Teaching green

Lacie Miller, an elementary education major at Wright State University, teaches students about science through school gardens.

Lacie Miller has been honored for her science teaching abilities before she even graduates from Wright State University. A senior studying elementary education, Miller won the 2019 Science Education Council of Ohio’s (SECO) prestigious Diana M. Hunn Award.

The award recognizes a pre-service teacher who has shown tremendous interest in teaching science and applied innovative science teaching methods in local schools. Miller received the award at the National Science Teaching Association’s (NSTA) regional conference in Cincinnati in November.

Miller was nominated for the award by Michelle Fleming, associate professor of STEM education and director of the Elementary Education Program in the College of Education and Human Services.

“Lacie Miller is an all-around outstanding teacher candidate at Wright State University,” said Fleming. “She performs well academically and exhibits supportive relationships with colleagues, faculty, cooperating teachers and elementary students.”

Miller credits faculty in the College of Education for contributing to her accomplishments.

“The Wright State faculty that I have had are incredible,” said Miller. “They have had a huge influence on the educator and person that I am today. I am so lucky to have known such amazing people.”

Senior Lacie Miller with Michelle Fleming, director of the Elementary Education Program.

Fleming said Miller provides inspiring multi-modal learning experiences for students. She has supported Wright State’s community garden on campus for the past few years and has co-presented at the SECO conference on integrating technology in school gardens.

Miller is an active member of the NSTA and promotes its online Learning Center resources to educators. In addition, she has helped teachers from the Dayton area create videos introducing science concepts to their students.

“Lacie seeks out opportunities to learn about science education to become a better educator,” Fleming said. “She is a significant asset to our university and elementary education program as an incredible leader.”

The Diana M. Hunn Award honors Hunn, who was an integral member of SECO and was a constant and undying supporter of middle school science and pre-service educators.