Carla Clark | For The Republic Rebecca Estes, Indiana Department of Education, at left, presents Twannette Miller, classified employee of the year, with the certificate of achievement naming Miller the nominee selected for Indiana’s 2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award, presented at L.C. Schmitt elementary school, Columbus, Ind., Monday, April 22, 2024.
An assistant educator in Columbus is the first-ever recipient of the RISE Award presented by the Indiana Department of Education.
The award was presented to Twanette Miller of Schmitt Elementary School for excellence from school employees without a teaching certification who provide exemplary service to students.
RISE, an acronym for “Recognizing Inspirational School Employees,” is a program not only conducted at the state level, but nationally by the U.S. Department of Education.
School officials say the award makes Miller an elite staff member without being certified an educator.
After holding positions at Schmitt over the past 17 years such as a classroom assistant and reading interventionist, Miller was surprised Monday when more than 20 individuals, including Director of Educator Talent Rebecca Estes of the Indiana Department of Education, walked into Joel Lay’s second grade classroom at Schmitt.
“I was shocked,” Miller said. “I didn’t know what was going on when I saw everyone come in.”
Surprising the recipient with the award is strongly encouraged in guidelines published by the national RISE program.
When Miller learned she is now considered among the best non-certified public school educator in all 92 Indiana counties, she described the award as a blessing.
However, Miller seemed to beam while described the satisfaction she receives in the classroom.
“I just love making the connection (with a child), and when they struggle and finally make that connection of learning, I love seeing the look of surprise on their face when they finally get it,” she said.
In her nomination letter, Schmitt principal Kaity Day described Miller as “a shining star” and a “beacon of positivity.” The principal went on to say:
“Every day, (Miller) arrives with a warm smile that brightens the halls and welcomes students and staff alike. Her enthusiasm for her role as an educator creates a nurturing atmosphere that encourages students to flourish and grow. One of the remarkable qualities that sets Twanette apart is her extraordinary patience and kindness when working with students. She takes the time to understand each child’s unique needs and strives to meet them.”
Estes thanked Miller for the extraordinary service she provides children while presenting her the award.
“It is so needed, and we appreciate your dedication,” Estes said.
Miller is considered a Pathway Paraeducator. Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Superintendent Jim Roberts says she is part of a program BCSC joined a few years ago to help those with some college credits in specific areas make a transition that eventually leads to teaching certification.
That is achieved by having the person employed by the school corporation, involving them in classroom settings, and providing real experiences from a teaching standpoint while simultaneously earning their certification, Roberts said.
While Miller was taken back a bit by the surprise recognition, perhaps the most rewarding endorsement she received on Monday came from her 9-year-old granddaughter, Kali Miller.
“She is like a really nice person, so I’m not really surprised she got the award,” Kali said. “She’s just really good with kids. She helps me and (sister) Kaia sometimes on our homework, or anything we have trouble on.”
Miller now moves on to an award consideration at a larger level. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select one single individual from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the outlying areas to receive the national RISE Award late this spring.
