NICE TO MEET YOU
I’m Rashelle Chase-Miller. I'm a mom, an early childhood educator, a literacy advocate and a fifth-generation North Portlander. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve dedicated my career to promoting equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all children and their families. Currently, I serve as the statewide Program Director for SMART Reading, where I’m committed to fostering a love of reading among children across Oregon by helping them build their own home libraries while providing reading support.
I come from a lineage of activist educators and strongly believe in the power of transforming educational systems to create a more equitable, just, and peaceful future. My extensive background includes teaching young children, directing early learning programs, managing curriculum, providing professional development, and consulting with early learning programs. Before my role at SMART Reading, I was the Director of Education at Peninsula Children’s Learning Center and spent six years with KinderCare Education overseeing curriculum and professional development teams.
I hold a BA in Political Studies and Black Studies from Pitzer College and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Early Childhood Education, from Portland State University. I am also a founding member of Mxm Bloc, a Black femme-led mutual aid movement, and have served on the boards of the Equitable Giving Circle and FACT Oregon. My work reflects a commitment to anti-racist and inclusive educational practices, ensuring every child is seen, valued, and celebrated.
When I’m not busy with work, I enjoy exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband, two sons, and our frisky border collie. I’m a proud wheelchair basketball and taekwondo mom, an accomplished audiobook listener, and the beginner of many unfinished craft projects.
MY WHY
As parents and guardians, we collaborate with teachers and advocate for our kids. We leave our jobs early for IEP meetings and spend late nights emailing teachers and reviewing homework. We lose sleep over school safety and bullying. We worry about budget cuts, understanding that art and music are essential for developing both hearts and minds, while also recognizing that each year teachers are expected to do more with less. We send our kids to school hoping their unique identities are acknowledged and validated, and that they are not marginalized for their differences. We celebrate their learning as they uncover pieces of their history in this country, what it means to be here now, and discover their own potential. I am an educator and early literacy advocate who was raised in Portland Public Schools and am now the proud mother of two PPS students. I am running for the PPS Board of Directors for Zone 4 because our district is facing significant challenges and needs engaged, creative, and informed leadership. My experiences as an educator, leader, and parent have equipped me for this role and I look forward to contributing to a PPS that is worthy of our kids.
