Community
19 December, 2024
Miller recognised for 35-years of inspiration
JANNETTE Miller was overcome with emotion as her 35 years of dedication to teaching was recognised last week.
The Terang College art teacher received a certificate of recognition from the Department of Education last Wednesday, surrounded by students and staff expressing their appreciation for her tireless dedication to enhancing student outcomes and the school’s arts program.
“I felt really emotional,” she said.
“I sort of didn’t expect it – I didn’t know it was happening until a few days before.
“I felt so appreciated, and so special.”
Mrs Miller has been credited as a catalyst for the school’s strong VCE art results which have seen former students become professional artists, or given those who choose a different path in life the opportunity to unleash their creativity.
Staff and students alike spoke of her uncanny ability to bring out the creativity in every student through not only cultivating a strong art program but also serving as a driving force behind events such as the Terang Art Show, which unites community and students in raising funds for the school.
Terang College principal Kath Tanner was among those to congratulate Mrs Miller on the positive impact she has made to thousands of students over the years.
“She has made a real impact on so many students, and fostered their love of art, with some even becoming professional artists,” she said.
“She has had a profound impact on the students here.
“She has a nurturing warmth about her, and many of our students have identified the art room is their safe place where they feel their creativity and their soul is nourished.
“I think that’s quite an accolade.”
Mrs Miller said she has always loved art and herself benefit from having great art teachers, but for a time she was unsure if teaching would be her path in life until a spur-of-the-moment opportunity became a career-defining experience.
“I did an art course and I thought I might go in to DipEd – I wasn’t sure at that point if I’d even go in to teaching, but I pursued it,” she said.
“After that, I was asked to study media studies and film – but half way through I got a call from Terang saying they had an emergency teaching position for six months.
“Being a poor student, I jumped at the chance, and during those six months I discovered I loved it – I absolutely love teaching.
“I cancelled my course, didn’t go back, and I stayed.”
Mrs Miller has no plans on resting on her laurels, however, and her commitment to enhance the lives of students and the school’s thriving arts program remains as fervent as ever.
“I feel proud, but there’s still more I want to do,” she said.
“You would think after 35 years I would have achieved everything, but I still feel I could do more.”
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