Archive for the ‘Media Articles’ Category

BY SARA REED

Inmates obtain inspiration from Glenn at Larimer County Detention Center Photo by: Hardy Wilson/The Coloradoan

SaraReed@coloradoan.com
WWW.COLORADOAN.COM

Burke, who said he was one step away from winding up dead or in jail when he was younger, spoke at the jail as part of the Character First program. He told of when his father left when he was 10, of being expelled from school

That message on education is one that 48-year-old Del Rodriguez tries to stress to his children. Rodriguez, who has two associate’s degrees, said he takes many classes at the jail and sends the certificates to his children when he completes them.

“We need to strive for education for our children,” he said. “You have to set an example for your children.”

Gamez, 40, said he was encouraged by Burke’s educational experience because he wants to go for his associate’s degree when he gets out of jail next month.

“It’s nice to know someone my age can do it,” he said. “It just reconfirms that things are possible.”Every Thursday read Glenn’s advice column online at www.TheSOP.org. Learn more about Mr. Burke at www.GlennBrandonBurke.com

in sixth grade and becoming a drug dealer in high school to convey his messages.

photo by: Hardy Wilson/The Coloradoan

Miguel Gamez is about a month away from finishing a year-long sentence for drunk driving and said that although he always knew in someway it was his choice to drink and drive, it’s very valuable to be reminded that life is full of choices.

“Before, I always thought it was bad luck that I got caught,” he said. “Now I’m conscious of my choices.”Beyond making good choices, Burke stressed the importance of education and knowledge and encouraged inmates to get the education they need to do what they want to do with their lives.

Burke said he began attending community college at 28 and now, at 44, is only months away from getting his master’s degree.

“Success is not about dollars and cents,” he said. “Success is being happy with what you do.”

Glenn Brandon Burke

Philosophies, or otherwise, vary from person to person, and I, too, have mine. Statistically speaking, I should not be an educator, let alone have lived past the age of 22. I was a high school dropout who made drastic life changes to put myself in a position to live the life I desire.

 
One of those life changes included, at the age of 28, to begin college and receive a bachelor’s degree. During the pursuit of my degree, I, like the other students, had many teachers. However, I was fortunate to have had a few very special teachers who passionately touched my life and whom I’ll never forget. It was those few teachers whose teaching styles I admired and respected, and, now that I have become an educator myself, realized it was their “philosophy.” Philosophies, actually parts thereof, I have incorporated into my own.

My philosophy of education is that learning should be fun! I teach because I love giving back what was once bestowed upon me. I do not teach for a living, but was an adjunct instructor at a community college. I taught communications/speech/business presentations (AKA: Public Speaking). When teaching, I incorporate the following styles/beliefs which encompass my philosophy: have fun, teach with passion, show you truly care and, motivate and inspire the students.

My classroom environment is controlled (by me), yet fun. I use humor, sarcasm, and seriousness. When students see the passion I have for teaching and realize I truly care about their education, they become motivated to learn. Students also become motivated and inspired by my personal history to succeed with their own education, life and careers.

Between 2000 and 2005, in a post-secondary setting, I conducted a study with 28 classes between two different teaching styles and studied what it takes to improve student retention, class work and tests scores. Style one: “Motivational,” based on my teaching philosophy. Style two: “GttM” (Going through the Motions), based on everything opposite of my philosophy, hence, going through the motions.

In my study, I took (subject 1) 14 classes and made learning fun, taught with passion, true caring (identifying troubled students and working with them one-on-one), motivation, inspiration, and with firm control of the class, thus gaining the students respect. With the other (subject 2) 14 classes, I simply taught by going through the motions. The results are as follows:

Subject one: Never exceeded an 8% drop-rate. 100% improved class work. And 100% pass rate on tests (mid term and final exam). Subject two: 20% – 32% drop-rate. 80% improved class work. And 80% pass rate on tests (mid term and final exam).

Based on the results of my study, I believe if a teacher has passion for what they teach, truly show they care, is motivational, inspirational, and has respect for their students, more students WILL rise to the occasion and succeed. Sadly, there are far too many teachers whom, for whatever reason (available for another paper or article), simply go through the motions when teaching and cannot reach the students, and probably do not care.

If you’re a teacher who touches the lives of your students in a positive manner, I applaud you! If you’re a teacher who just goes through the motions for a paycheck, you either need to be re-energized, or you need to find a new career!

Glenn Brandon Burke, M.Ed. Motivational Speaker, Author, Columnist, Educator, and Mentor. For educational programs offered by Glenn Brandon Burke, please see his online press kit at www.GlennBrandonBurke.com