*Grade 4 Teacher*
By: BHS Staff Profiles
February 10, 2023
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Laura Mills. Mrs. Mills has been a teacher in the Brooklyn City School District for 28 years and also did two years of substitute teaching, prior. Some of her favorite hobbies are spending time with her family, watching TV shows and movies, and growing flowers in her garden during the Summer. A fun fact about her is that she has been on Air Force One (2006), due to her husband knowing the navigator of the presidential aircraft. Colonel Holland invited Mrs. Mills and her husband on an Air Force One tour after stopping in Cleveland with former president, George W. Bush.
Q: What is a typical day like for you?
A: “It’s a lot different now that all three of my kids are at college! Coffee, teach, eat, watch a show with Mr. Mills, cuddle time with my cats, sleep, and repeat.”
Q: How has being a teacher impacted your life?
A: “Being a teacher has taught me that some days, you just have to do the best you can. Always know that tomorrow is another day and another chance. You can always try again tomorrow!”
Q: What are the different methods to make social studies more entertaining for your students?
A: “I love all the game programs that are available to help students practice vocabulary words — Quizlet, Blooket, and Word Wall! I do a lot of group work and watch videos to keep it as entertaining as possible! Fourth grade social studies is all about Ohio, so that is fun to teach.”
Q: As a teacher, how do you manage the different learning levels of your students?
A: “That’s really tough to do. Luckily, I have great teachers I work with who offer suggestions and advice to help meet all the different learning levels in my classroom. A variety of activities and different approaches on different days helps to try and meet the various levels in my classes.”
Q: How do you plan out your lessons?
A: “I try to use a variety of resources, both print and digital. I try to find interesting ways to learn information. I plan a lot of group work and discussions. I also love using games in the classroom. I try to plan my lessons so they move fast and stay interactive.”
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: “My mother was very active in my school growing up. She was the PTA president and very actively involved. She always put her family first. She is (or was) a big inspiration on how I wanted to raise my own children.”
Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation?
A: “Deep breaths, find some positivity, and think happy thoughts. Listen to music. Reach out to others if you ever need help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed.”
Q: What was your biggest setback in life, and how did you overcome it?
A: “Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2013 was something that totally changed my life. I have found that the best way to overcome setbacks is to keep a positive attitude. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. My Brooklyn family was a great help during my cancer treatment; they sent lots of positive energy to me and my family! After surgery, Chemotherapy, and 10 years of medication, I am proud to say that I am a cancer survivor.”
{Editor’s Note: AMEN!}
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
A: “I think I’d like to be able to go back in time; I could fix some mistakes that I have made along the way.”
Q: Chiefs or Eagles?
A: “Let’s go, Eagles!”
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our questions, Mrs. Mills. We are so happy that you are cancer free; what an inspiration you are to many!
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 