Meet Bobby Miller

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobby Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Bobby, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optomism comes from my faith. I am a Christian who religiously reads the Bible, attends my local church, and leads my family to do the same. I love the life I have to live and wish there was more hours in the day. The Bible has shown me how life works best and I don’t have nearly any downtime in my life because of my high paced job as a Woodshop Teacher or my homelife where I have three kids under 5 and one on the way. I involve myself in nearly everything I feel God calling me in. At work, I feel like I have a gift from the spirit to teach woodworking. At home, I love my family well because that’s how God the father loves me. I’ve been dealt hard hands and good hands and I do my best to see the positives in both and seek out those willing to help where I’m deficient. I get to do many wonderful things because of how God’s blessed me. Better question might be, “How can you not smile?!”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Coon Rapids High School is part of the biggest district in Minnesota; Anoka Hennepin Schools ISD #11. Our recent Advisory Board meeting with local industry partners reinforced the need for increased automation. We have CNC capabilities that dwarf most high school woodshops. My intro class goes over safety, terminology, wood science and woodworking processes as they build their End Table as well as a cutting board and optional small CNC projects (signs & 3D Carving).

At Coon Rapids High School, we have 5 CNC routers as well as the Shaper Origin. We use all 6 CNCs regularly and often have more than one going at a time. Automation is heavily used in the advanced classes(Levels 2 & 3) after the intro woodworking course teaches fundamentals via an End Table project. We have 3 Sawstop Table saws, two jointers, 3 miter saws, countless disc, belt, wide belt, and hand sanders, screw pocket cutters, panel saw, 3 floor standing drill presses 10 router tables, full face frame clamping table, benchtop mortisers, downdraft sanding table, hand tools, battery power tools, full spray booth, lumber storage room, and much more in 6000 square feet.

Our student population is lower middle class with over half our students receiving free or reduced priced lunch.Our county’s biggest trade is manufacturing and it’s the highest unfilled job category.

In our advanced classes, students have options to build what they want after drawing in CADD or choose from student centered project plans. At this time students can choose between Entertainment Center, Rocking Chair, Jewelry Box, Book Shelf, or Tongue Drum Instrument plans in my Level 2 and 3 classes.

My method of teaching at CRHS is unique in that after safety training, I don’t do live demonstrations. My woodworking plans have QR codes next to each step with me personally completing each step along the process. I’ve spoke at length about this on my podcast and social media channels. See “Mr Miller’s Woodshop” for more detailed explanation about the method.

The reason why I teach this way is because I embrace the 21st century classroom where I’m not fighting student devices but requiring students to use the latest technology available appropriately. This method allows my students to build more different & elaborate projects faster.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Happiness can be faked but a truly optimistic spirit I think comes from Faith, Family, & Purpose. As I’ve described, my faith drives me and my family motivates me to improve and I’ve found great purpose in what I do at work teaching the skilled trades and the family I’m raising at home. My recommendation would be for others to pursue the same endeavours of faith, family, and finding their purpose with the help of a local church. My life has gotten so much traction on things that matter to me by involving myself in my church.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Bible. I listen to the Bible each morning on my phone while I get ready and drive to work via Apple Podcasts. They also give context and interpretations during each day’s episode. This is my second time through the Bible and it grounds me everyday and leads to a more optimistic spirit.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

None

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Working hard in 2024: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move