Media Releases: August 28, 2003
Kelly Burnette, a seventh grade science teacher
at Gamble Rogers Middle School (GRMS), will be honored
September 4 at the annual “Thank You, Teachers” event
sponsored by the First Coast Manufacturers Association
(FCMA).
Ms. Burnette is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to science
education and will receive a cash award of $1,000. She was nominated by her
principal, Randy Johnson.
The annual recognition dinner is held at the River Club in Jacksonville. Ms.
Burnette is one of five teachers from six counties being recognized by FCMA
this year for outstanding contributions in math education, science education
or career development. This is the fifth consecutive year that a St. Johns
County teacher has been selected for this honor.
Ms. Burnette has been teaching middle schoolers for thirteen years, the past
three at Rogers Middle School. She currently serves as a seventh grade team
leader and coordinates the curriculum for 150 students. She is active in professional
development activities and is respected as an expert on teaching interdisciplinary
curriculum. She recently helped write a federal grant that was funded for more
than $370,000 to support technology as part of an interdisciplinary approach
to learning.
According to GRMS Principal Randy Johnson, “Kelly is a gifted teacher.
Her students have commented to me, ‘We learn much more than science…we
learn about character, organization and self-discipline.’”
Kelly also believes in lifelong learning, as evidenced by the fact that she
just completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at the University
of North Florida.
“Education should expand a student’s vision from the four walls
of the classroom to the four corners of the globe,” Kelly said, describing
her educational philosophy. “By establishing a baseline of knowledge, implementing
a character program and encouraging students to become problem solvers, educators
can therefore produce intrinsically motivated thinkers. It is only then that
we can ever hope to reform not only education but our society as well.
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