Michelle Burnett of Columbus East High School received the 2018 Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award as a part of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held at The Commons on March 28, 2018.
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 by example – demonstrating integrity, humility, dedication, and a passion for helping others achieve their personal best.”
As part of the recognition, Ms. Burnett received an inscribed clock from the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning, a monetary gift from Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, and her name will be added to a plaque in the Columbus Learning Center listing all previous Folger Award winners.
About the Award
Edna Folger set the early standard for teachers. Ms. Folger invested over 46 years of her life educating students in Bartholomew County. In her honor, the award was designed to raise awareness about the immeasurable influence teachers have on their students and to recognize the image of teachers as important community role models. Any full-time elementary or secondary school teacher or educator working at a public, private, or parochial school in Bartholomew County is eligible to receive the annual award.
For more information on the Edna Folger Outstanding Teacher Award, contact Marsha VanNahmen at the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning (mvannahm@iupuc.edu; 812-375-7576).