Amber Miller is a passionate educator, researcher, and advocate for children’s literature. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Virginia, she specializes in integrating literature into the elementary curriculum and helping to shape the next generation of teachers. With a background as an elementary school teacher and a deep love for reading, Amber has combined her expertise in education with her dedication to promoting diverse, impactful literature for young readers.

Amber and her family have called Alanton home for the past six years. Their appreciation for the neighborhood runs deep, particularly because of its strong sense of community and the natural beauty in the neighborhood and surrounding areas. "We love the sense of community, our kind and supportive neighbors, and being surrounded by all that nature has to offer," she says, and "I love seeing my students and their families out and about in the neighborhood!"

Amber’s path to becoming an expert in Children's Literature is rooted in her love of teaching and learning, and in being an avid reader herself. She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University and a Master's in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia. Throughout her career, Amber has taught in kindergarten and first grade and credits these experiences with shaping her approach to literacy instruction.

“I am fortunate to combine my love for teaching and children's literature in my research focus,” she explains. Amber’s passion for integrating literature into the elementary curriculum and her commitment to fostering a love of reading among young learners led her to pursue a career in teacher preparation and development. Her work emphasizes engaging literacy instructional practices, and she strongly advocates for the role of diverse, culturally rich books in the classroom.

Amber finds her work as an educator deeply fulfilling, particularly in the realm of literacy. “Teaching students how to read and exposing them to rich and diverse literature is one of the most rewarding experiences a teacher can have,” she says. She believes that literacy is not just about reading words on a page—it’s about opening doors for children to understand the world, empathize with others, and grow into thoughtful, caring citizens.

For Amber, the key to teaching is understanding each student as an individual. “Armed with an understanding of who your students are, where they come from, and what matters to them, you can cultivate children as thoughtful, caring citizens, and empower them to become lifelong agents of change,” she notes.

Staying updated on the latest trends and developments in the field of children’s literature is a priority for Amber. She is actively involved in her local community, volunteering in the Cooper Library at Norfolk Academy. There, she not only has access to one of the most diverse collections of children’s literature but also engages with students to discuss the books they’re reading and what excites them.

“I also peruse the lists of books that have received awards and honors from the American Library Association, Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and many more,” she adds. Amber also supports the mission of *We Need Diverse Books*, an organization advocating for literature that reflects the lives and experiences of all young people.

Outside of her work in the classroom and as a researcher, Amber is actively engaged in her community. She serves on the board of ForKids, a nonprofit organization that provides essential services to homeless families in Virginia. Through her role on the Advocacy Committee, Amber works to ensure that local and state policies support families in need, especially in areas such as education and child welfare.

“I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps families in our region overcome hardships and thrive,” she says. Amber’s commitment to social change is also reflected in her dedication to fostering literacy skills in all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Amber is excited to continue her work with children’s literature, as well as her involvement with ForKids. Her professional journey has underscored the importance of literature in shaping young minds and fostering a more equitable society. She believes that "the right book at the right time can open doors of possibility for a better world."

For Amber, literature is not only a tool for education but a gateway to a future where empathy, understanding, and social change are at the forefront. It’s a sentiment she shares with her students, hoping to ignite in them a lifelong love of reading and the belief that they, too, can help create positive change.

Amber’s dedication to both literature and community makes her a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students alike. Those interested in reaching out can connect with her on social media at @elementary_with_amber, where she shares insights and inspiration on children’s literature and teaching practices.