NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month Jennifer Miller, teaching both 4th and 5th grade at Faris Elementary is a challenge, but it has its advantages, too.
"I actually got to keep my students from last year," Miller said. "I taught 4th grade last year and I was able to loop with them and then add some 4th graders in there. It's been really good to have the same students two years in a row, so that I've been able to have those strong relationships with them."
It's been the goal in USD 308 to get teachers back to teaching single grades as much as possible and that is the plan for Miller, too.
"I've taught both 4th and 5th grade as single grades," Miller said. "I like both of them. I've taught 4th grade the longest. I'm going to end up teaching 5th grade next year by itself, so that I can loop with my current 4th graders and have them for one more year, as well."
That second year helps get things started more quickly when you get back to the classroom.
"I do think it makes things easier, because of the relationships that I have with them," Miller said. "I know what works for them and what doesn't work for them. I know what I can use to motivate them and what I can use to kind of get them going. As far as expectation goes, I actually like the fact that they already know what's expected of them."
The moment when a student has a breakthrough on a concept is one of the most rewarding for Miller.
"I truly do love seeing the lightbulb in kids, that moment where they just get it," Miller said. "I also love being able to get kids to the point where they want to learn. I'm a lifelong learner. I love learning new things. I'm constantly trying to read and learn new things. I love igniting that in other kids and being able to see that as they grow up."
Miller was nominated by one of her colleagues, Amanda Beuthe.
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