LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Stacey Miller was nominated by her principal, Liz Tetreault.

Mrs. Miller has a proven ability to make a difference in the lives of students.  While teaching at a state "Turn Around School",  she has confronted challenges that could deter even the most dedicated educators. She develops deep bonds with her students as she dedicates her life to ensuring they are successful in school. 

As her grade level's Lead Teacher, she has helped to support new teachers and build a dynamic, high performing team.  Her team has been a model for collaboration and planning for her school as well as other schools in the district. Most importantly, they outperformed many other schools in the district on the 2017 FSA. With these scores, the school has been assured it will at least reach a C or a B for the school's letter grade; a vast improvement since 2013.

Mrs. Miller took on the mission to be her school's biggest cheerleader at a time when the school faced some adversity and controversy over its letter grade. She worked hard to showcase the school's outstanding programs, including its work with Columbia University Teacher's College, Literacy on the Lawn and Writers Celebrations. Most importantly, she elicited a deep desire to continue to work hard and do what was best for the children's social and emotional well being as well as their academics. She helped the school maintain a positive school-wide culture utterly dedicated to the children it educates. 

Mrs. Miller took charge of the after school program and created opportunities for students to receive learning opportunities beyond the school day.  She led a school wide effort to implement the Kids At Hope initiative that would ensure children felt valued and believed in.  She coordinated the School Advisory Council to ensure key stakeholders were supporting the hard work and effort of the students and staff while confronting the impacts of poverty on the school's children and community.  There is never a moment when Mrs. Miller could not be called upon to showcase her school in a positive, professional and nurturing way. "During dismissal on the last day of school, countless students asked if they could become Mrs. Miller's students next year.  I asked why, each one said in their own way, they trusted her and knew she cared about them!" Tetreault said. "I can think of no other individual who deserves this nomination more than Mrs. Miller."

 Mrs. Miller completed her Master's Degree this year, and continues to raise her two young daughters.  

"Her commitment exemplifies a LifeChanger. Our children will long remember the fourth grade teacher at Dodgertown who worked alongside of them before school, during school, and after school to ensure they would succeed!  Her students believe they will succeed and I know they will, thanks to Mrs. Miller's dedication!" Tetreault said.