Miller Elementary School’s Amanda Miliner earns state’s highest honor

Amanda Miliner has been named the 2015 Georgia Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Department of Education.

A fourth-grade teacher at Miller Elementary School, Miliner is the 2013-2014 Houston County Teacher of the Year.

The award was announced Friday during the Georgia Teacher of the Year banquet in Atlanta.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity,” said Miliner. “Being Teacher of the Year for my county is amazing. I never imagined that I would become the representative for the state. I am so blessed by this opportunity and look forward to the challenge of representing my county and state.

“A big thank you goes out to my family, friends, and fellow educators!”

Miliner will serve as an ambassador and advocate for Georgia public school systems and all of Georgia’s students and teachers. She will travel the state for numerous engagements to include recognition by the House and Senate during the Georgia General Assembly.

She will give speeches, conduct staff development, serve on statewide committees and participate in state conferences. In addition, she will compete for National Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Robin Hines commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of Mrs. Milliner! She is certainly deserving of this great honor. She is indicative of the quality of teachers we have in Houston County, and I look forward to her representing our state as Georgia’s Teacher of the Year.”

Miliner has taught for four and a half years; she began teaching at Miller Elementary on Jan. 4, 2010. She is a graduate of Warner Robins High School, where she met her husband, Kellen Miliner. Her parents are Ken and Jolene Kozak.

Miliner was one of 10 state finalists selected from 156 candidates.

Applications were initially judged by a panel of current and former classroom teachers, past Georgia Teacher of the Year winners and finalists, administrators and community leaders. She was chosen as the top winner by a panel of judges after the finalists completed interviews and videos.

The GTOTY Program spotlights the teaching profession and excellent teachers. The first Georgia Teacher of the Year was selected in 1971. Criteria for GTOTY are:

•Certified K-12 public school teacher;

•exceptional dedication, knowledge and skill;

•one who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;

•well-respected teacher admired by students, parents and colleagues;

•plays active role in the community as well as the school; and

•has the poise and energy to withstand a demanding schedule.

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