The Power of Compassion, Consistency, and a “Try Again” Mindset
Spotlight on Vicki Millsap, Claremont Elementary Teacher of the Year
In Vicki Millsap’s third-grade classroom at Claremont Elementary, learning is not defined by perfection—it’s defined by perseverance.
There is a rhythm to her classroom. Students take risks, make mistakes, and try again. They encourage one another, celebrate effort, and grow not only as learners but as people. It’s a space built intentionally, grounded in something deeper than curriculum.
At the heart of Millsap’s teaching are three guiding principles: compassion, resilience, and consistency.
“I work to build rapport and relationships with my students, so I can challenge them to go beyond what they believe they are capable of,” she shares.
That belief shows up in every part of her classroom.
A Calling Years in the Making
Millsap’s path to education was not immediate, but it was always present beneath the surface. As a young person, she admits she didn’t always listen to the advice of adults, but over time, the words of her mother, herself an educator, began to take root.
Her mother saw something early: creativity, determination, and the ability to make complex ideas understandable. Those qualities would later become the foundation of Millsap’s success as a teacher.
Her journey into the classroom began with substitute teaching while she was searching for direction. That experience led to a role as a kindergarten paraprofessional, where the encouragement of fellow educators helped her recognize what had been there all along—a calling to teach.
From there, Millsap leaned fully into the profession, committing herself not only to teaching students but to continually growing as an educator.
Building Independent Learners
In her classroom today, Millsap focuses on developing independent, confident learners who are academically, socially, and emotionally prepared.
Her approach blends structure with flexibility. Through small group work and targeted instruction, students engage in meaningful learning experiences that challenge them to think critically and solve problems. She incorporates research-based strategies, hands-on tools, and explicit instruction to help students move from foundational understanding to deeper mastery.
For struggling readers, that might mean building fluency through intentional, science-backed practices. For young mathematicians, it means using manipulatives and strategies that help bridge the gap between concrete understanding and abstract thinking.
But just as important as academic growth is the mindset she cultivates.
In Millsap’s classroom, failure is not final—it’s part of the process.
Students are taught to embrace challenges, take risks, and adopt a “try again” mentality. That resilience becomes a powerful tool, not only for learning but for life.
Relationships That Matter
Walk into Millsap’s classroom at the start of the day, and you will likely see students greeting her with hugs or high-fives. Those moments, while small, speak volumes.
She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning. When students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more willing to take academic risks and push beyond their limits.
The impact of those relationships often extends far beyond the classroom. Former students return to visit. Families share notes of appreciation. Colleagues recognize the consistency and care she brings to her work.
“It’s humbling to know I can have a positive influence or impact on any given day,” Millsap reflects.
A Leader and Collaborator
Millsap’s influence reaches beyond her own classroom through her commitment to collaboration and mentorship.
She actively invests in her fellow educators, mentoring new teachers and helping them build strong instructional practices. For Millsap, professional growth is not just personal—it’s collective.
“My greatest contribution is investing in others, including my fellow educators and students,” she says.
Her dedication to continued learning and leadership helps create a culture of collaboration within her school, where teachers support one another and work together to improve outcomes for all students.
A Life of Service
While her professional work remains the focus, Millsap’s commitment to others extends into her community as well. She and her family have opened their home to support youth in need, offering everything from meals to mentorship. She participates in school and community events, always seeking ways to strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging.
But for Millsap, service is not about recognition; it’s about showing up.
The Teacher Students Remember
At the end of the day, Millsap measures success not by accolades, but by impact.
It’s in the student who gains confidence as a reader.
The child who learns to persevere through a challenge.
The former student who comes back years later, remembering how they felt in her classroom.
Her goal is simple, yet powerful: to be the teacher her students deserve every single day.
“I want them to embrace challenges, pursue their curiosities, and know the immeasurable value of learning,” she says.
And in Vicki Millsap’s classroom, those lessons last far beyond third grade.
Watch her story here: