Photo by Emma Delk Marshall County Board of Education President John Miller identified the relationship between a teacher and their students as the most important aspect of education.

MOUNDSVILLE — John Marshall Board of Education President John Miller believes that advancements in classroom technology will never replace the most important aspect of teaching: the relationship between a teacher and their students.

Miller began his career as a seventh-grade math teacher at Moundsville Junior High School in 1968, which was the same year John Marshall High School opened its doors.

With 41 years of total classroom teaching experience plus 16 years teaching summer school, Miller estimates he has taught close to 5,000 students.

Approximately 90 of Miller’s former students have become Marshall County Schools employees, and both his doctor and dentist are former students.

“One of the greatest joys as an educator is seeing your former students have successful careers and families,” Miller said. “I cannot emphasize how enjoyable it is to see and catch up with former students in a grocery store, gas station or restaurant.”

Now in his 13th year on the Marshall County Board of Education and his seventh as board president, Miller is eager to see future improvements for Marshall County students come to fruition.

One item on the to-do list that Miller would like to see completed before the end of his term is the John Marshall Aquatic Center. The $22 million facility with a 60,000-square-foot natatorium will be built in collaboration with WVU Medicine.

Though he has his sights set on improvements, Miller observed that the teaching profession has changed greatly since he entered the classroom over 40 years ago.

The biggest “agent of change” Miller identified in education is technology.

“The math department got its first scientific calculator in the mid-’70s, and today, that seems like ancient history,” Miller said.

“It’s hard to predict what the future holds, but technology will certainly play an increasing role.”

Since the introduction of the scientific calculator to the classroom, Miller said the integration of technology into the classroom has “continued to evolve.” He identified many advancements in regards to the technology used in career and technical education classes.

“The introduction of computerized lathes and electronic diagnostic tools in auto technology have been big changes in our CTE classrooms,” Miller said.

Another broader change in the education field Miller identified is the “dividing line” between academics and CTE becoming blurred. He noted that many of the top Marshall County students are also CTE completers, meaning the student has met the requirements for a CTE concentration.

“Who would have thought 20 years ago that robotics would find its way into high schools, then middle schools and now into elementary schools,” Miller said. “It’s an example of how CTE skills and technology have entered the classroom, and we really wouldn’t have seen that ahead of time.”

While he finds it important to embrace the further integration of technology and CTE skills in classrooms, Miller believes the relationship between an educator and their students will remain at the center of the profession.

“The use of technology will continue to evolve, but it can never replace the nurturing of a kind, caring and knowledgeable teacher who takes each child, whatever their background, and better prepares them to care for themselves, their family, their community and our nation,” Miller said. “The importance of a child knowing that there is someone that supports, encourages and cares about them cannot be over-emphasized.”

Miller added that it was also vital for county employees to “feel supported” by school administration as they work in tandem to support students.

“From the custodians to the cooks, we’re all one team, and we couldn’t function as a county without one another,” Miller said. “Every link of the chain is important, and it takes all of us working as a team to get the success we want for our students.”