Teacher of the Year

DENISE MILLER

Denise Miller, a special education teacher at Weirton Heights Elementary School, has been named Hancock County’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.  Denise works with special education students in grades K-4.

Denise credits her father with teaching her life’s greatest lessons – to never give up and to believe in yourself. 

Denise says that an outstanding teacher is one who puts forth an outstanding effort and one who acknowledges that we never stop learning.  And while she does not think of herself as “outstanding,” she strives to give her students her very best every day.  “It is important to be open to change.  But what has remained constant is my belief that future educators must convey knowledge, compassion, patience, tolerance, kindness, and the understanding that all students are unique, learn differently and progress at their own rate. All children can learn, but the idea that every child learns at the same rate at the same time is not realistic.

Denise says she is constantly inspired by her students and says, “They show me that all things are possible when you come with an open mind and heart.”

As Hancock County Teacher of the Year, Denise is automatically entered in State competition.  The 2010 West Virginia Teacher of the Year will be announced in September.