That Karry Burson gravitated to a career in education was no surprise after growing up the granddaughter of two teachers in Pekin.
Burson has spent the last eight years of her 25-year teaching career at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High, where she taught seventh-grade math before transitioning to math and English/language-arts intervention, where she helps students who need it the most.
My work is important because … teaching allows me to help students believe in themselves, find what they are passionate about and ignite a love of learning. Teachers play a role in shaping how a child feels about themselves as students and as learners. We help our students navigate all the ups and downs of growing up and discovering who they are. I genuinely love what I do, I love my students, and I want them to learn to become the best versions of themselves and find value in hard work and helping others.
I became a teacher because … it was modeled in my family. My grandfather was an incredible world-history teacher, and my grandmother was a wonderful third-grade teacher. Growing up, I remember my grandpa taking me to his classroom, school plays or sporting events. Everywhere he went, current and past students recognized him and went out of their way to talk to him. I was in awe of his lasting impact on so many people.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … a probability project in which students create carnival games to find the probability of winning and predict their profit. Students love it because the math classes host the carnival, where other classes visit and play their games. Many of these games entice participation by rewarding the winners with candy. I love it because students get excited to be creative, show what they know, and interact with their peers.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … I see students push themselves and master a new skill or concept. By the time students reach junior high, their past experiences have shaped who they are as learners and the risks they are willing to take in the classroom. It can be a challenge to reverse negative perceptions students have of themselves. My favorite moments are watching a student persevere, take risks and improve. Believing in themselves and learning to work hard is a skill that will pay off in everything they do. It is incredible to be a part of those moments with my students.
I keep students engaged by … really getting to know them. I make math relevant to them by investing in their interests and making connections to their lives. I also use humor as often as possible. Many people think junior high teachers are crazy for loving what we do. There is truth to that, but none of us would survive this job without a sense of humor. Each student learns in a unique way and at their own pace. I strive to meet each student where they are on their learning path and push them further. My goal is for every child to feel valued and that they belong when they enter our classroom.
I’m also passionate about … my wonderful family, my two incredible dogs and Fighting Illini basketball, of course.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … I have to pick two. My sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Burdette, at L.E. Starke Elementary, inspired me, and so did my grandpa, Dean Bushue, a world-history teacher at Pekin Community High School. Both of them had such a passion for teaching. It was evident daily that they loved what they did and genuinely cared about all of their students, which allowed them to make such a positive difference in the lives of their students.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would … devote my life to rescuing dogs or becoming a puppy nanny.