Principal Burns' Motto-It's About the Kids

Sep. 19—The new school year for Huntsville ISD saw changes and rearrangements. One of the new additions to the school district is the principal at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary.

Eric Burns is not new to Huntsville as he was born and raised here. He attended Samuel Walker Houston Elementary as a young man and graduate from Huntsville High School.

Burns graduated from SHSU in 2007 majoring in kinesiology and education. Burns was initially accepted into the School for Film and TV in New York but "God had other plans for me. The individual who was supposed to pick me up at the airport in New York did not answer his call to confirm the arrangement. After the auditioned in Dallas for the New York school, I knew I was supposed to be the next Jamie Fox and Kevin Hart," said Principal Burns.

"It was during my freshman year at Huntsville High School when I feel in love with theater and the ability to perform and transform when the lights came on. There were several teachers at HHS who played a major role in developing my skills and talents (Mr. Johnston, Mrs. Thornton and Marjean Creager)."

The failed New York trip forced Burns and his dad to rethink the school plan.

Burns started substitute teaching at Huntsville ISD and successfully secured a paraprofessional job at Gibbs Elementary.

"One of my mentors at Gibbs was Mrs. Mistsky who was always supportive and encouraging. When I received my first paycheck I called my mom and ask her who was FICA. A special event happen the last day of school. There was a young man who was upset and did not want to leave. When I tried to console him he said he saw me as a father figure and did not want to leave. I then realized it's all about the kids and they were my mission," said Burns.

Principal Burns attended Blinn Junior College for a year and transferred back to SHSU to major in Theater Arts, because he still had the acting/performing bug. Burns also started back substituting in the Huntsville ISD and working at the WC Boys and Girls Club.

"Working at the Boys and Girls Club with Michelle Spencer as the Site Director, I realized again it's all about the kids and may focus changed."

To complete Burns' degree, he did his student teaching in the Willis ISD.

"Following my graduation from SHSU, I worked with Gail Wright and the SHSU Correspondence Course program during the day and the Boys and Girls Club in the evening. I did secure a paraprofessional job with Willis ISD as an Instructional Technology Specialist. I taught computer classes in the morning and worked with the teachers in the afternoon, troubleshooting IT problems. I continued to work with the Boys and Girls Club in the summers."

Burns worked for the Willis ISD for approximately 17 years.

"I met some incredible people who were instrumental in my growth and development," Burns shared. "Steven Shannon was my mentor and Nancy Johnson was my guiding light, who saw something in me, that I had not yet realized. Nancy saw my leadership potential and shared insight into what it takes to be a good leader."

Although Burns had refocused, he still had dreams of the stage and lights, however he secured a teaching job at an elementary school in the Willis district.

"As I progressed in Willis and learned new skills, leading to Superintendent Tim Harkrider sharing his vision for the district with me," Burns said. Burns' vision aligned with the superintendent and Eric was given the opportunity to grow and learn new systems for effective leadership. During this time, he earned a Master of Educational Leadership from University of Texas-Arlington.

"At that time, I was an Assistant Principal and the Superintendent wants me to return to my first campus as the principal. I prayed about it and had peace. We had a challenge to transform that campus. Staff and I committed to make the campus the school of choice. Thanks to the grace of God, staff and the leadership team we accomplished our goals," said Burns.

The opportunity to interview for the Huntsville ISD position presented Burns with new challenges and opportunities. His interviews with Superintendent Sheppard and Marcus Forney, Chief Academic Officer assured him that this district's vision aligned with Burns.

"I talked to my dad about the position and he told me to pray. If you don't get a sense of peace you need to wait, his father advised. I love the district's motto of 'Building Champions.' I feel like my mission and ministry is to transform lives and be a good leader. I had great role models and former principals, Morris Johnson and Mr. Amesworth.

"The staff here at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary have a heart for kids and they are amazing. They show up everyday willing and ready to work with our kids. We are beginning to implement systems that define who we are as a campus, how we are going to behave, what we are committed to doing, and where we are going. Everything has to be intentional. I do believed this is my ministry. We ask the community/parents to trust the process and do three things. First make sure parents send their kids to school. Second, keep an open line of communication with the teacher. Third, make time to read to your student and have the student read to you."

Burns sees himself as a father to his students. He then transforms to a coach as the students grows. Burns is married and has three boys.