Tara Miller, Ed.D
Assistant Professor of Education
Education Ìý´¥ÌýÌý School of Professional Studies
About
Education – Degrees & Certifications
- Ìý
- Bachelor’s of Science: Elementary & Early Childhood Education, Millersville UniversityÌý
- Master’s of Education: Assessment, Curriculum & Instruction, Millersville UniversityÌý
- Doctorate of Educational Leadership: Curriculum & Instruction, Wilkes UniversityÌý
- Instructional II Level Teaching Certificate K-6, N-3Ìý
- STEM Endorsement K-12Ìý
- Online Teaching Endorsement K-12Ìý
Dr. Tara Miller brings 16 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, having taught every grade from Pre-K through fifth grade. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for innovation in education, founding and implementing an inquiry-based elementary STEM program as well as a K–5 online and hybrid learning program.
Her research has deepened her understanding of the many factors contributing to teacher shortages and the importance of creating accessible pathways into the teaching profession. As a member of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø community, Dr. Miller is proud to support an institution that offers prospective teachers multiple avenues to enter the field and pursue their passion for education. She is committed to advancing educational opportunities and helping shape the future of the teaching profession.
- EDUC2130: Child, Family & CommunityÌý
- EDUC2160: Technology for TeachersÌý
- SPEC3110: Classroom ManagementÌý
- EDUC3155: Developmental Assessment IÌý
- ECE110: Intro to Early ChildhoodÌý
- ECE2115: Curriculum & PlanningÌý
- ECE3130: Science MethodsÌý
- EDUC3165: Developmental Assessment IIÌýÌý
Shaping the Future: Factors Influencing the Career Decisions of Preservice Teachers 2026 (dissertation)ÌýÌý
- Qualitative phenomenological methodÌýÌý
- Explored preservice teachers’ decision-making during student teaching experiencesÌý
- Examined influences on career commitment
RESEARCH INTERESTSÌý
- Preservice teacher development, teacher retention and career commitment, curriculum and instruction, online learning environments, STEM and inquiry-based learningÌý
GRANTS & AWARDSÌý
- ÌýISTE & ASCD Generation AI Deep Dive for Educators Scholarship (2025)Ìý
- ÌýPlanet Bee Seed Ball Grant (2025)Ìý
- ÌýPlanet Bee Beyond HarvestED Grant (2024)Ìý
- ÌýGreen Dragon Foundation Grant (2023)Ìý
- ÌýPPL STEM Educator Award Grant (2023)Ìý
- PETE&C Conference (February 2026, Hershey PA)Ìý
- Regional Professional Development (October 2025, Selinsgrove PA)Ìý
- Big Ideas for Little Learners: Using AI with K-6 StudentsÌý
- PSU Dive Deeper Summit (September 2025, Harrisburg PA)Ìý
- Get Your Feet Wet with WATERSÌý
- PETE&C Conference (February 2025, Hershey PA)Ìý
- You’re the STEM Teacher, Now What?!Ìý
- Pennsylvania Department of Education SAS Institute (December 2024, Hershey PA)Ìý
- Regional Professional Development (October 2024, Selinsgrove PA)Ìý
- Crash Course AIÌý
- Regional Professional Development (October 2023, Milton PA)Ìý
- All For One and All for STEM
POLICY, STANDARDS & ASSESSMENTÌý
- CSTA Policy Committee Selectee (2025-2027)Ìý
- CSTA IMPACT Fellowship Reviewer (2025), Responsible AI Fellowship Reviewer (2025)
- CSTA K-12 Standards Revision Reviewer (2025-2026)
- PDE/DRC Data Item Review selectee, 5th grade science (2025)
- PDE/DRC Rangefinding selectee, 5th grade science (2025)
- PDE/DRC PSSA New Item Review Committee selectee, 5th grade science (2024, 2025)
- PDE Science Learning Community, Science Curriculum Framework Vocabulary Committee (2023)Ìý
AI, INNOVATION & EMERGING TECHNOLOGYÌý
- CSIU AI Champion, district administration referred (2025)Ìý
- National STEM Festival Judge (2025)Ìý
- NATIONAL & REGIONAL STEM LEADERSHIPÌý
- ISTE&ASCD StretchAI Beta Team selectee (2024)Ìý
- National STEM Competition Judge (2023, 2024)Ìý
- Contagious Intelligence Solution Squad: STEM Camp Leader (2021, 2023- present)Ìý
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & OUTREACHÌý
- PETE&C Proposal Reviewer (2024)Ìý
- WATERS Master Teacher (2022-present)Ìý
- Camp Invention Instructor (2022)Ìý
- Vacation Bible School, session facilitator (2018-2024)Ìý