Dickinson State University (DSU) has a long tradition of preparing future educators. Recent graduate Emma Miller is ready to carry that tradition forward as she prepares to step into her own classroom this fall.
Miller knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in education. She enjoyed her time as a student and developed a passion for learning early on. She fondly recalled playing teacher with her younger sisters or setting up a pretend classroom for her stuffed animals.
When the time came to choose a university, DSU was the natural choice. Drawn to the strength of the School of Education (SoE) and the convenient location, the decision was easy. The affordability was an added bonus.
“My heart comes alive when I am with children,” Miller said. “I love watching kids grow and figuring out how to best support them. I enjoy planning lessons, teaching new concepts and reflecting on how I can be a better educator.”
Looking back on her time at DSU, Miller is thankful for the personalized attention and support from faculty, something she believes sets a small campus apart. She appreciated that faculty cared not only about her academic success but also her personal growth, often attending student presentations and even basketball games.
A key strength of DSU’s School of Education, Miller noted, is that the faculty members are experienced educators themselves. She found the classroom environment to be engaging and centered on a shared appreciation for lifelong learning.
While many faculty members had a positive impact on her journey, Miller identified Darla Hoffmann and Laura Leiss as playing especially vital roles in her time at DSU.
Professor Hoffmann, who taught Miller much of her pedagogy coursework, provided the tools to become an effective teacher. “Her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge created a positive, productive space for me to learn and grow,” Miller said.
Professor Leiss served as a mentor throughout Miller’s student teaching experience. Her joy, patience and wealth of experience encouraged Miller to grow as a teacher.
“All of these experiences were where I learned and grew the most, I could put the methods and ideas I had been learning into tangible practice,” Miller said. “They also gave me confidence when I stepped into my student teaching experience. I believe that is the greatest strength of the School of Education at Dickinson State University.”
This fall, Miller will begin her first full-time teaching position at Hope Christian Academy.