Taylor Miller

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I started a peer tutoring program at my high school and found so much joy in showing others different ways to look at what was being taught and watching them have those “Aha!” moments. I was blessed to have had amazing teachers that made learning an experience. I remember thinking “I want to be like them.” I want to show students that anyone can be a scientist and they can do hard things. Most importantly, I want to give my students a safe space where they can be unapologetically themselves.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am the Future Health Professionals (HOSA) club sponsor at my school. Last year, I took a group of students to compete in a state competition and they told me after that the experience had “changed their lives”. They came back to school this year determined to inspire others to get involved in the club and help them find volunteering and internship opportunities. It has been amazing to watch them grow as leaders that want to inspire future generations.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to have a scholarship program for HOSA students to help pay for some of the costs that come with competing. I teach biotechnology and would use the money to get some new equipment for my lab, including a DNA sequencing equipment. I would use some of it to finish paying off my loans from my master’s degree.