Former Social Studies Teacher, West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte
While an undergrad at Appalachian State University, Dwight Miller was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, and he came to West Mecklenburg High School in 2013 as a Teach for America corps member. He was a Leroy “Pop” Miller Fellow with TFA-Charlotte, and lucky for us, he completed a summer internship with The Belk Foundation in 2017 with a focus on analyzing and reimagining our grant application. Dwight now works as an Equity and Inclusion Specialist for Mecklenburg County's Criminal Justice Services Department.
What have you recently learned from a student?
I learned just how compassionate children are able to be. A student of mine actually brought in supplies for a student that she knew was struggling with homelessness.
What is the greatest challenge our educators face?
Adapting to everything that happens outside the classroom/school
Which skill would you most like to master?
I would love to master German. My wife speaks it, so it would be cool to have a secret language.
What do you consider your organization's greatest achievement?
The 2014-2015 school year, our World History team at West Mecklenburg High School ranked 5th in the district regarding growth based on the data from our final exam.
What quality do you most admire in a school leader?
Determination. We face obstacles that appear impossible at times. It take determination for success.
If you could change one thing about public education, what would it be?
Our system would support a child through all parts of their lives, from conception until adulthood.
What is your current state of mind?
Forward thinking. Not only for my personal life, but also for the city of Charlotte and North Carolina.
Which living person do you most admire?
I most admire my father, Calvin Miller. He lives the American dream.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My extroversion is the most noticeable characteristic. I really love engaging with people. I think people are great sources of knowledge.
Advice you would give to a young person interested in a profession in education?
Experience is the best teacher, so experience as much as possible. The best lessons in life are often not from a textbook.
Learn more about West Mecklenburg High School