Christine Beichner-Miller with Jade Barber, JCC's director of high school partnerships, are pictured.

Christine Beichner-Miller of Southwestern High School has been named Jamestown Community College’s 2025-26 College Connections Teacher of the Year.

The College Connections program recognizes one instructor each year who best exemplifies its core standards. Beichner-Miller was selected from more than 200 teachers representing 38 partner high schools and BOCES centers.

Beichner-Miller has taught at Southwestern High School since 2001 and has been a College Connections instructor since spring 2017. She teaches English Composition I, English Composition II, Introduction to Literary Studies, Introduction to Theater and Acting for college credit through JCC.

“Christine is an educator who clearly cares for her students,” said Jade Barber, JCC’s director of high school partnerships. “Students have noted in their end-of-term evaluations how much fun they have had while learning in her class.”

When asked why she enjoys teaching College Connections courses, Beichner-Miller said the program provides both academic rigor and opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

“I love the rigor of the coursework and the ability to really explore topics deeply,” she said. “I love that students push themselves more than they sometimes even believe possible in order to achieve college credits while still in high school. I love that it has provided me with the opportunity to work with other JCC instructors and collaborate with talented people both in and out of my district.”

Beichner-Miller was one of 230 College Connections instructors who taught during the 2025-26 school year. She was nominated for the award by Southwestern Central School District.

Gavin Anderson, a Southwestern senior, said Beichner-Miller is “easily the best teacher I have ever had.”

“She has a kind soul and does a really good job connecting with students and growing relationships while also teaching content extremely well and making all the classes I have taken fun and understandable,” Anderson said. “She creates a vibe that is unlike any other, and I always look forward to her class.”

Southwestern junior Mikaela Luce said her perspective on English class changed after having Beichner-Miller as a teacher.

“I didn’t really like English, and it wasn’t my strongest subject,” Luce said. “But with her guidance, I was able to learn, and I looked forward to going to her class and learning every day. She made me want to learn and grow as a student. I now feel far more confident in my writing abilities thanks to her.”

Matt Kindberg, principal of Southwestern High School, said Beichner-Miller “cares deeply” about every student in her classroom.

“She not only challenges them academically, but also ensures they have the skills, confidence and critical-thinking abilities necessary to thrive in college and beyond,” Kindberg said. “Her instruction goes far beyond curriculum. She equips students with the tools they need to be successful and competitive in a rapidly changing world.”

Chelsey Winchester, a counselor at Southwestern High School, said many students specifically request Beichner-Miller as their teacher.

“Her ability to engage students in meaningful discussions and active learning is unmatched,” Winchester said. “Students leave her courses not only as improved readers and writers, but as young adults who have a deeper appreciation for positively impacting the world around them.”

Simone Sellstrom, one of Beichner-Miller’s faculty liaisons at JCC, said the college is fortunate to have her as a College Connections instructor.

“Christine is an outstanding educator with a passion for her students and her craft,” Sellstrom said. “She engages students in creative learning experiences and brings energy, thoughtfulness and a strong sense of community to the learning environment.”

Justin March, another JCC faculty liaison, shared: “Christine is focused on reaching all learners, ensuring opportunity and growth for students at all levels. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge but remains flexible to the needs of her class. She is truly an asset to students and colleagues alike.”

Beichner-Miller credited others for helping her succeed throughout her career.

“I see so many wonderful teachers working diligently each day to make our students the best version of themselves that they can be,” she said. “I didn’t get where I am alone, and I am thankful for my friends, family, colleagues and students. I am also honored to have made a positive impact on the students I have worked with, and that knowledge means so much to me.”

JCC has offered concurrent enrollment courses to qualified high school juniors and seniors through the College Connections program since 1998. The courses are taught in partner high schools by JCC-approved teachers and allow students to earn both high school and college credit.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, College Connections offered 80 different credit courses in 40 area high schools, serving more than 2,300 students across the region.