Monica Burke says teaching was never just a career choice — it was a calling.
Burke is a first-grade teacher at Addison Elementary School, where she’s spent the majority of her 11-year career helping young learners build confidence and discover a love for reading. Her path to the classroom, though, wasn’t straightforward.
“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher,” Burke said. “But when (I) got closer to going to school, some family members pushed me to go into nursing.”
Initially, she followed their advice — enrolling in nursing school for two years. Then she made a decision that would shape her future and the lives of hundreds of students.
“I finally decided I was going to do what (I’ve) always wanted to,” she said. “I transferred to Adrian College to pursue my dream of being a teacher.”
Burke earned her teaching degree in elementary education with an integrated science certification, later returning to Adrian College to earn a master’s degree in curriculum and assessment.
She taught first grade for two years in Jonesville, then joined Addison Schools — where she briefly taught second grade before returning to her favorite age group. Over the past decade, she’s built a classroom centered on connection, encouragement and growth. She credits her students as her daily inspiration.
“Watching their love for learning grow and accomplishing something that might have been a struggle is really what makes my job so amazing,” Burke said. “I love knowing that I can be their stability and make them love learning on a daily basis.”
Burke said the relationships she builds with her students are among the most rewarding parts of her work.
“The connections … that last long after they leave my (class) is something I cherish more than anything,” she said.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Burke is The Daily Telegram’s Amazing Teacher for June. When learned she’d been nominated, Burke said she was both surprised and deeply honored.
“I was shocked,” she said. “It means the world to me. I put my heart and soul into my students and try to make every day fun.”
One major focus in her classroom is helping young learners develop strong reading skills — a cornerstone of early education.
“I pour everything I have into helping them love learning, especially reading, as that’s a big part of first grade.”
Burke also believes teaching is a two-way street — a lesson she’s eager to pass along to future educators.
“Let your students teach you as much as you teach them,” she said. “I have learned so much from my students.”
To nominate a teacher, email cmurray@lenconnect.com.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: McDonald’s Amazing Teacher for June is Monica Burke
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, The Daily Telegram / The Daily Telegram
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, The Daily Telegram | USA TODAY Network
