Deania McMillian has been on a mission for the past 15 years. Her goal: to dramatically improve the level of math education in Louisiana. Her own teaching record at North DeSoto Middle school in Stonewall, LA, is a strong indication of her progress. Since she began teaching at DeSoto, 8th grade student scores have increased from the 57th percentile to the 79th percentile. McMillian has updated the school's math program, moving from basic worksheets to active boards, hands-on projects and cooperative learning groups.
As a master teacher for TAP™: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, McMillian works just as much with teachers as she does with students. As part of TAP™, she observes and provides valuable feedback to other math and science instructors after teaching her own classes of "teachers". McMillian also shares her methods with other teachers as a member of the Louisiana Math Fellows Academy. In this capacity, she works with the state superintendent on statewide curriculum and best practices as well as researches and field tests strategies to improve student achievement. In addition, McMillian is a Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LATAAP) mentor, providing critical advice and inspiration to fellow educators.
McMillian never seems to tire of her profession. Outside of North DeSoto Middle school, she works as a children's ministry director at First Baptist Keithville where she is responsible for teaching, organizing and planning all activities for approximately 45 kids from ages 3-12. She also serves as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor at NDMS where she works with over 200 kids on a weekly basis sharing Christ and doing service projects. She was previously named Huddle Sponsor of the Year for FCA.
1995 Louisiana State University - Shreveport, B.A.
