The Vacaville Unified School District is thrilled to announce Buchanan Miles as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Miles has been a Hemlock teacher for 21 years and has taught grades kindergarten, four, five, and six in that impressively long tenure. He is a selfless teacher dedicated to the school and his students. Buchanan is among the first few teachers who arrive on campus each day and one of the last to leave each night. He is also seen on weekends helping on campus and preparing for the week. Building relationships with families and students is something Mr. Miles prioritizes, and it shows in his classroom and on campus. Besides being an excellent, well-organized teacher, he makes a BIG impact in creating a positive school culture. For the harvest festival at Hemlock, he is known for his creative and spooky haunted house with a line that stretches around his building! He uses the proceeds from his haunted house to take his students on field trips each year. This year they have already been to the CA Academy of Sciences.
Additionally, he plans, organizes, and runs Hemlock's student council. Each year he helps students apply to run, supports them in campaigning, and hosts speeches for candidates to share their vision for our school with the student body. He believes that students should be leaders too!
Mr. Miles knows how important it is to show care for others, whether they are attending Hemlock or all grown up. He runs sunshine on campus and sends love and care to staff when they need it most. One of the many things he does is plan the staff's monthly luncheons that are sumptuous and enjoyed by all. These events keep the Hemlock staff close-knit and improve the overall school climate.
Mr. Mile's commitment to our students and community extends beyond Hemlock. After serving in the military, he became a teacher. He continued to serve as a reservist while teaching for the first few years of his tenure with VUSD. He also has a background in the performing arts and has shared that love with students over the years. He continues to share his expertise through coaching color guard. He is currently the color guard coach for Vacaville High School and three other high schools in the surrounding area. This year, the Vaca High Color Guard team won the bronze medal at the National Color Guard Competition.
Teachers of Mr. Mile's caliber are exceptional and should be treasured. He deserves the honor of Vacaville Unified School District's Teacher of the Year for 2022 -23!