Jesuit welcomes a new group of faculty and staff each year, and I was able to interview one of this year’s newest additions: Mr. Miller of the Science Department.
Background
Mr. Miller was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he attended a Dominican Catholic high school. He completed his undergraduate at William & Mary college in Williamsburg, and then went on to graduate from the University of Virginia.
Teaching Career
Not only is this Mr. Miller’s first year at Jesuit, but it is actually his first year of teaching. Previously, he worked as a chemist for the federal government for 10 years, where he pursued his love for science, and more specifically, chemistry. At Jesuit, Mr. Miller currently teaches 5 sections of on-level chemistry. If he had to choose another subject to teach, Mr. Miller would enjoy teaching a class about cartography, and GIS (geospatial information systems).
Choosing Jesuit
As Mr. Miller searched for a school that was fit for him, a few things caught his attention at Jesuit. First off, he loved Jesuit’s incorporation of faith into their everyday life and community.
“I went to a Catholic high school and it was a very formative part of my life… I like being in this environment where… spirituality comes first.”
Additionally, Mr. Miller liked the educational prowess of Jesuit’s student and teachers, and the fact that this school has a student body that is driven to succeed academically.
Extracurricular Interests
Aside from teaching, Mr. Miller is somewhat involved with Model UN at Jesuit, having attended a few of their weekend events. Additionally, he is the moderator of the leadership club here at Jesuit. Mr. Miller loves to read, and is currently involved in two different book clubs outside of school that keep him busy in his free time reading fiction novels, especially from one of his favorite authors, Marcel Proust. Mr. Miller also is a bit of a musician himself, having played the trumpet throughout high school, and having recently began learning the oboe.
Faith
Faith plays a very important role in Mr. Miller’s life, as well as his family’s life. As previously mentioned, he attended a Catholic high school, where his faith journey began. Faith is a big part of what drew Mr. Miller to Jesuit, as he really appreciates the way in which Jesuit makes religion a vital part of its daily school life. As a science teacher, Mr. Miller is also very interested in the interaction between faith and science in life.
“What I like about the Jesuits in particular is that not only do they have this focus on academics, but they’re very well aware that science and religion can not only coexist, but can help each other.”
Stay Tuned to the Roundup for more teacher profiles!
