Former headteacher becomes Perth minister and takes on national education role

Former headteacher, Rev Stephen Miller, aged 63, has transitioned into a new role as a minister in Perth within the Church of Scotland, while also taking on a national education role. Coming from Auchterarder, Mr. Miller is continuing a family tradition, following in the footsteps of his late father, Rev William Hastie Miller, and mother, Rev Margaret Michie. His father served as a minister in Lanarkshire and Fife, while his mother became an Ordained Local Minister in Kinross Parish Church.

After retiring from a 40-year teaching career as head teacher of Denny High School in Stirlingshire in 2020, Mr. Miller was ordained as a minister at Auchterarder Parish Church. His new role involves working within the Perth Presbytery and for the Church of Scotland on a national level. Mr. Miller expressed his commitment to supporting school staff in dealing with mental health and resilience challenges post-Covid, particularly focusing on chaplaincy support for staff within schools.

His responsibilities also include coordinating the Education and Schools Group at the national church, where he will support Church of Scotland representatives on education committees, provide training for those working in school ministry, and advise on education policies. Furthermore, Mr. Miller’s new position allows him to pioneer work within schools and the education sector with the support of Perth Presbytery.

Through his dedicated service to both the local and national church, Rev Stephen Miller is poised to make a significant impact within the education sector as he continues his family’s legacy of ministry and service.

**Insights and Summary:**
Rev Stephen Miller’s transition from a headteacher to a minister and education coordinator showcases a commitment to lifelong learning and service. His focus on supporting school staff’s well-being and resilience is timely, given the challenges faced by educators in the wake of the pandemic. By combining his background in education with his new roles in the church, Mr. Miller has a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of both students and staff within the educational community.