English educator strives to help students become their best
Jun. 25—LUMBERTON — A Prospect Elementary English educator says equipping students to do their best and be their best is his mission.
Jamie Burney is in his fifth year of teaching at the school. He teaches eighth-grade English.
However, during his 21 years of employment in the Public Schools of Robeson County school district, he has also taught Math and Social Studies in grades 5-8.
"Teaching children requires patience and at times sacrifice," he said in a statement to The Robesonian.
"We have to meet students where they are and give them help and supports to help them achieve their best potential. We can't coddle them from the struggles of the real world, but we can give them the tools to be successful, and be there to help them and guide them as they make both good and bad decisions," Burney said.
Burney told The Robesonian his favorite part of the profession is "getting to know" his students and their families.
"Teaching requires all of us to work together to help kids reach their full potential," Burney added.
Burney's love of Social Studies led him to the classroom.
The educator said he wasn't sure what else he "could do with a history degree other than teaching and working in a museum."
Thus, his career as an educator began.
And Burney has enjoyed his career and returns each day to the classroom ready to teach and inspire.
"One of my greatest joys at my job is working with our Junior Beta Club and Battle of the Books. I serve as the Prospect Jr. Beta Club Sponsor and I am currently the State Sponsor for the North Carolina Junior Beta Club," he said.
He also serves as a coach for the Battle of the Books Team.
"Seeing these students serve their community and develop as leaders is fulfilling and inspiring to me ... Seeing students excel as leaders, in community service, and in academia are things that make the job worthwhile," he said.
"Knowing that these students are going to be the leaders of tomorrow gives me home for our community, state, and nation. Knowing that I had a hand in that inspires me to keep going each and every day," Burney said.
When Burney faces obstacles and bad days, he leans on his faith in God and his colleagues to help him through them.
"Knowing that God will work everything for his good brings peace in those kinds of situations," he said.
Burney also shared advice for future educators.
"Understand that your mission is an honorable one. You are the reason that all other professions can exist," Burney said.
Educators invest in the future of their students each day, he said.
"Always remember to stay human, admit your mistakes when you make them and apologize. If we expect this out of our students, then we should be able to model it for them ..." he said.
Burney also said helping students gain confidence in themselves is a priority.
"Building achievement starts with building confidence in our students," he said. "Your classroom should be a place where they can try different strategies and be okay with not always being right."
When Burney isn't teaching, the Lumberton resident can be found watching TV and movies, reading, and spending time with his family members and friends. Burney also works with the Junior Beta Club and the Lumberton Lions Club.
Reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or via email at jhorne@robesonian.com.
