Jean Burden, a seventh grade English language arts teacher at Loris Middle School, wasnamed Horry County Schools 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year at a ceremonyat Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach on May 6th. Burden willrepresent Horry County in the State Teacher of the Year competition.

Jean is congratulated by Will Garland, chairman of the Board of Education (left), and her husband, Dan Burden (right).

"Therewards found in teaching are intangible but incredulous, and they makeme want to return every day for more. I love when my studentsaccomplish things they never thought possible. I am overjoyed when theyare excited because they finish a book, write a beautiful piece ofprose or poetry, or persevere through an arduous task. ...Of course weall feel rewarded when test scores improve, but my greatest joys cannotbe measured by charts and data. My ultimate happiness as a teachercomes when we struggle, fail, laugh at ourselves, and perseveretogether, knowing that the walk of excellence to education and literacyis like no other. I simply enjoy being with my students, and I lovegetting up every morning being sure that I love my  job and that I amfulfilling my divine purpose in life."

                                         ~ Jean Burden

JeanBurden is a seventh grade teacher at Loris Middle School. She has 28years teaching experience, 19 of which have been in Horry CountySchools. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from WinthropUniversity and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Clemson University.

The four other finalists were: Allie Hilliard, Socastee High School; Etta Greene, Green Sea Floyds High School; Chris Plowman, Aynor Elementary School; and Anthony Rito, Socastee Elementary School.

All of the school level Teachers of the Year and the teachers who earned National Board Certification this past year were also recognized at the ceremony.