The LDS Student Association at Taylorsville Redwood Campus appreciates the hard work and dedication that comes with being a professor.
Every fall semester, the LDSSA recognizes one Salt Lake Community College professor nominated by students for its annual Excellence In Teaching Award. This semester the recipient of the award is Cindy Soderstrom, an associate professor in mathematics.
“I love math and I love my students,” Soderstrom says. “There is no other feeling than when the light comes on through their eyes, the joy of understanding the whys and the what-to-dos with the concepts they are learning. It’s a pretty special feeling for myself and fellow colleagues when that happens.”
Soderstrom is an alumna of SLCC and graduated from the University of Utah in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She completed a Master of Education from Westminster College in 2002. Soderstrom started her career at SLCC in 2008 as a tutor for the Learning Center, the Disability Resource Center and Student Support Services.
“My philosophy of teaching mathematics is all things begin in an effort to ensure that students receive the highest quality education,” Soderstrom says. “That I as their instructor provide fun opportunities for future success in his or her career of choice, and provide a social atmosphere that fosters a campus experience that instills a moralistic and professional standard for the student’s success.”
While the annual award is hosted by the LDSSA, the nominee is chosen by students.
“The LDSSA does not select the recipient of the award,” says LDSSA member Aaron Read. “We just run the process. We go around to every class at Institute and ask the students who they would like to vote for to be recognized for this award.”
Many students think very highly of Soderstrom, including SLCC student Whitney Collins.
“Cindy is an awesome math teacher,” Collins says. “She makes class more lively, which helps every student focus better. She’s willing to work one-on-one with students, and she just makes learning more fun.”
Soderstrom will receive the award during a Christmas social for faculty and staff on Dec. 9 at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus Institute building.
I am so pleased to know that Cindy Soderstrom received this award, she was my math instructor for 2 semesters and she really does everything she can to help students succeed. Cindy know what it is like to struggle in math, and know how to teach effectively.
Cindy has always aimed high. She is a wonderful daughter, mother, granddaughter, and grandmother! We, her parents, are extremely thankful to be her parents. She has always made us proud of her achievements!
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