Michelle Miller is currently teaching English and Biology with OVS. She has been with OVS for over a year, but has been teaching since 2020. She completed a double-major in biology and indigenous studies at Trent University before completing her Bachelors of Education at the same school.
We asked Ms. Miller to answer a few questions so that her students would be able to get to know her just a little better.
When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher?
I had many ideas of what I wanted to be when I grew up: teacher, vet, fashion designer, cartoonist, writer, and probably a million other things I can’t recall. When I started in college, I was actually in the fashion design program for a semester before realizing it wasn’t what I wanted to do for a career. That’s when I decided to explore other options and landed on teaching.
If you couldn’t be a teacher, what career would you most like to have?
It’s a goal of mine to be a published author. I have had this goal since I was 16 years old, and it has only grown with time. I would love to be able to teach and write novels.
Do you prefer teaching online or in a classroom? Why? How do they compare?
I really enjoy the flexibility of being able to teach online. My first class assignment was an online grade 8 class in 2020, during lockdown. I learned to really love it. While some things are more challenging to do online and you lose some of the hands-on aspects, there are ways to adapt. There are many benefits to both methods, but at this stage of my life, I prefer teaching online!
What are some of your favourite pastimes, aside from teaching?
I love to read, draw, paint, crochet, and play board games. I love spending time with my son and my friends. I also enjoy the occasional camping trip, kayak ride, or walk through the forest with my dog.
What is your favourite part of being a teacher? What about this career do you find rewarding?
Teaching can be challenging, but the benefits are far more numerous! I love being able to work with people from all over the world and getting exposed to different cultures by getting to know my students. I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to share knowledge and learning strategies with my students to help them reach their goals.
Knowing that many of my students go on to college, university, or the workplace after taking my classes makes me feel very proud! Teaching constantly makes me push myself past my comfort zone, learn more about various subjects, and challenge myself to problem-solve. I also love that I get to discuss topics that I enjoy, such as biology and literature, on a daily basis!
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your OVS students?
Don’t do yourself the disservice of trying to take shortcuts. You are very capable of earning credits honestly, by completing the assignments and tests fairly. While AI and online posts can make it easy and tempting to cheat, it will only hurt you in the long-run. Respect yourself (and your teachers) enough to put the effort in by studying, completing the homework, and asking your teacher for help when needed. We want to help you succeed! You are capable of doing challenging things.
Artist Moment:
