The following is a full transcript of the interview given by Mr. Miller to The Warrior Messenger’s Bianca Phillips about development
HOST: BIANCA PHILLIPS: What is your role in Woodbridge Middle School?
Mr. Miller (WMS civics teacher): I’m a civics teacher and also subject area leader for social studies.
BP: How long have you been working at WMS?
MM: 27 years in this school and 28 years in the district.
BP: What is the biggest change you’ve seen at this school?
MM: Technology has definitely changed how the classroom works.
BP: What is your favorite memory about WMS?
MM: We played Lock Band which is a game like Guitar Hero. We had a battle of the bands with students and we all competed to see who would get the highest score. It was 4 students vs teachers and after school we’d play against each other. Kids stayed after school and cheered us on and we had a good time all around.
BP: What has kept you motivated to stay at Woodbridge Middle School for so long?
MM: This is where I feel like I’m at home in terms of teaching. I’ve taught at Colonia high school, Woodbridge high school and JFK High School and if I were to have to change now I would not be happy about it because at this point i’ve been here so long it just feels like a second home to me.
BP: How do you think students today are different from students you had back when you started teaching?
MM: You guys are more technologically advanced and students from earlier years took extra steps to find answers out. I think having computers led to finding answers instantly. In other words, students back then put more effort.
BP: If you could give your current students a piece of advice before the school year ends, what would it be?
MM: Pay attention in class, make sure you’re keeping up your work so things won’t pile up. If you keep up with everything it tends to let the year go easier on you, if you let things build up, trying to catch up becomes difficult. Also depending on a teacher’s late policies and stuff like that you’re getting less credit so if you should just do it on time and get full credit.
BP: is there anything else you would like to add?
MM: No, that’s it.
