It’s been more than 28 years since his first day as an educator at Raymond Education Campus, but Larry Mills  still feels humbled, privileged, and grateful for the opportunity to teach. “I am a lifelong learner,” he explains. “Students understand that I’m continually learning just as much as they are.” Mr. Mills has spent his entire career at Raymond, where he feels motivated by the school’s mission to provide a world class education for every student. “Every day I strive to be fired up and ready to teach,” he exclaims. “Our learning community expects nothing less!”

As a reading teacher, he encourages students to step into leadership roles in the classroom—often allowing them to take over the class during final reviews, re-teaching, and other pieces of his lessons. “There’s a magical joy when they can demonstrate what they’ve learned in multiple ways,” says Mr. Mills. His students have demonstrated tremendous reading improvement in his classroom. The growth of Mr. Mills’s elementary students was four times the Read 180 national average, while his middle school students more than doubled the national average. His before and afterschool technology classes are essential components of his Read 180 program. Mr. Mills has also held a variety of positions at his school, serving as a role model for his young students as co-chair of Raymond’s Boys to Men club and chairperson of the marching band. “Teaching is the key to life,” Mr. Mills insists. “Knowing this keeps me inspired to always do my best. Our students deserve nothing but the best that we can give.”