Getting to Know SDCOE: Chrys Miller, Early Education Teacher of the Year

Chrys Miller believes that teaching is a journey for the student, their family, and the teacher.

“Teaching is an honor, a gift to share, powerful but humbling at the same time,” she explained. “My teaching reflects a deep commitment to the well-being and growth of both students and their families.”

Miller educates some of our youngest students along with their family members as a teacher with the HOPE Infant Family Support program. In that role, she visits families in their homes throughout North County.

“One of the standout qualities of Chrys is her natural ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with those around her,” said Senior Manager Renee Welch. “Whether she’s working with young children or collaborating with families in need, Chrys fosters an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and seen.”

For Miller, teaching is more than just a profession.

“It’s a collaborative, compassionate journey that requires both understanding and empathy,” she said. “I go into each teaching opportunity with a clear outlook and open mind. I want to recognize who the family is and listen to their hopes, dreams, and challenges — then work together to overcome the obstacles that are in the way for a successful future.”

She is one of two leads of the HOPE Infant Family Support team’s family involvement workgroup, providing HOPE families the opportunity to connect with each other in a variety of planned events. She also implemented the monthly Power of Play program, which helps families connect with each other.

As someone who loves learning, Miller was inspired to become an educator by her own teachers.

“I was fortunate to have teachers that made me want to learn, to challenge myself, and to explore new possibilities,” she said.

She has worked as a substitute teacher in both general and special education classrooms, a preschool teacher, a Migrant Education provider, and a bilingual special education teacher. Although she retired in 2013, she worked as a substitute teacher from 2014 to 2020 and put retirement on hold in 2020 to return to work full time.

“I am so happy to be a part of SDCOE in this journey of inclusiveness and belonging for our students and families,” she said about returning to work.