Have you ever noticed the way someone uses the word “like” every few seconds, or how they tilt their head when they’re thinking? If you’ve ever sat in Mrs. Mills’ classroom, you’d know exactly what to call that: “That’s an idiosyncrasy, duh?”
After 29 memorable years at Warren, Mrs. Mills is finally approaching the finish line of her teaching career and she’s doing it with the same charm and wit that made her classroom unforgettable. No more impromptu essays, no more rereading the same novel for the twelfth time (we’re looking at you, The Great Gatsby) .After all her hard work, retirement has finally come.
But before we send her off with confetti and well wishes, let’s rewind a bit.
At just seventeen, Mrs. Mills decided to join the Horned Frogs (yes, they’re actually lizards) by attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She began studying Psychology and added an English minor in her sophomore year. With a love for learning and a heart for helping others, she earned her teaching certification and launched her career in education.
Her journey began in Texas, where she taught for four years before heading north to Kentucky for another two. Eventually, life brought her and her husband to Gurnee, where fate, and a job search, led her to Warren. She started as a permanent substitute teacher, but her dedication and passion quickly earned her a full-time position. And just like that, the Blue Devil chapter of her story began.
(Fun Fact: Mrs. Mills’ daughter is now a 2nd-grade teacher at Woodland, teaching clearly runs in the family!)
Mrs. Mills didn’t just teach English, she made it come alive. Whether you loved literature or dreaded the poetry unit the most, she found ways to keep students engaged. From spirited class discussions to connecting books with real-life experiences, she created a classroom where everyone’s voice mattered. And who could forget her own idiosyncrasy, nodding her head while mockingly declaring, “Yes, Mrs. Mills, we do understand!” whenever the class went quiet. Even the most stone-faced students couldn’t help but crack a smile.
But beneath the humor was a teacher who genuinely cared, not just about test scores, but about shaping thoughtful, confident, and kind human beings. Her classroom was a space where students learned to think deeply, speak openly, and see stories, and each other, from new perspectives.
Okay, enough of the corny stuff, what’s next for Mrs. Mills?
For the first time in three decades, she won’t be spending her days with 17-year-olds. Instead, she’ll be with her cat instead, Max and Leo! But also she’s looking forward to traveling, picking up new hobbies, and spending more time with her family, especially her two grandchildren in New Orleans. Maybe we’ll even spot her at Mardi Gras one day!
As she says goodbye to red pens, Powerschool, and hallway hellos, she gets more time to pick up new books and puzzles, although Mrs. Mills leaves us with one last piece of advice:
“My advice to the new generation is to be open to new experiences and opportunities that present themselves and don’t let fear stand in the way. Live life in the real world and not just behind a screen.
Mrs. Mills, your students, past and present, are cheering you on as you begin this exciting new chapter. You’ll be missed not just as a teacher, but as a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of smiles in the halls of Warren.
Happy retirement, you’ve earned every minute of it!
