Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is spotlighting its alumni to celebrate their diverse journeys and achievements. Penny Miller, a 1979 graduate of Arlington High School, shared her experiences and how IPS shaped her life.

After high school, Miller pursued higher education at Purdue University and Indiana University. She began her teaching career in Gallup, New Mexico, before joining IPS in 1987. Currently, she teaches kindergarten at Joseph J. Bingham School 84.

Reflecting on her time at IPS, Miller said: "I attended IPS from kindergarten through 12th grade. During that time, I had numerous teachers who inspired me to do my best in all things." Initially aspiring to be a veterinarian, she found her calling in education.

Miller fondly remembers Mrs. Lawrence from JK Lilly School 53 as a significant influence during her fourth and fifth grades. Her education at IPS instilled in her the value of lifelong learning: "I realized that I have walked into an IPS school for all but 13 years of my life."

She emphasized the importance of communication skills learned at IPS: "Communication skills and how to get work with others are probably the most valuable skills I learned." Since joining IPS as a teacher in 1987, she has encouraged students to listen and remain open-minded.

Miller has participated in various initiatives aimed at improving education within IPS. She noted that these efforts are more successful when teachers have input: "When teachers have more say in the changes, they have a better chance of succeeding."