Burris Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Education

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Burris

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Carol Burris, principal at South Side High School in the Rockville Centre UFSD, has been selected as the 2010 New York State Outstanding Educator by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, and research and/or writing in the field of education.

Burris has worked in education for 19 years, 12 as an administrator and nine in her present position. South Side High School is a grade 9-12 suburban school with an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students. Prior to assuming her principalship at South Side, she was assistant principal and a Spanish teacher. A longtime veteran in the field of education, she has made many contributions along the way. At South Side, she has worked with diligence and dedication to improve academic achievement in her school and to build a vibrant learning community. During her tenure, the Regents Diploma rate for minorities and students of poverty has exceeded the state average and the number of students taking advanced placement or International Baccalaureate classes has reached 80 percent.

Burris is a writer who has had articles printed in several professional educational publications including EducationWeek, Educational Leadership, and the American Educational Research Journal to name a few. In these articles, she shares her experience and expertise on topics including detracking, closing the achievement gap, and heterogeneous grouping.

John Murphy, assistant principal at South Side, summed up Burris' achievements in his letter of recommendation. "It is the quiet, individualized attention she gives those students who may otherwise fall through the cracks, who do not have anyone else to advocate for them, that inspires others to follow her lead. Carol has raised the standard for everyone at South Side High School, and has opened our doors to other schools that want to replicate her model of success."

In a statement regarding her educational philosophy, Burris said, "As we continue to struggle as a nation to provide high standards for all learners and to close the achievement gap that separates groups of our students, school success and high-track curricula can no longer be scarce and guarded commodities. If we truly believe that no child should be left behind, then all children must have access to the best curriculum each school has to offer."

Burris holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Hofstra University, a master's in Spanish education from Long Island University, and a doctorate in organization and leadership from Columbia University Teachers College. Among other professional activities, she is a member of SAANYS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), ASCD, and the American Education Research Association. She is the recipient of awards including the NASSP Middle Level Dissertation of the Year.

Burris will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 7, 2010 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to provide direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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