Kailua English teacher chosen state’s top educator

In Chad Miller’s English classes, all students are asked to be philosophers — picking apart texts, asking critical questions, debating ideas and rethinking their notions of the world.

"We use philosophy as an activity," the Kailua High School teacher said. "The whole class revolves around kids’ thinking."

Miller’s innovative approach to teaching teenagers, and his commitment to making school engaging for all students, helped him earn the title of 2012 Hawaii Teacher of the Year.

He is now in the running for National Teacher of the Year.

Miller’s selection was announced Friday at Washington Place, where teachers nominated from each district gathered to see who would be named the state’s top public school teacher.

"This is the Academy Awards of teaching in Hawaii," quipped Gov. Neil Abercrombie before Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi opened a sealed envelope and read Miller’s name.

In a speech at the event, Miller said that his message to the community is, "As teachers we have an ability to make a change. We are on the front lines. We can make a difference."

Miller, who has been a teacher for seven years, has a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaii and is pursuing a doctoral degree in education. He is a leader in Hawaii’s Philosophy for Children chapter and an avid volunteer.

About 20 Kailua High School teachers and staff members attended the ceremony Friday, whooping and applauding when Miller’s name was called. Later, they showered him with lei.

Kirsten Bush, also an English teacher at Kailua High, said Miller’s approach to teaching engages students by bringing their ideas in and allowing them to ask the questions and find the answers.

Miller "opens the door for them to not just read a piece of literature, but question it," Bush said. "He’s a learner with them."

In his application for teacher of the year, Miller said to understand his desire to become a teacher, he would have to go back to kindergarten. "This is when learning was engaging," he said, adding that hands-on learning stopped in high school.

Miller said he is determined to change that.

His students say he has succeeded.

"Mr. Miller’s innovative techniques and upbeat attitude made English enjoyable for a change," wrote Kailua High student Tyler Braekevelt, in a letter to the Hawaii Teacher of the Year selection committee. "He taught me how to think philosophically."