Apr 28, 2026 Faculty Melissa Miller selected as a 2026 Johns Hopkins Sara D. Barder Fellow

Melissa Miller, a lecturer in the School of Education at CSUCI, was recently selected as a 2026 Johns Hopkins Sara D. Barder Fellow. The fellowship recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong impact on student learning.

Selected through a competitive nomination and application process that begins with student nominations, the fellowship highlights educators whose teaching reflects excellence in instructional practice and a significant impact on student learning. Miller's work focuses on middle school mathematics instruction, with an emphasis on curriculum and assessment design that promotes student engagement, reasoning, and mathematical communication.

Over the past two years, her work has included curriculum and assessment design, including supporting a shift to standards-based grading practices, as well as the design of a state assessment preparation program focused on problem-solving, justification, and student discourse.

Her fellowship experience continues to inform her teaching at CSUCI, particularly in preparing future educators in LS 322 to design inclusive, safe classrooms and support rigorous, equitable learning experiences for all students.