Class Acts: A Q&A With Jack Miller

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Jack Miller was nominated for Class Acts by Paul Brogan, a past student. Brogan said Miller has high expectations for his students and athletes and cares about them. He is extremely dedicated not only to the students, but also to his school, profession and family. Brogan said, “Every time I read Class Acts, I immediately think of Jack.”

Name: Jack Miller

Age: 54

Modesto Bee - Jack Miller, December 16, 2008 for Class acts. (Steve Kosko / The Modesto Bee)

City of residence: Manteca

Occupation: History teacher and varsity football coach at Manteca High School

Family: Married to wife, Mary, for 27 years; son Sammy, 21, attending University of Nevada, Reno; son Kevin, 18, attending University of California at Davis

Background: Graduate of Granada High School, Livermore, 1972; earned bachelor’s in history from University of California at Davis, 1976; teaching credential from Chico State, 1978; and master’s in education from, University of LaVerne, 1986

Teaching experience: One year, Livermore High School; two years, Lincoln Elementary in Manteca; 28 years, Manteca High School

Why did you get into teaching? As a kid, I really enjoyed reading, especially about history and sports. My parents always made sure to show the family historical spots when we traveled. I also loved being involved in sports. Teaching allows me to combine both of these in my daily life. I was also very fortunate to have some outstanding teachers and coaches. I thought it would be cool to do this for a living.

What is your favorite part about being a teacher? I like working with people, both the young people I teach and coach, and I enjoy the interaction with the other teachers. There is a lot of intrinsic reward from watching and, hopefully helping kids to succeed in the classroom and on the athletic field.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Working with students who are not very interested or motivated to learn.

Favorite teaching tool or activity in the classroom: I like to include music and other forms of popular culture in the classroom. I try to get kids to discuss the significance of historical events and compare them to their own lives. Sometimes we simulate historical events.

What’s next in your classroom? The Roaring 20s, which involves some student activities and lots of great music.

Advice for new teachers: Get involved in the school community; attend school activities like sporting events, theater productions and band performances. Pay attention to other teachers who are doing good things in the classroom.

Advice for students: Find something in the school that interests you and get involved. Schools have a great variety of activities and many people that are committed to helping young people succeed.

Advice for parents: Stay involved in your kids’ lives. It’s still OK to ask your child, “What did you do at school today?”

Future plans: I’m having fun teaching and coaching. I’d like to continue for the foreseeable future.

How do you reach students not interested in school? I try to show them I care about them and their success. I encourage them to participate. I try to make a connection to something that does interest them.

What would surprise people about your job? I think it would surprise people to know the amount of time involved outside the classroom to do the job correctly.

What did you do on your summer vacation? I spent three to four evenings a week at the school working with the football team. My wife and I traveled to Iowa to watch our oldest son play baseball in a college summer league. We prepared to send our youngest son off to college.

COMPILED BY JILLIAN HANKS, BEE NEWSROOM ASSISTANT