OSZ Influencer of the Week: Jamie Miller, Hamlin Elementary School

Jamie Miller is the music teacher at the new Hamlin Elementary School. She teaches every grade level throughout the day and every class throughout the week. Miller previously taught at Whispering Oak Elementary since 2017. She said music has been a pathway for her toward all the things she loves — most recently, her husband. Through her musical experiences, she now has a well-balanced career of teaching and performing, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

What brought you to your school?

I was given the opportunity to teach music at the brand-new Hamlin Elementary, because I was looking to be relocated from my previous school due to rezoning. I was selected in an interview process with our principal, Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne!

What do you love most about your school?

Teaching at a brand-new school is an amazing experience, so far. (Because) I came from the same feeder school as many of our students, my favorite part is being a familiar face to all my friends from Whispering Oak Elementary. I love that I got to bring so many of my students with me to our new school.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is getting to watch my students’ long-term growth. Teaching multiple grade levels allows you to really build relationships with students and watch them progress through all of elementary school.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to spend time with my husband and my family, especially traveling to Wisconsin, where most of my family lives. I also love to sing with my friends in a show at Epcot called “The Voices of Liberty!” I have been performing with them since 2015, and now that I’m a teacher, I perform there occasionally on the weekends and holidays or summer break. I especially love when my students get to watch me perform!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher growing up was my middle school choir teacher. She really helped shape my love for choral singing and continued being a mentor for me throughout high school, as well.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I wanted to be on Broadway, of course! I was blessed with many opportunities to participate in theater as a child and wanted a lifetime of theater to continue. I only slightly shifted to a lifetime of music making instead!

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book to use in music class is called “Mortimer.” It is hilarious and a great teaching tool for playing melodies going high and low!

What are your hobbies?

I love to play games! Some of my favorite games are “Ticket to Ride,” “Code Names” and “Double Solitaire.” 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Easy — teleportation. Why sit in traffic or waste time traveling when you could go somewhere instantly?

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Sara Bareilles, Jacob Collier and Snarky Puppy. It’s hard to limit to three for me, but these are the ones who have had the biggest influence on me as a musician and the ones who I have seen the most live in concert!

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

My dad always made my lunch for me. Always a turkey or ham sandwich, some kind of fruit, some kind of chips and 25 cents for a carton of milk. Except in kindergarten, when my dad thought I needed to work on my counting and he would put 25 pennies in my lunch box! I will never forget that.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in high school is still my best friend today! We share a big love for music and performing, and did lots of duets playing music together. She was just recently a bridesmaid in my wedding!