Outstanding Campus Teacher of the Year

                           Mary Burtch

Education: Universities Attended/Degrees Conferred/Teaching Certificates

I attended Bowling Green State University and received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education in English and Mathematics.  I returned the following year to complete my Elementary Education Certificate and also did graduate work in reading.  I am certified in all those areas including bilingual education.

Work Experience: Educational or Outside of Education

I began working in Ohio where I taught Advanced Geometry and Algebra I/II for two years.  I decided it was time for a change and moved to Harlingen, Texas where I taught first grade bilingual for 15 years at the same school.  I then moved to Houston in 1990 to continue teaching first grade bilingual.  In December 2003, I retired from teaching and "worked" at home taking care of my family.  A close friend encouraged me to return to teaching two years ago and I have found a happy home in first grade with the Burtch Bunch at Almeda.

Philosophy of Education: Guiding Principles for Success

Learning another language is like gaining a new friend for life and is the spirit that drives me in bilingual education.  It refuses to ignore the past history of our children and continues to preserve it while using it to build another language in a new culture.  My philosophy centers around the little things: the little lessons and the little questions from the little smiles.  The results lead to "iAprendiendo con una sonrisa!" (Learning with a smile!)

Personal: Hobbies/Family/Community/Future Goals

My husband, Michael and I met in college and have one son, Michael, who graduated from my alma mater this past spring and now works at the athletic department there. My hobbies include reading inspirational and historical novels, watching sports, HGTV, music, and visiting my son.  My community interests include contributing to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the BGSU Alumni Association.  My future goals are to retire once again someday!