As this year’s recipient of the UCCS College of Education’s Teaching and Learning Distinguished Alumni Award, Jenna Miller exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose in education. A Colorado Springs native, she now works in District 11 as an instructional coach at the middle school level.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to work in the community that shaped me,” Jenna shared. “I attended these schools as a student, and now I get to help create opportunities for the next generation.”
As an instructional coach, Jenna mentors teachers and designs apprenticeship programs to inspire future educators.
“The most rewarding part of this work — and what has always mattered most to me — is the impact on student achievement,” she said. “When teachers have someone in their corner, the road to student success becomes a little easier to walk.”
Jenna earned degrees in Inclusive Elementary Education from UCCS in 2019 and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2023.
“UCCS felt like the right choice because it allowed me to stay connected to my community while receiving a high-quality education,” Jenna explained. “The program valued inclusion, real classroom experience, and strong relationships — and that’s exactly what I needed.”
The emphasis on culturally responsive teaching and inclusive practices became the cornerstone of her career.
“The coursework and professors pushed me to think deeply about students, systems, and my role as an educator,” she said. “That reflection prepared me for the realities of the classroom and continues to influence my work today.”
Before becoming an instructional coach, Jenna spent five years teaching elementary students in Harrison School District 2.
“Those first five years were especially meaningful because I taught at the same school where I started as a student teacher,” she said. “That experience allowed me to build deep roots early in my career and shaped the educator I am today.”
Jenna’s commitment to equity and student success earned her the Teaching and Learning Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor she describes as both humbling and affirming.
“Personally, and professionally, I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” she said. “My time at UCCS was foundational to my growth, not just as an educator, but as a person. To be recognized by the institution that helped shape me means more than I can fully put into words.”
Beyond her work in schools, Jenna has made a national impact through her Teachers Pay Teachers store, Oh Happy Day Teaching. Teachers Pay Teachers is an open marketplace where teachers share, sell, and buy original educational resources in various digital and downloadable formats.
“As a new teacher, I noticed a gap in instructional materials for upper elementary students,” she explained. “Instead of continuing to search, I started creating my own.”
What began as a passion project now ranks among the top 1 percent of sellers on the platform.
“Helping teachers love the classroom they’re in — and feel supported while doing hard work — is truly one of my favorite roles,” Jenna said.
And while her passion for teaching is a huge part of her life, Jenna also finds joy in her close family relationships.
“I have three siblings who inspire me every day, and my husband is my biggest supporter. I truly could not do this work without him in my corner,” she said.
That support has enabled Jenna to stand alongside countless students, helping them build the skills to read, engage with text, and see themselves as confident, capable learners. As her career continues, she will undoubtedly reach even more students, empowering each one to unlock their full potential.