On the second floor of Newbury Elementary School, after the bell had rung on the 3rd week of classes, the hallway leads to new teacher Ms. Erin Burke’s yellow classroom, filled with tables and chairs for 18 growing sixth graders. Chromebooks lined the window next to a full schedule that the students would follow on their journey toward middle school and beyond.
Throughout the classroom, colors filled the walls and new material was ready to be learned. Walking throughout the room was a smiling face and the same mind that would lead over a dozen kids into a great future.
“It’s been a really smooth transition,” said Burke of her first weeks in her new role at NES.
The 29-year-old newly engaged Massachusetts teacher was excited to have a fresh start at her new school and see what good things the year would bring. Her new principal Beth Yando boasted about her previous success, “her former principal said she was the best teacher in the district,” she said.
“Everyone here knows what they’re doing and feels really good about what they’re doing,” she said. “They just give off a very positive vibe.” Similarly, her mentor Kristin Mollineaux spoke about her the same way, “she is very positive and happy,” she said.
But Burke’s career didn’t start here. Teaching at another school for six years, she wasn’t an amateur. Ever since she was a child, Burke knew she wanted to be a teacher. “You could tell she had a passion about teaching,” Yando said.
“In high school, I did some senior internships…and the kids just made it really amazing,” she said. She loved the idea of teaching for many reasons, “I was really close with my siblings and they kind of influenced me as well,” said Burke.
She went on to receive her undergraduate degree at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont and her Bachelor’s Degree in American Study and Elementary Education at Fitchburg State University. She became a teacher almost straight out of college and it was like a dream come true. “I think she is a great fit!” Mollineux said “It seems like she’s always been here.”
Outside of school, she keeps herself busy.
“I love going on walks, reading and watching ‘Survivor’,” she said. She is greatly influenced by her students beyond the classroom as well. “There are certain instances you have with kids that just kind of remind you about…your former experiences in life.” And those instances aren’t ending yet, “I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.” Burke said.
