Teacher Focus, Mentor Passion

“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”
Lilly Tomlin, actress and comedian.

Simon Youth Academies across the nation have the best teachers and administrators in the profession. They work with at-risk youth to not only earn their high school diploma, but go on to become successful individuals. This dedication can be seen in the eyes of Ronni Miller, a teacher at Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy at Granite Run Mall in Media, Pennsylvania. As a math and science teacher, she is known for her ability to create a supportive classroom community while providing a rigorous course. She strives every day to improve the quality of small group direct instruction.

“Mrs. Miller is a passionate teacher who brings love and understanding to a diverse group of learners,” said Joseph Fuhr, Administrator at Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy. “She is an excellent resource for all staff and an asset to our school, community and district.”

Mrs. Miller is an avid researcher of new methods of instruction as well as progress monitoring through data collection. As described by Mr. Fuhr, her instructional practices are creative and the learning environment she constructs allows students to feel safe. This safe learning environment affords students the opportunity to take chances and be vulnerable in front of their peers.  Students not only learn from her in the classroom but from each other, as well as from their mistakes. Mrs. Miller is welcoming of all students at the Academy and works to develop personal connections with students. She is a shoulder to cry on or a person to go to for some words of wisdom or motivational inspiration.

Simon Youth Foundation is celebrating 15 years of igniting hope across 23 academies in 13 states. SYF has graduated more than 10,000 students at a 90% graduation rate and awarded more than $10 million to graduates pursuing post-secondary education and career paths. At Simon Youth Foundation, we believe that all students start here and go anywhere. We thank Mrs. Miller and all of our great teachers and administrators who work so hard to help our students beat the odds.