Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Go Huskies
COMMUNITY SERVICE & PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERIENCE
Generic

PETER B. MILLER

Grand Rapids,MI

Summary

Dedicated educational leader with more than 20 years of experience fostering student achievement, supporting educator growth, and building positive school cultures. Proven success as a middle school teacher, department chair, mentor, professional development facilitator, and community leader. Skilled in instructional leadership, staff development, relationship building, curriculum design, and student-centered decision-making. Committed to creating safe, inclusive learning environments that support academic excellence and the social-emotional development of all students.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social Studies Teacher

East Grand Rapids Middle School
East Grand Rapids, MI
01.2006 - Current
  • Teach 8th Grade U.S. History through inquiry-based instruction, historical analysis, project-based learning, and authentic assessments.
  • Previously taught 6th Grade Ancient World History and 7th Grade World Geography.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners while maintaining high academic expectations.
  • Build strong relationships with students and families to promote academic growth and student success.

Elective Course Development

  • Outdoor Education: Developed and teach an experiential learning course focused on geocaching, bird identification, nature photography, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation.
  • Food, Travel, and Culture: Created and teach an interdisciplinary course integrating nutrition, culinary skills, geography, culture, and global awareness.

Social Studies Department Chair

East Grand Rapids Middle School
East Grand Rapids, MI
  • Lead departmental collaboration focused on curriculum alignment, instructional best practices, assessment development, and continuous improvement.
  • Facilitate department meetings and support implementation of district and building initiatives.
  • Serve as a liaison between administration and teaching staff to promote communication and collaboration.
  • Support colleagues through instructional planning, curriculum development, and professional dialogue.
  • Managed and oversaw the Social Studies Department budget, ensuring responsible allocation of funds to support instructional resources, curriculum needs, and departmental initiatives.

New Teacher Community Facilitator

Kent Intermediate School District
01.2018 - 01.2022
  • Facilitated professional learning experiences for second- and third-year teachers across Kent County.
  • Designed and delivered professional development focused on classroom management, instructional practices, organization, and professional growth.
  • Conducted classroom observations and facilitated video-based lesson analysis to provide meaningful feedback and support continuous improvement.
  • Fostered a collaborative learning community that encouraged networking, mentorship, and peer support among early-career educators.
  • Supported teacher retention and instructional effectiveness through coaching and relationship building.
  • Guided new teachers through the classroom observation process by helping them prepare for formal observations, reflect on instructional practices, and complete post observation documentation and goal setting activities.

Social Studies Teacher

Godfrey-Lee Middle School
Wyoming, MI
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Taught 8th Grade U.S. History to a diverse student population.
  • Developed engaging lessons aligned with state standards and district curriculum.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to improve instruction and support school improvement efforts.
  • Maintained a positive, structured classroom environment focused on student achievement and growth.

Education

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Middle Level Education

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Micahigan State University
East Lansing

Bachelor of Arts - History

Michigan State University
East Lansing

Skills

  • Instructional Leadership
  • Teacher Coaching & Mentoring
  • Professional Development Facilitation
  • Curriculum Development & Alignment
  • School Improvement Planning
  • Staff Collaboration & Team Building
  • Conflict Resolution
  • School Culture & Climate
  • Educational Technology Integration
  • Student Behavior Support
  • School Safety & Crisis Response

Affiliations

  • EGREA Building Representative: Represented staff interests and facilitated productive communication between faculty, administration, and association leadership.
  • School Improvement Team Member: Monthly meetings with building administration department heads to address building issues, collaborate on solutions, discuss students achievement and upcoming activities.
  • Day of Caring Committee Member: Assisted in planning and coordinating school-wide service-learning initiatives that fostered student leadership, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
  • Served as an early adopter and pilot teacher for district technology and student-support initiatives, providing feedback and leadership during the rollout of 1:1 devices, digital monitoring tools, and a Flex Pass system that allows students to access targeted academic support and enrichment opportunities.
  • Played a key role in implementing the transition from traditional walk-in parent-teacher conferences to a hybrid scheduling model, improving accessibility and communication for families through both virtual and in-person meeting options.
  • Designed and led a fully organized student enrichment trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, coordinating all logistics for seven underserved students and three staff members, including travel planning, scheduling, accommodations, budgeting, and experiential learning activities centered on environmental science and exploration.

Certification

Michigan Teaching Certificate

  • Environmental Studies (NJ), Grades 6–12
  • History (CC), Grades 6–12
  • Social Studies (RX), Grades 6–12

Other Certifications

  • Certified CPR and Basic First Aid
  • Certified Wilderness First Responder
  • Certified Boater Safety Instructor by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Timeline

New Teacher Community Facilitator

Kent Intermediate School District
01.2018 - 01.2022

Social Studies Teacher

East Grand Rapids Middle School
01.2006 - Current

Social Studies Teacher

Godfrey-Lee Middle School
01.2003 - 01.2006

Social Studies Department Chair

East Grand Rapids Middle School

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Middle Level Education

Grand Valley State University

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Micahigan State University

Bachelor of Arts - History

Michigan State University

Go Huskies

  • The thousands of Forest Hills Northern High School graduates who have applied their educational experiences to make meaningful contributions in education, public service, business, healthcare, and their local communities.
  • Mike Sadler - Honored the legacy of Michigan State University football player and Forest Hills Northern alumnus Mike Sadler, known for his leadership, academic excellence, and service. Go Green!

COMMUNITY SERVICE & PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERIENCE

Kent County Sheriff's Office, Marine Deputy: April 2025 - Present: Patrol Kent County lakes and waterways to ensure compliance with Michigan marine laws and promote safe boating practices. Conduct vessel inspections and educate the public regarding boating safety and legal requirements. Respond to emergencies and provide law enforcement support during water-related incidents. Assist with public safety operations during community events, races, and recreational activities. Collaborate with law enforcement and emergency response agencies to protect public safety. In addition teach Michigan Department of Natural Resources boater safety courses to all ages.