BRADENTON, Fla. — Akilla Miller has been a teacher for 13 years. She’s spent five of them at Manatee High School.

Miller teaches biology at the high school she graduated from.

“I always said I would only teach at the high school in which I graduated from and here I am five years later,” said Miller. “I love teaching here. I love the atmosphere. I love the culture.”

Miller says she has a passion for teaching science and loves connecting with her students.

“I always tell my students, ‘I’m not just teaching you biology or I’m not just teaching you science, I’m teaching you about life,’” said Miller.

When she’s not teaching, she’s mentoring and helping people in the Manatee County community. Miller runs the not for profit, You Are More Inc. The organization helps young women succeed. 

“The foundation of I believe my mission and what I’m called to do on this earth is to just encourage young women and so we’ve spent the last eight years being able to tutor, to mentor,” said Miller. 

Miller is also a minister at her church. 

“I’m extremely grateful for my position as a teacher, I’m extremely grateful for my position as a minister as well as a business owner and a not-for-profit owner to be able to just play a small role in this community,” said Miller.

She’s making a positive impact on the place she’s always called home in many ways. That’s why she was nominated to be featured as this week’s A+ Teacher. 

“I just want to be able to help as many people as I can,” said Miller. “That’s always my desire. If I can help one person a day, or if I can help a young lady, or if I can just be a light.”