Bethany Elementary School 2026

Sarah Burns

Bethany Elementary School - 1st Grade Teacher
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

As an educator, I often find it difficult to condense my teaching beliefs into one philosophy because teaching is multifaceted and each student brings their own set of unique needs and strengths into my classroom. If I had to summarize my beliefs into one philosophy, it would be captured by this one quote. ""Listen, I devour words. I love literature and books. But everybody doesn't have to love to read and write. But everybody has the right to learn to read and write. So that whole, "I want them to love." No, I don't want them to love. I want them to know how to do it. Love comes later."

This quote has always resonated with me and my personal teaching philosophy: all students deserve access to high-quality education and it is my responsibility as a teacher to provide every student with the skills they need to be successful academically, regardless of whether they develop a love for reading, writing or any other subject. As a lower elementary teacher, I am passionate about literacy because I believe it opens doors for children to explore the world around them, express themselves, and develop independence. But beyond literacy, my belief extends to all subjects: every student has the right to master the skills necessary for lifelong success and it is my responsibility to get them there.

This philosophy is often in the back of my mind as I navigate my classroom. I am committed to creating an inclusive classroom where students feel safe, supported and capable of growth. I meet students where they are at, using differentiated instruction, data-driven strategies, and small group interventions to ensure that all students'learning needs are met. Whether a student is struggling in reading, writing or math, I use every resource at my disposal to help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Creating a safe and engaging classroom environment is at the heart of my teaching. I can acknowledge that students learn best when they feel respected, valued, and supported, just as we do in our careers as adults. I prioritize social-emotional growth equally as I do academic growth. I give students many opportunities to collaborate, overcome challenges and build confidence. In my classroom, mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning, curiosity is celebrated, and every student is encouraged to share their voice and ideas. If you spent a day in my classroom, you would hear two sayings often: "don't easy someone's hard" and "practice makes progress," reflecting a culture where growth is recognized and celebrated for everyone. I want my students to understand that their own progress is valuable, that perseverance matters, and that they have the ability to overcome challenges and continue moving forward. I hope they carry these lessons with them throughout their lives, embracing challenges, persevering through difficulties, and continuing to do hard things long after they leave my classroom.

My commitment to equity extends far beyond the walls of my classroom. I acknowledge that every student brings unique experiences, strengths and challenges, and I work to remove barriers that could limit their access to learning. I firmly believe in the saying, "It takes a village," and I strive to partner with families to support their children's success. Whether it's providing books to read at home, offering resources for handwriting practice, or answering any questions families may have, I ensure parents know they can always reach out for support. Teaching takes a village, and when families and educators work together, we create the best opportunities for students to be successful.

Teaching has so many rewards, they are immense and never-ending. There is no greater joy than watching a student gain confidence, read their first word, write their first sentence, persevere through challenging activities. These moments that I, as an educator, experience daily are reminders of why I chose to become a teacher, why I choose to keep coming back even when the days feel hard. Reinforcing my commitment to high-quality education for all students. Ultimately, my teaching philosophy is guided by the belief that all students deserve access, support, and opportunity. My role as an educator is to ensure that every child develops the skills they need to succeed while fostering an environment where love of learning can naturally flourish. I am dedicated to this, and it shapes every decision I make as a teacher, every lesson I plan, and every interaction I have with my students.

---

Principal's Recommendation

Dear Members of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is an honor to recommend Sarah Burns as Plano ISD's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Burns has served at Bethany as both a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher and has had a profoundly positive effect on students, their families, and staff.

Mrs. Burns has a strong ability to meet the needs of all students. Her students consistently outperform others in the campus and district on the growth they achieve on MAP tests and other district assessments. Year after year, Mrs. Burns is entrusted with students at our campus who have unique learning needs and she excels in helping them to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. The relationships that she builds with them consistently continue after students have left her classroom.

It is not uncommon to find Mrs. Burns attending her students' weekend games or extra-curricular activities, cheering them on, and supporting them beyond the classroom. The relationships she builds with her students are lasting and meaningful. Each year, former students eagerly return to her classroom during the Meet the Teacher event to greet her, and many warm hugs are exchanged in the hallways and cafeteria throughout the school year. This is a testament to the deep connections she forms with the students she teaches.

Mrs. Burns is actively involved in the campus community. For the past two years, Sarah has served on the PTA Executive Board. During this time, she has served as communications chairperson and 2nd Vice President overseeing the programs that PTA sponsors on our campus. Through this service, she has established strong community relationships and has been a powerful advocate for the campus and community as a whole.

As a teacher leader on our campus, Ms. Burns constantly is challenging herself to grow professionally and to support other teachers in their learning. In her role as first grade team leader, she is constantly sharing new ideas and facilitating professional learning activities for her team. She also has served as a technology guru for the building by modeling the first classroom with the "new technology standard" (BenQ) and also being a model classroom for the implementation of iPads in first grade. Sarah is always willing to support her peers in their growth as professional educators.

Mrs. Burns portrays all the qualities that Plano ISD looks for in an outstanding teacher and would represent Plano ISD well as its Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Bryan Bird
Principal
Bethany Elementary School