Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller is a dedicated K–12 educator and consultant with over 33 years of experience in innovative program and curriculum development. Her passion lies in creating systems where all students can thrive, and she is recognized for her out-of-the-box thinking and strong relationship-building skills. Throughout her career, Sarah has focused on developing culturally responsive classrooms, restorative practices, and student-centered learning models, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
Over the years, Sarah has spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives in education. She founded a student-run coffee shop, Cup of Knowledge, which included a used bookstore, developed conversation frameworks such as Caring and Committed Conversations, and created the RAC (Recognize, Acknowledge, and Connect) behavior management process to foster inclusive and positive school environments. Her expertise extends across culturally responsive pedagogy, diversity and equity, literacy education, credit recovery, and American Indian education. She currently holds multiple roles within Jordan Public Schools, including Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Specialist, Credit Recovery Coordinator, and American Indian Education Coordinator.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Sarah co-owns the educational consulting business DATE (Diversity Awareness Training with an Emphasis on Equity) and teaches at Minnesota State Metro State University. She earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia College and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Administrative Leadership at Walden University. Driven by the belief that education can be tailored to support every learner, Sarah remains actively engaged with students, families, and educators to make meaningful, lasting impacts in schools across Minnesota.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching Certificate
• Restorative Practices
• HeartMath Trainer - Stress Medicine & Behavioral Science
• Walden University - EdD
• Teacher of the Year
• Classroom Dedication Award
• Innovation Ideas Award
• Get Out and Learn Something (G.O.A.L.S)
• Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion and love for education, which has sustained me throughout my entire 33-year career. I started out as someone who struggled in school and didn't like it when I was a young girl, but I grew up knowing I wanted to make a difference in education and make things better for the future leaders of America. What really changed everything for me was getting my Culturally Responsive Pedagogy certification, which was life-changing. It taught me how to see and be aware of my own bias, how to create classrooms where everybody is uncomfortable at some time, including the teacher, and everybody is comfortable at some time, and how to truly create a sense of belonging for everyone. I thought I was a good teacher before that certification, but it completely transformed the impact of my teaching. My success comes from staying passionate about the work, staying close to the kids rather than just sitting in meetings, and always believing that change can be made even when it's hard.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can make a difference in the education just keep learning and moving forward
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a successful rewarding career in education as she is most proud of the coffee shop she created student ran that had a used book store and was called Cup of Knowledge and has received teacher of the year in 1999
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being able to help each and every student that needs her as she is very passionate about their education
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is service. I've learned that if you want a joyful life, you really learn how you can be a servant for others. That's where I find my joy, in serving and helping students and families. I was raised to be generous, and my mom sometimes says I'm way too generous, but I tell her that's how she and my dad raised me. I never want to be in a place where I regret not giving or helping someone. I've thought out how I'm going to make my mistakes, and if I make mistakes because I was too generous, so be it. It's not about the money for me. Before I was divorced, I had no idea what I was even making because it was never about the money. It's about making an impact and helping students have the education they deserve. I also believe strongly in the power of joy, happiness, and laughter. People tell me to take off my rose-colored glasses, and I say, why? So I can be like you? No! Joy and happiness heal, and you have to make sure you're having a little bit of fun every day. I'm motivated by knowing there are so many wonderful people doing wonderful things, and I want to be part of that.