience with the tutor connection program taught me so much and it would not have been possible without Michelle’s hard work. She truly is an amazing and inspiring individual who is the heart and soul of the tutor connection program.
Michelle is so awesome and she truly cares about everyone that she meets. Michelle only knew me for a few weeks when I went to a concert in Las Vegas where the deadliest shooting in US history broke out. Michelle knew I was there and called me as soon as she heard to make sure I was okay. When I arrived back to class, she gave me a huge hug and told me she was so happy to see me. I almost cried because she was so concerned and it touched my heart. The way she sacrifices her time and helps these foster students feel loved is truly inspiring. The Tutor Connection program has impacted my life. I am so grateful for Michelle and her kind heart.
Michelle is clearly very passionate about what she does. She has an incredible amount of genuine empathy for these kids she has chosen to spend a great deal of her life helping. I hope to have that same kind of selflessness as I grow older and find purpose in my life. She is a great example of a determined and influential leader.
What can I say about Michelle!! From the very get go, michelle has been passionate about what she does for her community and the people around her. She cares very deeply for the people she come in contact with and has a burning desire to better the people around her one person at a time. I can honestly say that she has made a huge impact in my life, as she continues to be a great mentor as well as a great friend!
Michelle is an inspirational women who leads with a passion and conviction. The tutor connection is a life changing program that affects all parties involved in a positive and life giving manner.
My experience with Michelle during the Spring semester of 2017 was pretty awesome and eye-opening to say the least! She provided my class with great insight and information about the many children that face the foster system everyday and gave us the opportunity of getting to know them on an individual basis through tutor connection. Michelle is very passionate about these kids and it shows in the way she takes finding every child a tutor seriously. She works hard and is committed from answering calls from her personal phone almost every day of the week to meeting early or after class to help with any concerns or questions you may have. Michelle Bailow is a true Lifechanger to many of those around her, including me. Thank you Michelle for all that you do, you truly do make a difference in this world.
Michelle is very passionate and great at what she does! If it were not for the Tutor Connection, then I would not be tutoring my foster kid for almost two years now. I first started tutoring because it was a requirement for Education 364, but I chose to continue tutoring after the program ended. Michelle has inspired me to continue to help those who are in need of help.
After just minutes of talking to Michelle, you can tell she is very passionate about what she does. It is easy to see that she loves her job and simply wants to positively impact kids' lives. She is a wonderful, strong, and inspirational woman.
Ms. Bailow is such an inspiration, the amount of time she puts into tutor connections is crazy. I learned so much from her and got to see the impact she has made in so many of our lives. Even though she had a million things to do she would make the time to email or call you back as soon as possible. Being able to tutor a foster child was life changing and I am so glad I had the experience.
Michelle is a leader that goes above and beyond for her students and the foster kids in Tutor Connection. I was lucky enough to have her for a semester at SDSU. She was always open and shared personal stories that connected the things we were learning about to life outside of academia. Michelle makes everyone feel so comfortable in class talking and sharing emotions about things that aren’t always so easy to talk about. She changed the way I see the foster system and opened my eyes to things I would have never seen or learned without tutor connection.
Tutor Connection was THE highlight of my semester this past spring and I looked forward to having Michelle Bailow in our class. I cherish the memories I have with the boys I tutored and their sweet family. Her knowledge and dedication to our foster youth is radiant and inspiring. It came as no surprise to me when I found out she has been nominated for life changer of the year. She changes lives every day! True wonder woman!
Michelle is such a great advocator for these children in foster youth, and you can really tell how big of a difference it makes in their lives. Everything she does is with passion and heart, and she's just really easy to work with.
Michelle is a fighter. She lays it down and goes to battle for foster youth, for university students, or anyone who needs a champion. This woman is a powerhouse and is absolutely deserving of recognition for all that she does for San Diego county and beyond.
