Teacher Spotlight is where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognition. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

This Indian Lane Elementary School third-grade teacher has taught at the school her entire career and says she loves to challenge her students and see them achieve. But it's not just about academics, she hopes they leave her classroom as respectful citizens.

Teacher: Abby Burke

School: Indian Lane Elementary School

Grade/Subject: 3rd Grade

Years in the industry: Nine years, all at Indian Lane

Teaching History:

Burke began her career at Indian Lane Elementary, first as a student teacher while attending West Chester University, then 4th grade prior to teaching 3rd grade.

Why did you become a teacher:

I've known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in the 3rd grade. My 3rd grade teacher at Scenic Hills Elementary in Springfield inspired me to want to be a teacher. She taught in a way that was memorable and made me realize that's what I wanted to do. I love learning myself and I want to install that in my students and share my love for learning.

What do you like most about your job:

I love the children and I love when they learn a new concept and that light bulb goes off and you see their face, I love that. I like to teach in a way that stretches them to go beyond average and it challenges them to think on a higher level. I think it's most important to challenge them and show them they are capable of achieving things if they work hard. I like stretching their brains. But it's not just the academics, I want to teach them to be respectful citizens, too.

What do you hope your students get out of your classes:

I hope they have a love for learning, in a way that's fun. But also to be respectful and treat people the way you want to treated. I hope that they take that out of the classroom.

If you could change anything about education, what would it be:

I would like the focus to be more on the children, as opposed to how they perform on a standardized state test. I'd like the emphasis to be on nurturing the qualities of children that aren't related to standardize test results. I think everyone is so unique and one test is not going to bring out those things that are unique about each individual student. But that's how they are compared and scored by the state.

What do you like best about your current school:

I love the parent involvement and the community. We do a lot of community service and the parents keep the kids active outside of school. We have a strong community of active parents who want their kids to be successful as much as I do, so there's a great team effort here.

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