Great teachers make a difference in the lives of students. That can take various forms:
- Providing quality instruction
- Giving encouragement
- Building confidence
- Making learning fun
Parents and students want teachers like that. So do school districts.
One such teacher was honored for her ability to connect with students and help them grow. Michelle Burnett, a special education teacher at Columbus East High School, was recognized March 28 with the Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.
The annual award honors teachers who are role models for other members of the profession and the community, and have a positive influence on students.
Burnett, 46, has taught at East for 24 years. She also is the school’s Key Club adviser. In 2015, she was named to the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s teaching Hall of Fame.
A few things that have distinguished Burnett’s career and factored into her receiving the Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award include:
- Helping students who are hurting, upset, feel lost and desperate
- Helping students develop leadership skills
- Passionate advocate for those with disabilities and emotional challenges
- Building personal connections with students
- Growing Key Club from about a dozen members to more than 100, who provide more than 2,700 hours of community service each year
Students remember teachers who helped them have positive learning experience — in the classroom, with extracurricular activities or with life lessons. Burnett is one such teacher and her success with students is worth celebrating.
