04-04-2025
Gov. Mifflin teacher wins 2025 Annie Sullivan Award
A life skills support teacher from Gov. Mifflin High School has been honored for her work supporting students with disabilities.
Tracey Miller was chosen from 21 finalists as the winner of the 2025 Annie Sullivan Award.
Named after the famed teacher of Helen Keller, the Annie Sullivan Award is presented each year by the Berks County Intermediate Unit in recognition of an individual who has worked to encourage the understanding and promotion of students with disabilities in their school or community.
Gov. Mifflin School District life skills support teacher Tracey Miller, center, is the winner of the 2025 Annie Sullivan Award. With her, from left, are William Bennett, Mifflin supervisor of special education; Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, director of early childhood and student services at the Berks County Intermediate Unit; Brian Bell, Mifflin director of student services; Dr. Lisa Peterson, Mifflin supervisor of special education; Gary McEwen, BCIU board president; and Dr. Jill Hackman, BCIU executive director. (Courtesy of BCIU)
Miller has worked in the Mifflin district since 1995. During her time there, she has developed the middle school life skills support program and later expanded her efforts at the high school level by establishing a simulated house setting for independent living skills.
She has also created and still manages a school-run thrift store, diner and coffee shop that provide students with real-world job skills.
'Tracey has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting students with disabilities, creating innovative programs and fostering inclusion,' a nomination statement from her colleagues said. 'She continues to give back, balancing her work with a deep commitment to her family and community.
'Her passion, creativity and compassion make her an ideal candidate for the Annie Sullivan Award. Through her remarkable contributions, Tracey has positively impacted countless lives and is a true advocate for all students.'
Along with teaching, Miller coaches Unified Sports Bocce, advises the Unified Mustangs club, organized a countywide Job Skills Olympics and guides future special education educators.
The 21 finalist for the Berks County Intermediate Unit's 2025 Annie Sullivan Award. (Courtesy of the Berks County Intermediate Unit)
In addition to Miller, the following were the other finalists:
• Anna Legg, life skills and autistic support teacher, Antietam School District.
• Susan Schwartz, service occupations instructor, Berks Career and Technology Center.
• Cheri Heebner, early intervention lead teacher, Berks County Intermediate Unit.
• Edith Bennet, physical therapist, Boyertown School District.
• Rita Kayhart, paraprofessional, Brandywine Heights School District.
• Winston Kendell, custodian, Conrad Weiser School District.
• Rachel Christman, learning support teacher, Daniel Boone School District.
• Kaisha McCulley, director of transportation, Exeter School District.
• Melissa Majewski, student services administrative assistant, Fleetwood School District.
• Nicholas Adams, emotional support teacher, Hamburg School District.
• Elizabeth Wessner, first grade teacher, Kutztown School District.
• Elizabeth Chapman, special education coordinator, Muhlenberg School District.
• Kelly Herrmann, special education teacher, Oley Valley School District.
• Elizabeth Allen, paraprofessional, Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.
• Keesha Scott, paraprofessional, Reading School District.
• Christine Nguyen, special education paraprofessional, Schuylkill Valley School District.
• Hanna Woolf, life skills and autistic support teacher, Tulpehocken School District.
• Regine Glass, life skills teacher, Twin Valley School District.
• Monica Lawrence, autistic support teacher, Wilson School District.
• Jillian Disla, special education paraprofessional, Wyomissing School District.
