10/16/2026
Let's hear from the Principal! Continuing today's 2026-27 Teacher of the Year finalist spotlight on Montu Miller of Cedar Shoals High School, here's what Cedar Shoals Principal Dr. Makeba Clark had to say about why Mr. Miller deserves to carry the banner of District Teacher of the Year!
"In my three years as principal of Cedar Shoals High School. I have watched Mr. Montu Miller do what extraordinary teachers do best: make history come alive, connect it to students’ lives, and make learning meaningful and memorable. Mr. Miller has a unique ability to meet students where they are while challenging them to reach beyond what they believed was possible. His effectiveness is reflected in his students’ achievement, with an 85% pass rate on the Advanced Placement African American Studies exam and a participation rate greater than 50%. His talents extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. His background as a hip-hop artist allows him to bridge culture and curriculum, bringing AP African American Studies to life in ways that resonate with students and deepen their understanding of history, identity, and culture.
"Step into Mr. Miller’s classroom on any given day, and you will not find passive listeners. You will find students actively engaged in high-level discussions, examining historical narratives, questioning established perspectives, and wrestling with complex ideas. He challenges students to move beyond simply learning history to understanding its relevance and their role in shaping the future. Through his instruction, students learn to think critically, challenge the status quo, and see themselves as active agents of change.
"Mr. Miller’s influence extends far beyond the history classroom. He is intentional about developing the next generation of leaders. Through his Peer Leadership classes and student-led TED-Ed Talks, he creates opportunities for students to find their voices, share their perspectives, and build the confidence, communication skills, and leadership capacity they will need beyond high school. His commitment to elevating diverse historical narratives and empowering students to think for themselves reflects the kind of educator who understands that teaching is about more than delivering content; it is about shaping lives and expanding possibilities."
Our TOTY finalist spotlights will continue on Monday, as we turn toward many of the messages of support our community has sent in!
