In 2016, Spanish teacher Ms. Victoria Millard was a senior at St. Pius X Catholic High School, facing an unexpected setback. She had just learned she wouldn’t be able to take her favorite class—Spanish—because she was the only student who signed up.
“I was that person who needed another AP to graduate,” she explained. “I loved Spanish, and I knew it was what I wanted to do at that point in life.” Instead, she was placed in AP Psychology, a decision that, while disappointing at the time, would later prove valuable.
After graduation, Millard pursued her passion for Spanish at Berry College, where she majored in Spanish and Education and minored in Psychology. That minor, she says, has made her a better teacher by helping her better understand her students’ needs.
Her love for Spanish never faded, and after college, Millard found herself back at St. Pius—this time at the front of the classroom. “I’ve always known Pius was home,” she said, reflecting on the support she’s felt during her transition from student to teacher.
Still, stepping into the role came with its challenges. As a non-native speaker teaching AP Spanish to a group largely made up of native speakers, Millard felt the pressure of creating a classroom where everyone could thrive.
“They bring more to the classroom than I do,” she admitted. Rather than see this as a disadvantage, she uses her students’ experiences to enrich class discussions. Often, lessons shift into a “flipped classroom” model, where she learns alongside her students, blending her expertise with their lived perspectives.
Now, as an AP teacher, Millard embraces the opportunity to dive into complex topics and guide her students toward deeper understanding. “I value bringing myself to the classroom while also figuring out what is best for my students,” she said.
Her journey—from a student fighting for the chance to study Spanish to an educator shaping the next generation of learners—has come full circle. For Millard, the classroom isn’t just where she teaches; it’s where she belongs.
