As an educator, I aim to continually integrate practical “real-life” experiences, stories and events into the classroom.
The above are examples of the classical static classrooms I aim to dismantle through engaged and dynamic education.
The social sciences are most meaningful when applied to the lived experiences of students. When students see that lessons are connected to their lives, their interaction with and integration of new knowledge is more profound, even transformative. Through experiential, collaborative and self-reflective learning, we can confront our own fears, privileges and prejudices, realizing our potential to create just, egalitarian and humane communities.
I have taught at:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Brooklyn College
Eugene Lang College
Temple University
Courses include:
Critical Theory and Social Justice in the United States
Foundations for College Success and Lifelong Learning
Globalization and Sustainability
Human Sexuality
Introduction to American Government
Introduction to Sociology
Mass Communications and Mass Media
People, Power and Politics
Social Problems
Sociology of Gender
Sociology of the Family
Urban Life and Culture
For all these courses, I singlehandedly prepared and delivered all syllabi, lesson plans and lectures, teaching aids and exams. I built and managed course blogs, integrated images, film and sound media in classroom lessons, facilitated presentations by guest speakers and led off-campus excursions.
Student and Colleague Testimonials
“Students were clearly engaged, and my sense was that the course had motivated them to become more involved in politics beyond the classroom… Prof Miller always began by eliciting responses from the students. This both helped to keep students engaged, while also enhancing the likelihood that they should remember the material being covered… She proved quite adept at explaining complicated political processes and concepts in laymen terms. She is also quite clearly knowledgeable about her discipline… [Her] demeanor is friendly and engaging; at the same time, it was always clear that she was in control of the class – she strikes a nice balance between directing discussion, even while motivating students to educate themselves as much as possible. She clearly had a good rapport with students, who remained attentive and focused the duration of the class… She demonstrated a great deal of patience in the sense of giving students sufficient space to fully articulate their thinking about what were clearly complicated issues”.
Dr. Erik Freas, Assistant Professor of Modern Middle East History at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York
“The information given was very straight forward and the class makes people come out of their shell and talk about stuff that may be uncomfortable at times but should be spoken about”
“… kind and caring. She wants every student to have a voice in her class. She wants every student to understand the material and its overall impact in our lives. And she works to make sure students do that”
“… guest speakers were a great addition to the class and it added a real world aspect to the lesson”.
Brooklyn College Gender and Society students
“Professor Miller has an open mind, she does not judge your opinion and tries to understand every opinion and re-directed to the class material. It's comfortable to express your thoughts and ideas”.
Brooklyn College Mass Media and Communications students
“In her presentation, Professor Miller demonstrated excellent knowledge of the subject matter. The lecture was presented with much enthusiasm and students were very attentive and participated very well in the class discussions. The instructor’s pleasant demeanor facilitated a comfortable and effective learning environment. Her method of questioning and choice of examples constantly ensured that the discussions were relevant to the concepts taught. Professor Miller does have a passion for teaching and has shown excellent classroom management skills. Overall, it was an excellent class.”
Classroom observation by Dr. Albert Duncan, Associate Professor Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice, BMCC
“Great professor! She connects real life issue to the sociological concepts we learn in class. She assigned two papers that build up to a final project--it can be challenging based on the topic you choose but definitely interesting… Would take her class again!”
BMCC SOC100 Introduction to Sociology student
“Good professor with in depth knowledge of the subject. Extremely honest and humble”
Brooklyn College People Power and Politics student
“Passionate, nerdy (in the most respectful way), she is great. I loved the excitement she would get talking about a subject, it made me interested in something I originally thought was boring or weird”.
“Professor was a very fun teacher. She stimulated the students to have great discussions. I really enjoyed the class”.
Brooklyn College Mass Media and Communications students
“I really enjoyed this course. I felt it was the right amount of class discussion and personal written work. I enjoyed how the professor was able to relate what we were learning about to current events and topics in NYC. I would highly recommend Professor Miller to anyone!”
Brooklyn College Social Problems student
“The instructor was very open to all ideas that were being discussed, and always weighed in on her opinion. It is good to keep an open mind when discussing these kinds of often sensitive topics”.
Brooklyn College Globalization and Sustainability student