2018 Recipient
This year’s Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher award was presented to Michelle Burnett of Columbus East High School. Burnett has taught students with emotional challenges for over 20 years. She sets high standards for her students and holds them accountable, even as she works tirelessly to arrange appropriate accommodations that enable them to succeed in school and graduate. Burnett provides a safe, caring environment for her students, treating them with respect and dignity. She knows no limits when it comes to making sure her students are treated fairly and with compassion.
As the Key Club Faculty Advisor at Columbus East High School, Burnett devotes time to helping influence a new generation of Servant Leaders – believing that individuals who volunteer as young people today will continue to impact their community in the future. Under her leadership, the club has grown to nearly 100 student members who provide more than 2,700 community service hours annually.
One former student noted, “In today’s hurried, selfish, and negative society, it is rare to come across someone dedicated to selflessly serving others for no personal gain. Ms. Burnett leads through example – demonstrating integrity, humility, dedication, and a passion to help others achieve their personal best.”
The Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award, given by the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) at IUPUC in partnership with the Community Education Coalition and Faurecia, recognizes teachers who are role models for other members of the profession.
The purpose of this annual award is to renew awareness of the immeasurable influence teachers have on students and to recognize the traditional image of the teacher as a community role model.
It is presented to full-time, elementary or secondary classroom teachers working in a Bartholomew County public, private, or parochial school.
Nominations
Contact the Center for Teaching & Learning at IUPUC for complete details, including nomination instructions and due dates.
In general, nominations should include why the nominee has gone above and beyond the expectations of a good teacher based on his or her:
- Dedication to the profession
- Ability to motivate students
- Teaching competency and ability
- Innovation in curriculum or style of teaching
- Relationship to students, parents, and peers
- Example as a community role model
- Other contributions