Michelle is a amazing woman that truly cares with her entire heart and soul. I was in an Education 364 class when I met Michelle and was introduced to the tutor-connection program. Her passion motivated me to think outside of the box when it came time to explain new concepts to my student and to always present my best self to the student regardless of what I had going on personally because the child depended on consistency . I absolutely fell in love with the child that I was tutoring and without Michelle's invaluable information and my interaction with a student in foster care, I would have never known the struggles that these children face. Michelle's passion and commitment is un-parralled. When I become a teacher, I can only hope to have as much dedication, understanding, and empathy as Michelle does.
Michelle Bailow provided me and the students in my class an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. She is a selfless, passionate and incredibly hardworking person. Tutor Connection provided me with a new perspective I may have not otherwise had the opportunity to develop, and I owe that to Ms. Bailow.
Meeting Professor Bailow and having her work with Tutor Connection changed my life! Tutoring foster children was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I have only Professor Bailow to thank for allowing me that opportunity! =)
Michelle is not only a participant in our EDUC 364 class she is a role model. She is someone who my entire class looks up to as future teachers of America. The engagement and information she offers during my class time is by far the most interesting and useful way to spend my class time. She deserves to teach an entire class by herself and I would gladly attend. The entire tutoring program triumphs because of her efforts. If it wasn't for her, many students would lose interest in the program. She keeps us connected and interested throughout the program. I have had a specifically hard challenge tutoring three high schoolers but she has given me nothing but motivation and continuously reminding me that I'm changing lives. I wish her the best and I'm extremely lucky to encounter her guidance.
Michelle is AMAZING! She is so passionate about what she does and made the tutor connection program such a positive experience for me. I don’t think we can thank her enough for everything she does for these kids in foster care.
Where do I start? There is simply so much I can say about Michelle. When I first meet her a year ago she walked into the classroom with a huge smile and you can see the passion that she has for her job. She is the most amazing person ever. She is just simply amazing!!
I cannot say enough good things about Michelle. I was a little apprehensive about tutoring in my EDUC 364 class, but Michelle has made it such an eye opening and positive experience that I will keep with me for a lifetime. I have witnessed firsthand the way she is able to connect with children in foster care. As much as a lot of them want to resist, they can't help but fall in love with her. She really does put others before herself and the work she does is extremely admirable. I look forward to seeing Michelle in my class every week and I have loved getting to know her!
I am a student of Michelle Bailow, I participated in the tutor connection program. Throughout this program Michelle was a resource and a friend to all her students. Michelle has a inspiring passion for foster youth and the students she works with. She also had limitless energy for her work, she was available through cell with any problem we had. She was always truthful with what we should expect but also focused on the grand need these kids have for love and support. She makes these connections possible and she shows concern for all of them from the most troublesome to the most gentle children. I am proud to have been part of the program and am grateful for her hard work that made this possible. #LCOY
Michelle Bailow is a compassionate and dedicated professional who is able to reach out and build alliances with both the adolescents and children as well as their foster parents. She has demonstrated her willingness to go beyond the call of duty and has improved the educational experiences for children. I respect her work ethics and understanding of family dynamics.
She is a extremely valued employee and her hard work needs to be recognized
Ms. Bailow is one of the most upstanding professionals I have encountered. Not only does she provide the opportunities for aspiring teachers to experience working with foster care students, she provides life changing opportunities and resources for foster students. Through Ms. Bailow's careful instruction, perseverance and planning, foster care children receive access to additional education resources to help them become successful students; each child is assigned their own personal tutor to address their needs. Ms. Bailow's effort goes above and beyond the ordinary as she strives to be on call around the clock to address any needs of aspiring teachers or foster students. As a previous tutor in her program, I have seen firsthand the impact she has. In one semester, my foster student raised his grades an entire letter in each subject.
Michelle is an extremely inspirational and caring woman. From my time in the tutor connection program she demonstrated a passion for us, the students, as well as the children we tutored. She always took time to listen to the needs of the tutors and the tutees and promptly handled the issues we brought up all while handling well over a hundred students. Michelle has demonstrated caring and compassion and no one deserves this award more than her.
