- February 7, 2025
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Each week the Port Orange Observer will highlight a teacher nominated for the title of Volusia County School District's 2019 Teacher of the Year.
Horizon Elementary School Counselor Richard Miller, who was nominated for the honor, has been at Horizon for seven years.
Volusia County public schools each selected a Teacher of the Year in order to vie for the title of Volusia County School District's 2019 Teacher of the Year. This year, 71 winners were chosen by their peers. The current Volusia County Teacher of the Year is Jason Kester, who teaches culinary arts at Mainland High.
The 2019 district Teacher of the Year winner will be announced on Friday, Jan. 12, and will be nominated for the state Teacher of the Year program.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Q: How do you feel to be nominated?
It is such an honor to represent Horizon Elementary. We have the best teachers, staff, students and families in the world. To be chosen by my dedicated and esteemed peers means everything to me.
Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?
I worked many years as a therapist, case manager and inpatient tech working with adults and children with psychiatric issues. I realized that I could reach more lives and have more of an impact if I became a school counselor and work with young people.
Q: What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
The most challenging part of being a school counselor is finding enough time to see everyone you need to see in a day. Things move fast in the elementary world and you have to be an expert in multitasking
Q: What's the most rewarding part of teaching?
The best part about being a school counselor is having the opportunity to help anyone in need at our school. Nothing compares to seeing a student in the beginning of the day who is in a crisis, leave that very same day with a smile on their face.
Q: If you could tell students one thing, what would that be?
Be good to yourself.
