Introducing: CMAE Secretary Lakisha Mills

I am from Salisbury, North Carolina, and was raised in East Spencer and Spencer. After graduating from North Rowan High School, I was an undecided major at North Carolina State University, taking classes to become a computer engineer. But C++ and Physics weren't strengths for me, so I transferred my studies to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and completed undergraduate studies in Elementary Education. Since graduating from UNC-Charlotte, I have been teaching for sixteen years at the same school, Devonshire Elementary School: three years of first grade, and thirteen years of kindergarten.



My mother and father, Geraldine and the Reverend Franklin N. Mills, Sr., always encouraged me to do my best academically, and to be active in the community.

In the 1960s, while public schools were integrating, my father was a part of the Rowan County Parent Advisory Board. Although he was a pastor and worked for Cannon Mills in the textile industry, he was always involved in the PTA, in my parent-teacher conferences, and my extracurricular activities. He proctored for the end-of-grade tests at my school until he passed away in 2013, and my mother has taught people how to play the piano in our home for many years. I'm the youngest of nine children. Of the nine, four have been involved in public education, either driving the school bus, being an assistant teacher, or being classroom teachers. One of my sisters, who was a member of the Student-NCAE program in college, was so active in the association, and had so much fun doing that work, that she made me want to join. Additionally, we have several aunts and cousins who are public school educators.

From elementary grades through high school, I was one of those children that other students came to for academic help. I always wanted to become a teacher until, in high school, it was explained to us how much money could be earned by people in various professions. That's why I attempted to study computer engineering, though my passion remained with educating students. One of my church members even told me, "Kisha, you would make a great teacher." That encouragement was one of many factors that motivated my decision to teach.

Teaching kindergarten has been a blessing in reminding me why public education is the right profession for me. We teach very simple concepts, yet sometimes the concepts are still too hard for some children to understand. But when they do, I love seeing the lightbulb turn on in their faces, and when they're so excited at finally understanding, and when they joyfully exclaim, "I did it!" Those moments let me know I'm in the right profession.

The greatest benefit of my membership in CMAE has been the personal relationships with other educators who are just as passionate about speaking up for students and our fellow educators. Through CMAE, I've cultivated new leadership skills and grown tremendously. For example, shy as I am, I never would have imagined speaking to the media at a press conference, speaking to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Commissioners, or speaking to legislators at the General Assembly in Raleigh. So I appreciate those who saw that potential in me, and who challenged me to step up and grow as a leader.

Lakisha speaks with fellow CMAE member, and first-year teacher, Kiana Johnston

Today, I tell my new colleagues that joining CMAE offers invaluable opportunities to connect with other teachers and education professionals. It's an excellent advocate for our profession, and it's the driving force that will always fight for what's best for students and educators in public schools. The work we do together will shape the future of our professions here in Charlotte, throughout North Carolina, and across the entire nation.

--Lakisha Mills,

Kindergarten Teacher, Devonshire Elementary School

Secretary, CMAE