Jackson Elementary School - Fifth-Grade Teacher
Teaching Philosophy
Relationship-Driven.
“I attribute a lot of my success to you, Mrs. B. You were absolutely the biggest influence on my life at the time, and I will never forget everything you did for me while I was at Jackson. I have such a strong work ethic, and I have worked so hard due to the obstacles I faced, but it was you and all the staff that truly made me feel loved and made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. I know teachers don't get the recognition and the respect they always deserve, but I'll be the first to tell you that you are the best teacher I ever had and you changed my life for the better. Thank you so much for that.”
I recently received these kind words in an email from Brian, a former student that I had in fourth-grade almost 13 years ago. At the time, Brian had lost his mother in a car accident and had moved to Plano to live with his grandmother. We spent a lot of time that year grieving together, sharing memories and learning how to take one day at a time. Many of my students walk through the door with a story. Many have faced unbelievable trauma already in their young lives. Many are looking for me to fill a void of an otherwise missing figure. Knowing this, it is my belief that the most important thing that I can do as a teacher is to develop a relationship with every child in my classroom. It is my responsibility to provide a safe, nurturing classroom culture that fosters learning and allows my students to reach their highest potential while at the same time teaching them how to be resilient. These relationships must be based on trust which is built early in the school year through spending time with each student and getting to know what makes them tick, where they are coming from and what their aspirations are. I love to listen to their stories about their families and I often share stories about my family with them. They laugh when I say that they might as well have “Burkhead” written on the back of their jersey, for that’s how we function, as a team. As their coach, I know that if they know that I am invested in them, they will work hard not only for me, but more importantly, for themselves.
This is my 23rd year in education, and I am blessed to say that I have built many relationships over the years with not only my students, but with their families and my colleagues as well. I swell with pride when I receive notes or visits from former students who just want to check in and inform me of their progress. When their parents reach out to me asking for advice, I am humbled. I am honored in knowing that I have mentored and coached many of the teachers at Jackson Elementary School, including five out of six members of the leadership team. I thrive on being a part of the growth of others. If only they all knew that I am the one growing because of them and the relationships that we have. As a teacher, I am able to make a difference in the lives of those I encounter, to touch their hearts, to encourage their young minds and to inspire their souls. Aren’t I the lucky one!
As for Brian, the light of his life, his grandmother, passed away last June, but with resilience and grit, he will be graduating from Texas Tech in May with a 3.9 GPA. Through stories like Brian’s, I am honored to know that I have left a lasting imprint on the lives of many children, parents and teachers all because I took the time to be relationship-driven.
Principal's Recommendation
It is an honor and a privilege to write a letter of recommendation for Robyn Burkhead. Simply put, Robyn Burkhead exemplifies everything that is great about Jackson and also Plano ISD. Robyn started working at Jackson as a teacher assistant as she put herself through college to become a teacher and has been at Jackson Elementary School as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher ever since. Robyn’s sons were educated through Plano ISD, and her dedication to public education and Plano is unmatched.
To say that Robyn is a great teacher is an understatement. Robyn is one of the best teachers I have worked with in my 24 year career. Her ability to build relationships with the most at-risk students, and her ability to convey content knowledge to all her students are only two of her strengths. She has served as a team leader since her first year of teaching almost two decades ago. She is Jackson’s mentor leader, and the list of new teachers that have been impacted by Robyn’s care, expertise and support is long. Teachers that have served alongside Robyn carry her legacy as they embark on leadership opportunities. As a leader, Robyn is a true collaborator that has the respect of the entire building. In other words, when Robyn speaks and offers an opinion, people listen. Parents in the community seek her out long after their students have left her classroom. Her relationships with families and the community as a whole make her an outstanding staff member. They know that each student who enters her classroom will grow academically, become a better citizen and believe in themselves and their future.
Robyn Burkhead is not only Jackson’s Teacher of the Year, she is what Plano ISD needs now more than ever in their Title I campuses. Please consider her for Plano ISD’s Teacher of the Year. There is not a better choice.
Andrea Cockrell
Principal
