2012 SYF Teacher of the Year: Katie Burton

Katie Burton Selected as Teacher of the Year by SYF

Clark Pleasant Academy Student Services Coordinator is the 2012 Recipient

From left to right: Dr. J. Michael Durnil (SYF President & CEO),
Julie Carriere (Education Services Coordinator),
Della Lefevers (Admin. Services-Education Services),
Katie Burton (Student Services Coordinator, Clark Pleasant Academy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Katie Burton as the 2012 Teacher of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a professional who has demonstrated excellence in all facets of insuring academic success with academy students. Burton's dedication to helping guide them from high school graduation to college acceptance is remarkable. She wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so. 

"I believe that teaching and counseling requires a tremendous amount of passion and a desire to grow in all aspects of life: mentally, spiritually, emotionally and scholastically," said Burton.  "I am here to set an example to students and instill understanding and love for life."

A graduate of Franklin College and a master's degree in School Counseling from IUPUI, her efforts go beyond the walls of the academy. Burton is the Vice President of KIC-IT (Kids in Crisis Intervention Team) and regularly helps out at their Youth Worker Café, which brings together experts in the field to share best practices, help with interventions and brainstorm problem-solving with youth issues. She is also a member of the American Counselors Association (ASCA) and the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA). Burton serves as a presenter for several workshops, master’s degree classes and other Dropout Prevention related conferences.

"We are proud to add Katie Burton to our list of distinguished educators," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. "She ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention."