NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Julia Miller, a civics instructor at Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven, has been named Connecticut’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker made the announcement on Wednesday in a release. The award is the state’s highest honor that recognizes outstanding educators.
Miller was awarded during a surprise ceremony at a school assembly this week that was attended by Russell-Tucker, State Board of Education Chairperson Erin Benham, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, city Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón and other local and state officials.
Originally a graduate of the city’s school district, Miller has taught at the academy in New Haven for the past decade. She hopes to transform students into informative members of society who feel empowered to make change.
Gov. Ned Lamont said that Miller represents the very best of what it means to be a Connecticut teacher.
“Her work at Metropolitan Business Academy and in the city of New Haven demonstrates her deep commitment to equity, community engagement and innovative teaching,” Lamont said. “Teachers like Julia are at the heart of building a brighter future for both our state and our cities, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication.”
Russell-Tucker echoed the governor’s remarks, noting that Miller exemplifies the very heart of teaching by opening doors for students to a universe of opportunities.
“Her dedication to fostering an engaging learning environment and empowering students to become active, informed citizens speaks volumes about her commitment to civic engagement and developing change makers. Julia is not only shaping the future for her students but also inspiring the next generation of educators,” Russell-Tucker said.
Beyond teaching civics, Miller has made valuable contributions by working with colleagues on a student-led restorative and transformative justice program. Through the Youth Justice in Practice program, students who make mistakes in school can voluntarily participate in a student-sponsored initiative providing support and accountability.
Additionally, Miller helped launch the district’s first “Grow Your Own” project, which was created to encourage students to embark on careers in the educational field. Miller is a Teacher Leader for Educators Rising as well; the program gives students an opportunity to take a Quinnipiac University Introduction to Public Education course she teaches for dual credit.
By collaborating with Sothern Connecticut State University, Miller provides students with a chance to take a Seminar in Education course. She also has supported the growth of the new Education and Leadership Pathway being piloted at Metro, Cross and Hillhouse. Her involvement in this program includes organizing guest speaker events, college visits and experiential learning opportunities.
According to the state, the state’s Teacher of the Year is decided annually by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, which consists of former recipients of the award and representatives from educational organizations, businesses and the community. The council looked over close to 100 district-level Teacher of the Year candidates. The selection process included candidate applications, interviews, school site visits and focus groups with faculty, parents, administrators and students.
As Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year, Miller will now become the state’s representative for 2025 National Teacher of the Year.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said amazing teaching and learning is occurring in the city’s classrooms daily because of teachers like Miller who make a tremendous difference by leading the way.
“Moreover, her contributions and impact are well beyond her own classroom, as she provides instruction, training and coaching to aspiring teachers and colleagues – working to raise up the next generation of teachers to follow in her footsteps. Ms. Miller serves as model of excellence in New Haven Public Schools and as example for teachers across the entire state of Connecticut,” Elicker said.
Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council President David Bosso said it is abundantly evident that Miller is an exceptional teacher and an outstanding representative of the profession.
“Like thousands of teachers throughout Connecticut, she makes a meaningful and enduring impact on students’ lives in the classroom and beyond,” Bosso said. “The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council looks forward to celebrating Julia and her fellow 2025 District Teachers of the Year at our Annual Recognition Ceremony at the Bushnell in early November.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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