From left to right: Robert Ray (former governor, State of Iowa), Jann Miller
and Debby Dearden (1997 president, IAHPERD)
Jann Miller has been an active member of our related professions and our Association throughout her 19 year career. She is a passionate teacher who is committed to teaching students, not just subject matter. Jann incorporates a variety of teaching strategies in her classes. She is a strong proponent of peer helpers with her special needs students, both for the individual assistance it provides to students with special needs and for the sense of responsibility that is felt by the peer helpers. Jann also involves students in their own learning through the use of student-led review sessions at the beginning of each class. This opportunity gives review leaders an additional incentive to master the content of the course and a sense of pride at being in a leadership role.
Jann is an extraordinary role model for our professions. She believes we should WALK OUR TALK, and her life is a reflection of that value. She is an active person who embraces all the components of wellness and fitness. While one second graderUs comment about her may have been intended literally, it is accurate in the figurative sense as well. Kassie, a second grader at her school said she is stretchable, and Jann demonstrates this stretchability by constantly growing, personally and professionally through her diligent reading, participation at learning opportunities like our IAHPERD convention, and personal reflection.
When Jann's colleagues asked her students about her, these ultimate judges about her teaching effectiveness had the following things to say:
I think Miss Miller is the best PE teacher ever! (Brian) She respects us by not talking about us in bad ways, and care for us when we need her. (Amanda)
She doesnUt like any put downs in her class or anywhere else, and she doesn't like the words I can't do it. (Megan, 6th grade)
I like Miss Miller because she can help us not just with physical stuff but with our everyday problems. I like her a lot because she is very funny and she gives me a good attitude about sports. (Jesse, 6th grade)
She is an excellent teacher! She has cool games to play. (Christopher)
She is the coolest PE teacher I've ever had. She always encourages us. Every one.(Damen, grade 8)
She is a great teacher who understands if you do something wrong. She doesnUt put anybody down. She is the best PE teacher I've ever had. (Abby, Grade 8)
Ms. Miller is a great teacher, and even though she works us hard, its worth it. (Katie, Grade 8)
She makes you work hard without getting mad at you, and she treats us with a lot of respect. (Daniel, grade 8)
And 8th grader Stacy's top five list of reasons why she likes Ms. Miller are: