I think that knowing each other is benefiicial to our learning environment. I will work to know each student throughout the academic year, and in return I think it is helpful for you to know something about me as well. Who we are outside the classroom has an impact on what we do in the classroom - so I like to know as much about students and their interests ... and in return I try to share my own experiences, my family, my interests and hobbies. This will be my 11th year as a 5th grade teacher at South Fayette Middle School. I have taught social studies and language arts for the majority of that time, and I am excited to add math and science to my repetoire this year. I work very hard to find tools to enhance learning and to make the process of learning a very interesting adventure. I do NOT believe in memorizing "dates and dead people," but rather I see history as a story...after all if you just look at the word "hiSTORY" you can see that it is ---in fact----primarily a story. I plan to attack science in much the same way because it will not help you to memorize a plethora of scientific terms, but not really understand the application of those facts. Understanding and applying are the keys to knowledge. Prior to coming to South Fayette, I worked for 12 years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where I also received my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Throughout this time, I worked as an events administrator with Student Activities, coordinated a community service program and managed the Student Union facility. I enjoyed working on leadership development with college students, but I truly found the best use of my skills and creativity to be teaching kids in a classroom setting. I can't imagine anything in the world that I would enjoy as much. When I am not teaching, grading papers or planning lessons, I spend lots of time on a soccer field. My youngest son, Caleb, plays classic soccer for North United FC and also travel soccer for West Allegheny. Caleb is also very active in the WA youth wrestling program so my husband, Dan, and I spend lots of time in a gym during the winter months watching and cheering. My oldest son, Kyle, is no longer permitted to play soccer because of multiple concussions, but he and I are both certified as referees and we enjoy working games together throughout the area. When I'm not on a soccer field or in a gym, I spend my time reading,training my two black labrador retrievers, and playing keyboards at Crossroads Church. Both Kyle and Caleb are great guitarists as well, and often play with me at the East Liberty campus of Crossroads. I am deeply committed to educating children --- AND --- I also have a first-hand understanding of the challenges of a busy lifestyle. It's tough to get kids to be well-rounded and active kids, while also making certain that they set priorities to get their job done as students. Sometimes homework is difficult to fit into a busy schedule, but I do push kids to learn to manage their time wisely. I do not assign "busywork," but actually assign work that serves the purpose to reinforce what we are doing in the classroom. In return, I ask that students commit to making certain that they do their part to complete all assignments. This is truly a team effort, so I will often look to parents to support this commitment. If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at miller@southfayette.org or by calling 412-221-4542 extension 635.
Who am I?
I think that knowing each other is benefiicial to our learning environment. I will work to know each student throughout the academic year, and in return I think it is helpful for you to know something about me as well. Who we are outside the classroom has an impact on what we do in the classroom - so I like to know as much about students and their interests ... and in return I try to share my own experiences, my family, my interests and hobbies.This will be my 11th year as a 5th grade teacher at South Fayette Middle School. I have taught social studies and language arts for the majority of that time, and I am excited to add math and science to my repetoire this year. I work very hard to find tools to enhance learning and to make the process of learning a very interesting adventure. I do NOT believe in memorizing "dates and dead people," but rather I see history as a story...after all if you just look at the word "hiSTORY" you can see that it is ---in fact----primarily a story. I plan to attack science in much the same way because it will not help you to memorize a plethora of scientific terms, but not really understand the application of those facts. Understanding and applying are the keys to knowledge.
Prior to coming to South Fayette, I worked for 12 years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where I also received my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Throughout this time, I worked as an events administrator with Student Activities, coordinated a community service program and managed the Student Union facility. I enjoyed working on leadership development with college students, but I truly found the best use of my skills and creativity to be teaching kids in a classroom setting. I can't imagine anything in the world that I would enjoy as much.
When I am not teaching, grading papers or planning lessons, I spend lots of time on a soccer field. My youngest son, Caleb, plays classic soccer for North United FC and also travel soccer for West Allegheny. Caleb is also very active in the WA youth wrestling program so my husband, Dan, and I spend lots of time in a gym during the winter months watching and cheering. My oldest son, Kyle, is no longer permitted to play soccer because of multiple concussions, but he and I are both certified as referees and we enjoy working games together throughout the area. When I'm not on a soccer field or in a gym, I spend my time reading,training my two black labrador retrievers, and playing keyboards at Crossroads Church. Both Kyle and Caleb are great guitarists as well, and often play with me at the East Liberty campus of Crossroads.
I am deeply committed to educating children --- AND --- I also have a first-hand understanding of the challenges of a busy lifestyle. It's tough to get kids to be well-rounded and active kids, while also making certain that they set priorities to get their job done as students. Sometimes homework is difficult to fit into a busy schedule, but I do push kids to learn to manage their time wisely. I do not assign "busywork," but actually assign work that serves the purpose to reinforce what we are doing in the classroom. In return, I ask that students commit to making certain that they do their part to complete all assignments. This is truly a team effort, so I will often look to parents to support this commitment.
If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at miller@southfayette.org or by calling 412-221-4542 extension 635.