By NewsLine Staff
mail@floridanewsline.com
INK!’s (Investing in Kids) 2021-2022 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year awards campaign culminated on Jan. 20 with a special recognition banquet and program, along with honors and a tribute to Andrew Burk, band director at Valley Ridge Academy, who was named as the Teacher of the Year among teacher finalists from St. Johns County public schools. Kaitlyn Holle, a middle school science teacher at Mill Creek Academy was named as this year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year.
During the event, Tim Forson, St. Johns County Superintendent of Schools, spoke and congratulated Burk and Holle, along with accolades from local business leaders, and recognition for all Teacher of the Year finalists. Additional presentations included Burk’s comments and affirmations from many educators who were previous award winners along with attendance by families, friends, and students who joined the evening event at World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.
As Teacher of the Year, Burk will be awarded a car to drive from Beaver Toyota and a $500 gift certificate from Staples. He also becomes the representative from St. Johns County in the State of Florida Teacher of the Year competition. Burk will begin a yearlong professional development and leadership program with fellow Teachers of the Year from all 67 counties around the state.
Burk has received awards as an outstanding educational leader, and for high academics, and is a member of several professional educator associations. He is a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. Burk’s focus is helping students learn how to play instruments through world-renowned music programs. The method allows students to start on specific instruments for faster learning so they can play harder, more impressive music as they grow, and to play additional instruments.
As a music teacher, Burk’s philosophy is to focus on students working together, exerting effort, and making sacrifices as a team. He requires all students to help set up chairs and stands each morning, with responsibilities to move equipment, perform instrument maintenance, and organize paperwork for the band to emphasize personal ownership of the program. Burk assigns every student to perform three minutes throughout the year to present their favorite song to the band and to help build a caring, supportive band family. Burk teaches students that as individuals and through cooperation, they will benefit from their class experience as they work to provide value to the group.
Burk said, “I am honored and humbled to receive such an amazing distinction as Teacher of the Year. We have an exceptional group of educators in St. Johns County and it is a privilege to collaborate with them each day,” said Burk. “The school year has been challenging in many ways. Yet, it has provided us with a unique opportunity to reflect on our teaching practices and think about our relationships with our students. And it reminds us that what matters most is to help students truly engage in their own learning experiences,” he said.
INK! promotes academic success for all St. Johns County public school students by providing innovative programs and resources to support over 45,000 students and approximately 2,785 teachers. Visit www.ink-stjohns.org for more information.
Photo courtesy INK!
2021-2022 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year Andrew Burk
