WPS has new middle school teacher

JoAnn Burke

A single teacher can make all the difference in a child’s life and leave a lasting mark in shaping who we are. Whispering Palms School well recognizes that fact and has always prided itself in providing highly qualified and motivated teachers to its student body. Next school year will no doubt prove to be an exceptional year as students are excitedly awaiting the first days of instruction from JoAnn Burke who comes with over 25 years of teaching experience.

Burke hails from the state of Michigan and has dedicated her life to education. Burke has thrived in motivating and teaching middle school students how to be proactive in both special education and regular instruction. She has taught a wide range of topics from science, math, social sciences, and language arts in differentiated instructions to suit the individual needs of each student. Over the years she has also gained experience working with students who have difficulties at school as a graduation coach, helping students achieve their goals both in and outside the classroom.

She has used Success Maker with lower math students, helped with E2020 classes, piloted a remedial math program with 8th grade students in 2011, participated in lesson studies with the district math consultants and elementary and middle school math teachers, and was a member of the math curriculum revision committee. In language arts, Burke modified the research unit to focus on college admissions and career offerings. Part of the unit required all students to write business letters to a university. One of her students actually received a $250 scholarship to be used for the college of her choice after high school graduation. Her unit was so successful that it became the required English Language Arts unit for the 8th grade research project at Monroe Middle School in Michigan.

Burke has experience in addressing students’ learning gaps. She has initiated and has seen successful implementation of changes through credit recovery program to lessen students’ learning gaps.

Currently employed as a graduation coach at Monroe High School, she works with students who are at-risk of dropping out by developing, implementing and tracking intervention plans and strategies. One method was to raise expectations for the students by setting up two college tours. As a member of the District Improvement Planning Committee, the School Improvement Committee, and the County-wide MTSS Committee, her instruction and involvement spans beyond the classroom by connecting with community agencies that have mentored her students.

Burke proves that there is no one specific way to educate. The most important factor may be to never give up on a child’s education. With her knowledge of several alternative education programs that will allow the students the opportunity to continue their education, Whispering Palms School is very fortunate to have Burke showcase her innovative teaching in 2016-2017 school year. It has been her lifelong dream to live on a tropical island and WPS’ next school year may see her dream as well as her students’ become that much more fulfilled.

For more information, please contact saipanprivateschool.com; Facebook: Whispering Palms School or simply call 323-7451.