I am one of Michelle’s current students, and I can honestly say that she would stand out in a crowd of hundreds with similar qualifications. She is witty, supportive and committed to helping me and other students feel comfortable with, and be challenged by the Tutor Connection program. She can empathize deeply with anyone who comes to her with a problem, whether it be a college student or a foster child, and is the first to offer a creative and emotionally intelligent solution. I give my highest recommendation to Michelle Bailow for this award because she exemplifies what it means to pursue others well, and change lives daily with purpose, mindfulness, and compassion.
As Michelle's husband I know firsthand her commitment to youth, particularly Foster Youth. Her devotion to her job does not take away from her ability to be an amazing wife and mother to our 2 teenage daughters. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to be recognized for all she does for youth.
Ms. Bailow is incredible! I only knew her for a semester's time and after reading what she does as a whole, one had to absolutely admire her, yet alone, respect her. She is such a role model as we all know that she is changing lives of many people that are struggling out there. She deserves to win this award as she is a hard working leader that cares about others as if they were her own children! Much respect!
Michelle was an absolutely amazing teacher! She was very helpful with any and all questions any of us had! She was so knowledgeable about the tutor connection program it was phenomenal!
I really enjoyed my time working with Michelle when I was in a course that worked with Tutor Connections. She provided such an incredible learning experience for me that I will carry with me always. You could see just by watching her speak how passionate she was about what she does and that was so inspiring to see. She has changed so many lives and I wouldn't trade the experience I had for anything.
Michelle was really kind and helpful when I was taking the course. She gave us her phone number and was always available when we needed her. I had to call her multiple times and she was there for me.
Michelle really takes the time and effort to inform you all about the tutor connection so you are able to better your foster student. I was weary about the program before but she put all my fears at ease and showed us the importance this program promotes. She truly cares about her students and foster children.
Michelle was such a pleasure to work with. Her passion for foster children really shines through in every little thing that she does. When it comes to these children, she is quite defensive in ensuring that only the best of the best get to work with and tutor them. I had the opportunity to participate in the tutor program and it was excellent preparation for me as a teacher to look beyond a children's life in school and more into what their home life is like. This is beneficial because you get a deeper understanding of their behaviors and are able to connect with them without the pressure of a school setting. During our time in class, Michelle brought such enthusiasm to better ourselves in order to better the children. Without her, there would be hundreds of children still feeling lost and unwanted. Because of Michelle, they now have ambition, confidence, and optimism that was not there before. I believe Michelle deserves this long-awaited recognition because she is out there changing the lives of these children and is their ray of hope in this world.
Michelle,
Thank you for all that you do through tutor connections! It was such a life changing experience and I want to thank you again for helping me through the program!
Michelle is so deserving of recognition. I have known and worked closely with this selfless individual for almost five years. She is always willing to help. Her knowledge of the available resources in our community is astounding. I have had her reach out to some of our most needy students. She is kind and thoughtful in her actions towards all.
Michelle shows true passion and commitment for helping kids through her position with tutor connection. She not only deeply cares for the clients, she reaches out to the tutors and offers limitless support. I strongly support her nomination for this award.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle earlier this year as part of the tutor connection program. Her passion and drive inspired me to want to continue working with students in foster care. She is passionate about all the children and pushes others to be a stable part of these students lives.
I'm a Navy veteran who returned to school after getting out of the military. I started at community college and transferred to CSUSM after spending a few years at multiple colleges taking classes in business and then in health science as I worked my way towards Kinesiology which would eventually become my major. My first semester at CSUSM I couldn't get the classes that I wanted and I enrolled in Education 364 because it would fulfill one of my upper division elective requirements, not because I was planning on becoming an educator. Michelle was the program supervisor for the Tutor connection program, which was interwoven into the class with the academic part of the course. At first I was a little overwhelmed at scope of work that would be required but as the semester went on Michelle came to our class and prepared us for working with these children and it became less of a challenge and more of an opportunity. I had little knowledge and no experience working with anyone from the foster care system and it was both enlightening and enriching to have had the opportunity to be part of this program. Michelle's passion for what she does is contagious in the classroom and with all children she interacts with. She is quite deserving of this award as she has changed the lives of so many foster youth and those of her students like me. Congratulations on you nomination Michelle!
