Central ND News

Dickinson State University (DSU) graduate Emma Miller is preparing to begin her teaching career this fall. Miller, who recently completed her studies at DSU’s School of Education, has accepted a position at Hope Christian Academy.

Miller decided early in life that she wanted to become an educator. She said her interest in teaching developed as a child when she would play teacher with her sisters and set up classrooms for her stuffed animals.

When it came time to choose a university, Miller selected DSU due to the reputation of its School of Education and its location. She also cited affordability as an important factor.

“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.”

Miller credited the faculty at DSU for providing personal attention and support during her studies. She noted that instructors often attended student presentations and extracurricular events, which made a difference in both academic and personal development.

She highlighted that many faculty members are experienced educators themselves, which contributed to an engaging classroom environment focused on lifelong learning.

Two professors had a particular impact on Miller’s experience: Darla Hoffmann, who taught much of her pedagogy coursework, and Laura Leiss, who mentored her during student teaching.

“Her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge created a positive, productive space for me to learn and grow,” Miller said about Professor Hoffmann.

Of Professor Leiss, she added that Leiss’s “joy, patience and wealth of experience encouraged [her] 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 marks the beginning of Miller’s first full-time role as an educator.