A balancing act as teacher, admin, ACT president

San Vicente Elementary School vice principal Betty Miller shares with Saipan Tribune how she fulfills all the important roles in her life as a mother, school administrator, and president of the Association of Commonwealth Teachers.

[B]Question: How are you able to manage your time as a mother, school administrator, and teachers’ group president all at the same time?
[/B] Answer: At times it can be difficult to balance my responsibilities as a mother, school administrator, and president of ACT. However, I find that, if I prioritize and manage my time carefully, I’m fairly successful. It helps that my family and colleagues are understanding and supportive, as well as forgiving when I do make mistakes!

[B]Q. What particular issues are you concerned about as a mother, administrator, and teachers’ group head? [/B]

A. I think I worry about the same things all parents worry about: making sure my kids are safe and healthy. Believe it or not, you don’t stop worrying about these things when they are grown and out on their own; sometimes I think I worry more now! As an administrator and president of ACT there are many issues and concerns that come my way on a daily basis. I do my best to provide assistance to the best of my ability, but I am not perfect in doing so. When the going gets tough, I try to remember these responsibilities do not define who I am. At the end of the day, I’m still just Betty Miller: teacher at heart, proud parent, and imperfect human being!

[B]Q. What satisfaction do you get from these various tasks?
[/B] A. I can’t begin to describe the joy that I feel from the various roles I have in my life. Each is an important part of the whole.

[B]Q. For you, which among the three roles is more important to fulfill?[/B]

A. I wouldn’t say any role is more “important” than another. My children know that they will always be my No. 1 priority, and I don’t miss an event that they have requested I attend (such as sports, etc.) However, my kids respect and admire all that I am trying to do professionally, so they pitch in and help out at school events, etc., as well. There are opportunities for my family to support me at work just as much as I support them outside work. For us, it’s about maintaining a healthy balance between the needs of your family, your work, and yourself!

[B]Q. Do you have a legacy you want to leave your family, school, and PSS teachers?[/B]

A. Wow, when you ask about legacy, I feel like I’m some sort of a legend. I’m just like every other parent and teacher out there. I love my kids, I want what is best for them (both at home and at school) and I work hard to make sure they have all that they need. The same concept applies to my role as president of ACT. When teachers express a need, I do the best I can to see that it is addressed. Happy parents lead to happy children, while happy teachers lead to happy students!
[B] Q. Do you have any memorable experiences while fulfilling all these duties?[/B]

A. I’d say one of my most memorable experiences was when our school was trying to raise funds to assist with hosting the Micro Games on Saipan. The students designed a skit about the importance of the Micro Games and how they almost didn’t happen, and our family fun day included a booth were the kids could challenge a national athlete from the CNMI basketball or volleyball teams. The children were so excited to have the opportunity to challenge an athlete on one of the national teams, and we managed to raise over $300 to support these teams in the Micro Games. I was also a proud parent in that both of my children participated as national team athletes in this event.