MADISON – After working 27 years as an educator, Susan Miller has been honored as Teacher of the Year at Horizon Elementary School.

Miller started her career at Madison Elementary School in 1989 and transferred to Horizon Elementary School when it opened in 1996. She has taught third-graders during most of her career but moved to second grade in 2015.

Currently, Miller is second-grade representative on K-2 Leadership Team. She serves on a Leader in Me action team at Horizon.

In the classroom, “I try to provide a fun, safe and structured environment for my students,” Miller said. “They know on the first day of school that I expect them to do their very best. I encourage them and listen to them.”

In addition, she tries “to show them how much I care about them. I hope my students leave my classroom at the end of each year with a love for learning.” 

During her career in education, Miller will never forget Henry Bradley, then principal at Madison elementary where she started teaching. “He was a kind, gentle man. He encouraged me to do my best each day and believe in myself. I try to show my students the same kindness and encouragement that he instilled in me.”

Majoring in elementary education, Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from Athens State College and a master’s degree from Alabama A& M University.

Miller is a lifelong resident of Madison. “My family is here. I’m thankful to teach here and raise my family here. I am now teaching children of parents that I taught years ago,” Miller said.

Her husband Patrick works as an attorney with Dick & Miller, P.C. “I have twin girls, age 10, named Adeline and O’Neal. They attend Horizon school and are in the fourth grade,” Susan Miller said.

“I enjoy spending time with my family. We are all avid readers and enjoy visiting the bookstore and library. We also enjoy hiking, going to plays and attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church,” Miller said.