Michelle is beyond awesome! She is easy going and connects to her student tutors as well as the children in foster care. I thank Michelle so much for brining this program to CSUSM because it brought me such an amazing experience. I never really thought about how much being in the foster care system affects our students. Michelle is so easily accessible, always answering calls and emails. She tries so very hard to make sure us students are placed with a foster care child who is in a reasonable distance- that is very hard work! And that's just how she helped ME. It's such a gift for our foster care children as well. Many of us students create bonds with them that last well beyond the semester of tutoring
Michelle is one of the strongest, most dedicated, relatable, and truly caring teachers I've ever experienced. You can tell how much she cares about the kids we serve, because she takes major strides to makes sure we as tutors are always actualizing the potential they have. She makes it clear from the first moment you meet her that she is a woman to be respected. One who has found her life's mission and is working diligently every day to follow it. The fact that she manages not only this class at SDSU but also at other schools, making sure that hundreds of kids each semester get the academic support they direly need, is spectacular. She's a life changer for sure, in all ways. For example, the way she's spoken about children in the foster care system has lead to my decision to adopt one day! She more than deserves this award :)
This woman has opened my eyes to what students in foster care go threw.I am happy I took this class . Michelle has thought us alot and is always there whrn we need assistance with our students. Because of you I will be a better teacher. Michelle you rock!!
Michelle Bailow works tirelessly to make sure that foster kids get tutor connection. She has endless passion to provide tutor services for these disadvantaged young folks. I had never seen someone who has such compassion for the kids. In other words, she thinks about them as a real mother who wants to see every one of her kids succeed.
Michelle pays attention to the needs of all students. I wasn't expecting to enjoy the Tutor Connection program as much as I do now, and Michelle really helped with that. I think this program is so beneficial for both students and foster youth, and I really appreciate all of the work that Michelle puts into the program. Thanks, Michelle!
Michelle is a great person and really cares about her work. Most caring person, I really admire her work and what she does with the tutor connection program.
Michelle is such an incredible teacher and person. She cares about her students so much and does everything to her ability to help them. When I started tutoring, I could call her day or night if I had any problems or even just a question. She inspires passion and gives the support for those who might be nervous about tutoring for the first time. She takes her class very seriously and pushes students to step outside their comfort zones. I have been forever changed by her program. I learned empathy, understanding, and time management. She gave me the opportunity to be a positive impact in a child's life and I couldn't be more grateful for what she does.
Michelle puts her heart and soul into her work, and her energy is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and you are truly a one of a kind woman!
Michelle was my tutor connection professor. This was a great program to be apart of and start my career as an educator. She was very thorough and helpful in giving us the information and tools we needed to be successful in helping our foster students.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Bailow through Tutor Connection last semester. It is clear to see how passionate she is about the work she does and how deeply she cares about every child involved in the foster system. She is a wonderful person who is highly deserving of this award.
Michelle was our advisor durring the Tutor Connect Program Spring semster of 2017. She forced me out of my comfort zone and encouraged us to make connections with people I never thought I would. Durring the process of tutoring sheets always there for us no matter how many times I called with rediculouse questions. She supported, encouraged, and pushed us through the entire semster. It's cheesy to say, but Michelle's class changed the way I looked at the Foster system and my own upbringing. She made me want to make a difference and help those less fortunate than myself, and for that I am greatful. I'v encouraged my friends on campus to seek out her program. We love her!
Michelle has been an outstanding mentor and teacher during this years Tutor Connection program for CSUSM. She has shown true characteristics of a selfless human being by being 100% available to all of us students, she has always made it apparent that she is here for us whenever we have problems, I have had to confide in her with some issues I had with my student and she was completely helpful. Not only does Michelle make the ciriculum interesting, she tells stories that make it easier to engage in the information. She does a wonderful job at doing the work she does and I have no doubt in my mind that she has left a warm impression on everyone she has encountered. Thank you, Michelle!
