BELFAST — The University of Maine has honored a Waldo County educator for her work in the field of education. 

Earlier this month, RSU 71 Assistant Superintendent and Director of Curriculum Laura Miller was named a recipient of the Outstanding Scholarly-Practitioner in Educational Leadership Ed.D. Student Award. 

“The Outstanding Scholarly-Practitioner in Educational Leadership Ed.D. Student award is presented to a student in the University of Maine’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in educational leadership who has demonstrated a deep dedication to being a steward in the field of education,” according to the university. “The recipient understands the importance of connecting theory to practice, addresses inequities through their problem of practice and remains dedicated to their graduate studies to improve outcomes for the communities they serve.” 

Miller has just completed the second year of the four-year program under the advisement of Dr. Ian Mette. 

She is part of a cohort that includes a dozen educators from outside the Midcoast such as Bangor, Lincoln and Old Town.

Captain Albert Stevens School principal Glen Widmer is also a member of the cohort. 

Miller and Bucksport High School principal Josh Tripp, the other recipient of this award, were asked to serve as an adjunct instructor for an educational supervision course for individuals pursing a master’s degree in the university’s educational leadership program.  

“[Miller’s] problem of practice focuses around issues of supervision and feedback that can help better develop reflective stances in teachers,” the University of Maine educational leadership faculty said in a statement. “Laura goes above and beyond the requirements of the program and directly applies concepts taught in the Ed.D. program to her work as a scholarly-practitioner.”

Miller described the opportunity to serve as an adjunct instructor as a “fabulous learning experience.” 

Miller has longstanding ties to the RSU 71 school district, first as a student from sixth grade through graduation and then as a teacher, elementary school principal and central office administrator since 1983.  

“I have been honored to work with so many professionals that have been exceptional role models and encouraged me to continue learning and growing as a professional,” she said. “I hope that I am able to be that same role model for others. It continues to be an honor to serve the students and families of RSU #71. I am so grateful to each and every one of them.”    RSU 71 Superintendent Mary Alice McLean praised Miller in an email.    “We are very proud of and grateful for Laura Miller, who is a top-notch educator in every possible way,” McLean said.