NAME:
Mr. Thomas J. Burke
SCHOOL:
Wasatch Junior High School
CLASS:
Elementary Algebra and Geometry/Problem Solving
SCHOOL PHONE:
385-646-5244
I graduated from the University of Utah in 1969 with a B.S. in mathematics.
In 1974 I received a masters degree in education with a math emphesis. I am a
level four certified teacher. I have a K-12 administrative certificate from
B.Y.U.. I have taught for 38 years, 28 years at Butler Middle School and ten
years at Wasatch Junior High. This year is my eleventh year at Wasatch.
I am teaching four classes of Elementary Algebra and two classes of geometry.
I also prepare groups of Wasatch students for Mathcounts, Academic Games, AMC
competitions and some help with the state math contest. My teaching
experience includes all classes from basic sixth grade math to pre-calculus
at S.L.C.C.. My desire is to continue to teach until I don't get satisfaction
from helping prepare students for their future.
As a teacher at Wasatch Junior, my primary goal is to make sure all students
under my supervision learn, as a minimum, the Utah State Core Goals in
algebra. My desire is to teach students more than the minimum, to encourage
each student to strive for mastery of the curriculum of the class. Each
student should be taught the importance of knowing how to learn
independantly
of others. Learning is a life long endeaver, never to be taken for granted.
The increased use of technology in learning is of great benefit in striving
for excellence. Every student must be enouraged to communicate their needs,
their ambitions, and their responsibilities. A safe and non-threatening
environment must be provided each student. Education is a product of the
students environment, it takes a village to educate a student. No single
person can take credit for another persons success.