Jennifer Burke Named 2021 – 2022 Educator of the Year   

 Dr. Jennifer Burke is now part of a select group of educators at Millersville University. The associate professor of Early, Middle and Exceptional Education was named the 2021 – 2022 Educator of the year. She was selected by the awards selection committee for her contributions to student success.   

 As part of the College of Education and Human Services, Burke educates future teachers. She says she is grateful to receive the award. “This award is extremely validating because I predominantly teach future teachers. It is important for me to model the best practices for them, so they will, in turn, use them with their future students. It means I am practicing what I preach.”  

Burke says she takes being an educator seriously and believes it is “who she is.” She explains that being an educator has been part of her identity for nearly 20 years. “I can think of no greater gift one person can give to another than the gift of knowledge.”  

 It was no surprise to her former students when they heard of the news. Maura Shank, Burke’s advisee, says, “Dr. Burke is an excellent professor who goes above and beyond for her students. She emphasizes that mental health comes first and is always bringing students together.”  

 Burke sees her work at Millersville as a way to support the Lancaster community and is honored to be part of their educational experience. “I view my work here at Millersville as an extension of my service to the Lancastrian community. As a mother, I am deeply committed to creating the best possible educational workforce for the schools of Pennsylvania. The children of Pennsylvania deserve teachers who are brilliant and compassionate. I’m honored to be a part of that process at Millersville.”  

Previous award winners include:   

• 2020-21 Dr. Elizabeth Costello-Powers, Early, Middle, and Exceptional Education  
• 2019-20 Dr. Caleb Corkery, English  

• 2018-19 Dr. Carol E. Hepfer, Biology  
• 2016-17 Dr. Mehmet Goksu, Physics  
• 2015-16 Dr. Sepideh Yalda, Earth Sciences  
• 2014-15 Dr. Jennifer Wood, Communication and Theatre  
• 2012-13 Dr. Ed Rajaseelan, Chemistry  

• 2011-12 Dr. John Wallace, Biology  
• 2010-11 Dr. Susan Luek, Psychology  

The Educator of the Year Award is given annually to one faculty/staff member in recognition of sustained outstanding teaching, including counseling, mentoring, and advising of the undergraduate and graduate students at Millersville University. More information can be found at https://www.millersville.edu/fsenate/educator-of-the-year-award.php