Aaron Miller, an instructor of human development and family studies at Penn State, will seek a nomination for the State College Area School Board in May’s primary election, he announced this week.
Miller is a parent of two elementary-age district students and said his 10-year-old daughter strongly encouraged him to run.
“My primary reason for running in this election… is for my daughters,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “The district and the teachers have given so much to my kids, and I’m so grateful for the teachers, staff, and administration for maintaining this learning community.
“I’m passionate about education and about ensuring that all children and adolescents in our district have the opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe and caring environment.”
At the university Miller teaches courses on topics ranging from child and adolescent development to family demography to management of human service organizations.
He also noted his experience in childhood education. He and his wife were both childcare teachers while living in Seattle from 2008-11 and he served as an instructor at Penn State’s Bennett Family Center. In 2017, he was selected to participate in a policy fellowship with the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, working on issues of access and integrating early learning with the K-12 system.
His doctoral studies focused on “student motivation in elementary and middle school, why some kids thrive, and how teachers and schools can improve educational outcomes through strong bonds,” he said.
“If elected to the board I would bring my passion for early education and a perspective about how important the work is that teachers do at every level of our school system,” Miller said. “Children and adolescents in our district are facing huge personal and social challenges. It’s up to our community of educators to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As an educator myself, I will always be an ally to our teachers, who continue to make a daily difference in the lives of our students.
Miller also serves as the early childhood representative on the State High Career and Technical Center’s Local Advisory Committee.
“My work with the state and the CTC has given me a deep appreciation for the value of trades and skilled work that falls outside a traditional academic track after high school,” he said. “The resources the students in the district have to find and pursue their passions makes this district stand out.”
Miller earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in human development and family studies from Penn State.
He is a registered Democrat and plans to cross-file for both the Democratic and Republican primaries, as is typical for school board candidates.
Five State College Area School Board seats are up for election in 2023. Four are currently held by Amy Bader, Gretchen Brandt, Daniel Duffy and Laurel Zydney, while one is vacant because of Amber Concepcion’s recent resignation from the board following her appointment as Centre County commissioner.
Miller is the first candidate to publicly announce intentions to run for the board this year.
The municipal primary election is May 16. Candidates can circulate and file nomination petitions beginning Feb. 14. The general election is Nov. 7.
