She Made History!

By HELENE & CHARLES DEBELAK
FounderS-in-Residence

Connie Miller, one of our valued veteran teachers, is retiring this year. Having taught at Birchwood School of Hawken for 32 years, it is nearly impossible to describe Mrs. Miller’s contributions to our school – both as an exemplary teacher and in her vital role in sustaining our mission.

Mrs. Miller taught 5th-8th grade Social Studies. She delved deeply into how to infuse her students in the way that historians and geographers think, the tools that they use, and their passion for their disciplines. 

Her lessons were rich in experiential learning for her students: They created biography quilts, went to museums, conducted research downtown at the Cleveland Public LIbrary, created presentations using various media, practiced project-based learning that included elements of choice and agency, engaged in discussions created to develop reasoning skills, had debates – and the list goes on and on. 

Likewise, Connie understood that skills undergird authentic experiences, e.g. map skills, geography lessons, research skills, and study skills. In all areas, her goal was to develop agency within each student. 
Mrs. Miller realized that in order to teach, she herself needed to grow in these areas. She expanded her abilities through conferences, journals, and as a select participant in the Teaching Cleveland Institute. With the skill of an artist, she blended experience and skills into an elegant curriculum.

Mrs. Miller is a master teacher.

Through decades of guiding students through the National History Day program, Mrs. Miller affected the lives of hundreds of students. To undergo the rigor of this program demands an astute understanding of how to lead young students through each element of historical research and modes of presentation. 

Under her guidance, students realized that long-term projects can be accomplished by a series of short-term goals, and in the process they developed qualities of diligence and persistence. Throughout a lengthy involvement with their topic, she found opportunities to broaden their soul and develop empathy. 

The amount of time she spent outside of the classroom studying scripts and coaching presentations is immeasurable; it attests to her focus on each student under her care. It’s no wonder that her students have dominated the district competitions, that groups of students became national qualifiers, and that several have placed in the top three in the country. 

Mrs. Miller also served on panels that taught teachers the National History Day program, has judged at all levels, and continues to judge at the senior level. She also earned the distinction of being named the Ohio History Day Teacher of the Year in 2010.

Because of her shared belief in our vision of how children can actualize their potential, Mrs. Miller walked shoulder to shoulder with Birchwood’s founders and founding teachers to work out our mission in practice. Her sight was clear: We would be able to equip children to thrive and grow.

Therefore, she was willing to do whatever was needed to make it happen. Wax floors? Sure. Find the best prices for furniture? She’s on it. Dress code and car line committees? The first to help. 

She devoted herself to understand the tenets of our mission, hold them closely herself, and guide others to do the same. She endeavored to grow in the practices that carry them out – always in the spirit of teamwork. She was a leader by her example and virtue. 

Besides all of that, Mrs. Miller is a great person! On behalf of the Birchwood community, past and present, we are deeply grateful that she could be alongside us for three decades.

Founders-in-Residence Helene and Charles Debelak together founded Birchwood School in 1984. The Debelaks have dedicated their lives to educating children as well as guiding and mentoring other educators. This article appeared in the  Summer 2025 edition of the school's monthly newsletter, "The Clipboard." 
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