Christian Teacher of the Year: Mackenzi Miller shares how she trains students to speak well for Christ  

One of Charlie Kirk’s greatest talents – one that cost him his life – was his ability to speak truth with compassion as he publicly debated millions who disagreed with him. 

High school rhetoric and literature teacher Mackenzi Miller aims to instill this very talent in her students by training them in the “art of speaking and persuading well.” 

“The art of disagreeing while staying in fellowship is almost unheard of in the public square,” Miller said in an interview with The Lion. 

Since 2017, Miller has taught at Logos School in Moscow, Idaho, where students begin rhetoric in ninth grade. 

“School, in a way, is that playground where we can work together in a wholesome, healthy environment with people that you care about. You know them,” Miller said. “You have the love of your teachers, and if you disagree with someone, there’s people alongside to guide you.” 

Through this practice, Miller said students gain the ability to listen, persuade and be winsome, not to merely have the “right answer.”  

“Rhetoric is, Plato said, ‘the art of enchanting the soul,’ which I think is a very beautiful, poetic definition,” Miller said. “But one of the more conventional definitions is, it’s a good man speaking well.” 

Miller’s gift of inspiring students to speak – and speak well – is why she is one of 12 teachers nationwide to be named 2025 Christian Teacher of the Year by the Herzog Foundation, publisher of The Lion.

It’s essential, especially for Christians

Every person uses rhetoric every day, Miller said. Whether a parent is teaching a child or a businessman is selling a product, persuasive, engaging speech is an essential aspect of daily life. 

While all people use rhetoric, Christians especially should prioritize the art, Miller said. 

“Paul says, ‘Have rhetoric. Be a speaker,’” Miller said, referencing 1 Peter 3:15. “The Holy Spirit will speak through you. But we are obligated, as Christians to cultivate the ability to present ideas, to present what we want to say.” 

The verse Miller referenced commands Christians to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 

In both her rhetoric and literature courses, Miller pushes her students to consider the moral weight and biblical perspective on all topics, not merely the facts of an issue. 

“One takeaway for students is that nothing is truly ‘off-topic’ – the Bible has teachings and principles for everything.” 

Cultivating a love for learning

As a teacher, Miller said she strives to train students to love learning.

“I think one of the big roles of teachers, or it should be, is that you’re actually selling the desire to understand, the desire to work in your classroom,” Miller said. “You need to sell that to the students. You don’t want to just present the information and expect them to naturally want to learn it.” 

In her rhetoric courses, Miller incorporates knowledge with practice. She teaches a class on the “encomium” – more commonly known as a toast. She said students anticipate the annual celebration night when Miller prepares a three-course meal and students offer toasts to one another or staff members. 

By the end of the year, students have refined their speaking skills and enjoy a hearty meal and fellowship. 

Pastor of Christ Church Dr. Joseph Rigney, whose son took Miller’s courses, said she prepares students well for life after graduation. 

“She is a model of industriousness and fruitfulness in our community,” Rigney said. 

Mock trial and a senior thesis

In addition to her literature and rhetoric courses, Miller coaches the mock trial team and oversees the capstone project at Logos School: the senior thesis.  

“Mrs. Miller personifies the spirit of sacrifice on behalf of her students and the school,” Secondary Principal at Logos Academy Walter Wiggins said. “By applying her trade with such care and professionalism, Mrs. Miller is steadily building our next generation of citizens to be gracious, humble, and wise; she is not only a precious asset to our school but is a gift to our community and country.” 

Unique to many schools of its kind, Logos School ensures any family who wishes to enroll their children will attend. 

“The board made a commitment that they wanted the school to be available to any Christian family who wanted Christian education for their children, regardless of ability to pay, and they’re still committed to that,” Miller said. 

She recognized many private, Christian schools cannot operate with this offer, and she encouraged parents to prioritize this education despite the financial burden. She shared her own upbringing amid “penny-pinching years.”  

Her father left his job at a public school to teach at Logos School, despite the “wild pay cut.” But providing strong development for your children is of far greater value than most other financial investments, Miller said. 

“Twenty years from now, are you going to look back and think, ‘I’m so glad we bought that car’? Or will you say, ‘we gave our kids an education that taught them how to think, taught them that God is actually in every part of everything, and He is integral to their education as well’? 

“I can’t imagine any better way to spend every last penny you have.” 

The Christian Teacher of the Year honor is part of the Herzog Foundation’s Excellence in Christian Education award series. Each of the 12 winners will attend a special professional development and recognition event in Washington, D.C.