Miller, James  

BOYCOTT!!!

He is SO KNOWLEDGEABLE about schools & the teaching profession. This class gives you awesome insight for what it's like to be a teacher. The tests are based off the lectures so go to the ONE HOUR LECTURE ONCE A WEEK and take good notes. Loved this class!

First off just let me say that I loved the field experience aspect of this course. It was an amazing opportunity and I enjoyed every second of it. However, when it came to the professor, I was unimpressed. For some reason the entire class was about English language learners, which is fine except for the fact that he was very biased about the subject. Its a 2 unit class yet his grading is extremely harsh and he is very rude whenever someone would ask him a question. Also, DO NOT FORGET YOUR COVERSHEETS! I asked a person in the class if we were required to attach it to the assignment and they said no. When I looked up Mr. Miller was standing right over me listening to our conversation. I figured, if he overheard us and had no objections, it must be fine. I was dead wrong and had a huge chunk of points taken off for it. This really bugged me because not only did it seem like he wanted me to lose those points, he also took off points for something that had nothing to do with the physical work I had turned it. I got marked off not because my writing was flawed or because my work was incomplete. No, I got marked off because I didn't attach a sheet of paper HE WROTE to my report. It seems as though he really wanted to make this class as hard as possible and his bad attitude really put me off. I know you can't avoid this class as an LS major, but I can say with confidence that he is my least favorite teacher so far. I never thought I would have an LS teacher who would make me feel like they didn't want me to succeed...

He is an interesting guy. I could never really tell when he was joking or being serious. He is extremely educated and involved with the LS department. His tests are a little bit hard. I would not completely recommend him.

Miller is a pretty straight forward professor, what he asks for is exactly what he expects. He doesn't throw stuff in your face out of no where. He tells you up front what he wants and if you don't present that in his class, your grade will suffer. He is the former principal for Pacheco Elementary School, the man knows a lot about elementary education. I highly recommend you take his class seriously, listen to the knowledge and advice he is giving you for the future. Also, I adore the volunteer aspect of the class. Get to know the teacher you volunteer with and help her in every way possible. One day that will be you up there teaching that class, so work your butt off and learn how to be the best teacher possible!

Considering it was a 2 unit class, there was a fair amount of writing involved. Prof Miller is a bit taciturn, but he really knows his stuff. Engage yourself in his lectures, ask questions, and answer his, and you'll do just fine. He lays out expectations, and he doesn't waver from them. Overall, a good professor, and I would recommend him.