Abbie Milford’s journey into education has been shaped by a lifelong passion for working with children. Now, in her first year serving as a classroom teacher at B.T. Bullock Elementary, she is finding how rewarding returning to her community and investing in young people can be.
Milford’s draw towards teaching has been evident to her for some time. “I had always been pulled to work with children,” she shares. From her very first job as a YMCA summer camp counselor to years of working camps and substitute teaching throughout college, Abbie found joy in building relationships with students and supporting their growth. “I loved being able to pour into kids and give them as much love and care as they need and deserve.”
Originally pursuing a degree in public health education, Abbie found herself at a crossroads after moving back to Sanford. “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I loved teaching.” When a position at B.T. Bullock opened up, everything fell into place quickly. “I applied on a Sunday, interviewed on a Tuesday and got the job on a Wednesday.”
Even as a first-year teacher, Abbie brings a wealth of experience from her time substitute teaching across all grade levels. “I got to see all kinds of kids … from kindergarten through twelfth grade,” she explains. “It really just gave me a well-rounded overview and helped me learn how to meet them where they are, but also how to push them to succeed.”
Returning to her hometown has made the experience even more meaningful. “All through high school I always said I was never coming back, but life happened, and I ended up wanting to come back to Sanford.” Now, she’s reconnecting with families and former summer camp students in a full-circle moment that makes her work even more rewarding.
At B.T. Bullock, Milford has found a strong support system that has helped her grow in confidence. “The support that I have here, I just really could not ask for anything more.” She credits her co-teacher and team for creating an environment where it is safe to ask questions and continue learning. “We all lift one another … and that has been more than I could have asked for.”
Like many new teachers, Abbie has faced challenges - especially tackling subjects that once intimidated her. “Fractions scared me a little bit!” she laughs. But with encouragement and collaboration she has embraced the opportunity to grow alongside her students.
Her advice to others considering teaching is simple but powerful: “If you feel the call, go for it. You won’t know unless you answer it.” She emphasizes the importance of honesty, support, and trusting the process. “It is okay to feel lost. It is okay to not know. I can say that teaching is one of the most rewarding positions you can ever hold.”
For Milford, it all comes back to the relationships. “The community is really the thing that makes it special.” Whether reconnecting with former campers or watching her current students grow, she finds daily reminders of why she chose this path, and why she is glad she took the chance to try it.