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Highland Lakes School

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Highland Lakes School
Home of the Bears!

About the Teacher

Mr. Miller

Background: I was born and raised in AZ. I went through the same school district you guys are apart of; Bellair Elementary was the start, Desert Sky Middle school for my adolescence, and I chose a different path for my high school years at Northwest Christian High School. After graduating from high school, I pursued my degree at Grand Canyon University. I started out pursuing a film degree, quickly changed to sociology, and then finally ended up with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in English. I started my teaching career at Paseo Hills School completing my student teaching in a seventh-grade class and then continued my journey to teach for three years at Gavilan Peak School. I was the seventh grade ELA teacher for two years and then I tried my hand in fifth grade. I moved to Goldwater High School for three years and decided my true love was middle school, putting me at this beautiful campus! As for my family life, I have been married to my amazing wife since 2016 and have three wonderful kids. My hobbies include singing, board games, reading, and drama.

 

Why I am a teacher: It is plain and simple... I am a teacher because of the students. Watching a student grow into the person they are going to be brings me so much joy. When I was a kid, I did not have an adult that believed in my abilities, until high school. When I decided to pursue education I vowed to be that adult for students. The reason I am here today is because of that one teacher who poured into me in my adolescence. So that is the case for you as well. I am here for you. I am not here to fail you, but to make you succeed to the best of your ability. I am not here to make fun of you for anything you do, but to lift you up for your strengths and lead you on a path of understanding of your shortcomings. 

Accomplishments:

  • Started the Drama Department at Gavilan Peak and directed three musicals (Shrek Jr., Peter Pan Jr., and James and the Giant Peach Jr.) and one straight play (Dystopia: The Hungry Maze Game of Divergent Death).
  • Received the DBacks Most Valuable Teacher award in May of 2020
  • 12 News Teacher of the Week
  • Guest Star on Educational Podcast: WellPlayED Season 4 Episode 16
  • Student Government Advisor (2 years)
  • Masters in Instruction and Curriculum