From Berks County Intermediate Unit
Pictured above, from left to right: Mr. William Bennett, Presenter / Supervisor, Special Education, Governor Mifflin School District (GMSD); Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director, Early Childhood & Student Services, BCIU; Mr. Brian Bell, Director, Student Services, GMSD; Mrs. Tracey Miller, Life Skills Support Teacher, GMSD, and 2025 Annie Sullivan Award Recipient; Dr. Lisa Peterson, Presenter / Supervisor, Special Education, GMSD; Mr. Gary McEwen, Board President, BCIU; and Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director, BCIU.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) honored 21 Annie Sullivan Award nominees on Wednesday, April 2, and of the nominees, Mrs. Tracey Miller was named the recipient of the 2025 Annie Sullivan Award. A reception and award ceremony were held at the BCIU Main Office Building, 1111 Commons Blvd., Reading. This year’s ceremony celebrated the 21 nominees, representing each of the 18 Berks County school districts, two career and technology centers, and the BCIU. Colleagues, friends, and family gathered for the event, celebrating the outstanding service and dedication of these individuals to the advocacy and well-being of students with disabilities.
The 2025 Annie Sullivan Award recipient, Mrs. Tracey Miller, Life Skills Support Teacher at Governor Mifflin High School, has made a difference in the lives of Governor Mifflin School District (GMSD) students for close to 30 years. Starting with the district in 1995, Mrs. Miller developed the middle school life skills support program and later expanded her efforts at the high school level by establishing a simulated house setting for independent living skills. She also created and still manages a school-run thrift store, diner, and coffee shop, providing students with real-world job skills. Through these initiatives, Mrs. Miller has empowered countless students to thrive both academically and personally.
In a nomination form, colleagues of Mrs. Miller shared, “Tracey has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting students with disabilities, creating innovative programs, and fostering inclusion. She continues to give back, balancing her work with a deep commitment to her family and community. Her passion, creativity, and compassion make her an ideal candidate for the Annie Sullivan Award. Through her remarkable contributions, Tracey has positively impacted countless lives and is a true advocate for all students.”
In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Miller has been a catalyst for inclusion, coaching Unified Sports Bocce, advising the Unified Mustangs club, and guiding future special educators. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she organized and ran a county-wide Job Skills Olympics and has been a dedicated community volunteer and frequent platelet donor.
In addition to Mrs. Tracey Miller, the 2025 Annie Sullivan Award nominees were:
- Anna Legg, Life Skills & Autistic Support Teacher, Antietam School District
- Susan Schwartz, Service Occupations Instructor, Berks Career & Technology Center
- Cheri Heebner, Early Intervention Lead Teacher, Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Edith Bennet, Physical Therapist, Boyertown Area School District
- Rita Kayhart, Paraprofessional, Brandywine Heights Area School District
- Winston Kendell, Custodian, Conrad Weiser Area School District
- Rachel Christman, Learning Support Teacher, Daniel Boone Area School District
- Kaisha McCulley, Director of Transportation, Exeter Township School District
- Melissa Majewski, Student Services Administrative Assistant, Fleetwood Area School District
- Nicholas Adams, Emotional Support Teacher, Hamburg Area School District
- Elizabeth Wessner, First Grade Teacher, Kutztown Area School District
- Elizabeth Chapman, Special Education Coordinator, Muhlenberg School District
- Kelly Herrmann, Special Education Teacher, Oley Valley School District
- Elizabeth Allen, Paraprofessional, Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center
- Keesha Scott, Paraprofessional, Reading School District
- Christine Nguyen, Special Education Paraprofessional, Schuylkill Valley School District
- Hanna Woolf, Life Skills & Autistic Support Teacher, Tulpehocken Area School District
- Regine Glass, Life Skills Teacher, Twin Valley School District
- Monica Lawrence, Autistic Support Teacher, Wilson School District
- Jillian Disla, Special Education Paraprofessional, Wyomissing Area School District
The Annie Sullivan Award is given in recognition of an individual who has worked to encourage the understanding and promotion of students with disabilities in his or her school or community. Annie Sullivan was Helen Keller’s devoted teacher and mentor who was nearly blind herself. After treatment, she regained her sight and committed herself to teaching the blind and deaf.
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Source: bctv