A Regis faculty member since 2020, Ms. Judy Miller serves as a fourth grade lead teacher focusing on math, science, and social studies in Lower School at Regis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas A&M University.
Ms. Miller has 33 years of experience as a classroom teacher, mathematics specialist, and curriculum writer. She believes in emphasizing students’ effort and perseverance as they learn new concepts that build the foundation for their success in Middle School and beyond.
In Ms. Miller’s free time, she enjoys quality time with her large family, going to the beach, spending time with her dog, Frankie, and cooking.
Q: What is special about working at an all-boys school?
A: I love the boys’ energy. I’ve always been drawn to boys. I have five brothers, so I get how boys are. They are fun, active, and have lots of humor. Regis was my first all-boys school in my teaching career, and I feel like it was a godsend. There is this dynamic energy here that I feel like you can’t find in a coeducational environment.
Q: Which of the five Sacred Heart Goals inspires you the most?
A: I would say Goal I – a personal and active faith in God. I think if you have Goal I at the forefront of what you do every day, then everything falls into place.
But aside from Goal I, as a teacher, the five Sacred Goals give me guidance and a model to refer to every day with my lessons or interactions with the boys. There’s almost an answer for everything in the Goals or the Criteria. It’s a great framework.
Q: What do you love most about Regis?
A: The community and camaraderie between the boys, the teachers, and the families. It feels like a family here. It’s a great feeling.
Q: What is your favorite Regis event or tradition?
A: I love Congé! I love the excitement and the enthusiasm the boys have for Congé. And it’s just something different that I’ve not seen anywhere else. While it’s a day off from school and meant to be fun, we also know that there is a need to help others, so I love how the day starts with a service project in the spirit of Goal III – a social awareness that impels to action. After Congé is announced and before the festivities start, we talk to the boys about why we are doing a service project and how it impacts the community around us.
Q: What do you most admire about your colleagues?
A: They are so smart, and I learn from them daily. We have excellent teachers at Regis that are friendly, inclusive, and willing to help. They always go above and beyond for their boys and for each other.
Q: What is your favorite class or project?
A: While I am heavily involved with the Fourth Grade Knighting Ceremony, from the planning to preparing the boys, my favorite aspect of the process is when they decorate their shields. I love how they get to express who they are freely and celebrate their individuality with their designs, colors, and choices of animals.
I also love that the boys spend time reflecting on who they are and how they want to act and serve others. They become the leaders of the Lower School, and the Knighting Ceremony is a culmination of their practice and respect for the Sacred Heart Goals, and it’s a significant milestone in their process of becoming scholars and gentlemen.
Q: If you can pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share with them?
A: Own your mistakes. It is your best learning opportunity.
Q: What is a song that you know all the words to?
A: I like to jam to “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift. But I love all genres of music. I have an assorted playlist of songs from country to pop.
Q: What was your first car?
A: A ’93 maroon Mustang convertible. I loved that car!
Q: If you had to pick one, what would your spirit animal be?
A: A dolphin. I love the beach and the water.
Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
A: I always wanted to be a lawyer. I like to debate and think about all the different perspectives on a topic or issue.
Q: If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Pizza! Any kind, but nothing with fruit on it. I love pizza!