May 8^th, 2024 Welcome Stuart Miller | Evaluation and Certification Specialist

What is your job title, and what will you be doing?

My job title is Evaluation and Certification Specialist. I will be working on the design and implementation of the academy's certification program and am currently involved in developing the knowledge assessment that will be one component of that process. Additionally, I will be contributing to the evaluation of the academy's training programs (i.e., the extent to which we are achieving our objectives). With New Worker rolling out, it's an exciting time to be a part of the team!

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA.

I recently completed my PhD in psychology at Kansas State University. Much of the focus of my research was on the psychology of prejudice as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning. Over the past 15 years, I have held several different positions at Kansas State University. As a full-time instructor, I taught courses on research methods and program evaluation. As a program analyst in the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy, I conducted evaluation research for federally-funded inservice teacher training on culturally responsive pedagogy. These and other work experiences have prepared me to contribute to the evaluation and certification mission of the academy, but I hope to learn more from the talented people here.

How long have you been working in your field?

I've been working in some capacity as a researcher, analyst, or database specialist ever since I started my first research assistant job as an undergraduate student in 1994.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I've most enjoyed the people that I have worked with. Whether that was a collaborator on a project, a student I taught or mentored, or just the people I would see around the office, I've enjoyed being part of a community. Learning from and with others, and having a positive effect on others is very rewarding for me. From the people I have met so far, I am confident that will continue to be true here at the academy.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am especially passionate about using data and research to tackle difficult problems, and I suppose that in an indirect way, I hope the work I do will help make people's lives better in some way. 

What are you surprisingly good at? (or what do you wish you were good at)?

I think I am good at singing. That surprises my wife and son who keep asking me to stop, lol.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Food! Cooking the food, eating the food, reading and watching shows about the food, talking about food with others. I also really enjoy the outdoors, running, going to events, and spending time with my family (especially my wife, son, and doggos--Pepper and Bennie).

What else should we know about you?

I am originally from Bettendorf, Iowa (part of the Quad Cities just down the river on the Mississippi) and got my bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa (don't hate me because they always beat UMN in sportsball). I've also lived in Providence, RI; York, England; and Manhattan, KS. I am loving Minnesota and the Twin Cities and am very happy to be here.