Pikesville Teacher Honored by County Executive

When the only Maryland teacher to ever win a spot in the National Teachers Hall of Fame gives advice about how to structure a lesson and help students remember the material, everyone listens.

"Don't try to do too much in one lesson ... just a little bit with lots of practice," said Paul Miller, 94, who continues to teach math at Ner Israel High School in Pikesville.

"And when you think you have that, go on to the next. And anything you have taught, no matter how far back it was, always come back to it, note it in a test or something," he said Tuesday at the Baltimore County executive's office during a ceremony to honor his upcoming June 17 induction into the hall of fame in Emporia, KS.

On that day, Miller will join four other teachers from Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington in the annual induction.

The Pikesville resident has been a teacher for a total of 76 years—53 years so far at Ner Israel. "Teaching isn't hard, just make your plans, and make sure you get enough repetition in so the students are successful. And when they are successful—you are," Miller added.

"In general, I have found that every day has something to look forward to," Miller said.

That advice caught the attention of Don Mohler, a former teacher and retired principal, and current chief of staff to County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. "I look at Mr. Miller in absolute awe," Mohler said after the ceremony.

"To watch Mr. Miller stand up there and enthusiastically still talk about teaching and his students, and to hear him describe a quality lesson, it's just amazing ... The years of experience and that enthusiasm ... Every young person should have a Paul Miller as their teacher."

Miller is a father of seven and grandfather to 12. Many of his family members reside in Pikesville, and more than a dozen were on hand for the county ceremony.

Kamenetz gave an executive citation to Miller, and County Councilwoman Vicki Almond presented him with a resolution on behalf of the county council.

"I think that really is an incredible event and we are very proud of you," Kamenetz said of the induction. "I think of the hundreds of kids whose lives you have touched, and that is something that is everlasting, because they will always remember Mr. Miller.

"You should be enormously proud of not only this prestigious recognition, but of everything you have accomplished throughout your long and distinguished career."

Finally, he wished Miller "many, many years of productive and successful classes."

Almond congratulated him as well. "We're very proud of you, and I am especially proud because you live in my district," she said. Almond represents District 2, which includes Pikesville.

When Kamenetz asked Miller what is next for him, Miller responded, "Prepare for finals."