English teacher Melissa Miller is in her eighth year of teaching at Gibson Southern, having previously taught at Princeton Elementary School and covering a long-term substitute position at Princeton Community High School. Miller teaches English 9, English 10, Critical Thinking and coaches the English academic team. She has a daughter at the University of Indianapolis, another daughter who graduated earlier this year and a son in eighth grade at Haubstadt Community School

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Southerner: What was the hardest part of the last week for you?

Miller: “The past week? I’ve been struggling a lot with some heart problems so I’ve been in and out of the doctor’s [office] and the hospitals lately.”

Southerner: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Miller: “Chocolate Chip cherry amaretto from G.D. Ritzy’s. 

Southerner: What is a unique talent you have?

Miller: “I’m pretty good at rapping.”

Southerner: What do you think is the most important quality for a teacher to have and why?

Miller: “Patience and empathy because it’s important to understand that sometimes students are struggling and to identify with them and build that relationship with them so that they trust you.”

Southerner: What makes you feel most appreciated and understood?

Miller: “When somebody tells me they appreciate me.”