Valley Ridge Academy band director Andrew Burk named Teacher of the Year in St. Johns County

A teacher just several years into his education career — who has been called "extremely relatable" by both his colleagues and students — was named St. Johns County School District's 2021-22 Teacher of the Year.

Andrew Burk, music teacher/band director at Valley Ridge Academy, received the award at a gala Thursday evening at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.

Every year, INK! (Investing in Kids!), otherwise known as the St. Johns County Education Foundation, sponsors the district's Teacher of the Year awards which provide a special recognition program to outstanding educators across the county.

This year's other finalists included: Robie Hagan, an instructional literacy coach for Wards Creek Elementary school; Patricia McElhone, an academic interventionist at St. Johns Virtual High School; Sharon Warwell-Murden, a fifth-grade teacher at R.B. Hunt Elementary School; and Veronica Fuata, a second-grade teacher at Cunningham Creek Elementary School.

Burk is relatively new to education, with five years in teaching, the last three in St. Johns County, but that time hasn't been without impact. The middle school band teacher finds joy in helping students find their voice, or instrument, in which to connect with music.

"I teach that life is like a band; if we work as a team in band we sound incredible," Burk, 28, a Jacksonville resident, noted in his application.

Kaitlyn Holle, a middle school science teacher at Mill Creek Academy, was named this year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year. Holle, like Burk, lives in Jacksonville.

During the event, Superintendent of Schools Tim Forson congratulated Burk and Holle, as well as all of the finalists, who received accolades from local business leaders.

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As Teacher of the Year, Burk received a new car from Beaver Toyota and $500 gift certificate from Staples. He will also represent St. Johns County in the State of Florida Teacher of the Year competition. Burk will begin a year-long professional development and leadership program with fellow Teachers of the Year from all 67 Florida counties.

Since 2017, Burk, who holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Florida State University, has been teaching sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade music classes, beginning his career in South Florida. In 2019, he brought those skills to Valley Ridge Academy.

Burk has been honored as an outstanding educational leader and is a member of several professional educator associations. He is a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, helping students learn to express themselves through music.

As a music teacher, Burk said his philosophy is to focus on students working together, exerting effort and making sacrifices as a team. He requires all students to help set up chairs and stands each morning, move equipment and check instrument maintenance.

In an interview with The Record on Friday, Valley Ridge Academy principal Angie Fuller said Burk was the exemplification of passion for teaching.

"He goes above and beyond, spending countless hours here (at school), even weekends," Fuller said. "He wants to provide any opportunity for his students to shine."

For his part, Burk said he thinks of his band students as a kind of family comfortable enough to share stories with each other.

"I mean, we talk about non-band things, like how is football going or what did you guys do last weekend?" Burk said.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Valley Ridge band director Andrew Burk is Teacher of Year in St. Johns