Claire Burton

Teaching young people is the most rewarding career I can imagine!

Getting to spend my day with children and accompanying them on a journey to explore literature, math, and science is hard work but so much fun! I think teaching elementary school students goes beyond introducing them to academic concepts. Collaborating with classmates, accepting and learning from the differences of others, and using good social skills are so vital for success in this world. These skills are taught in the home but practicing with one's peers in a classroom setting adds another dimension to these "life lessons."

I consider working and communicating with the parents of my students a very important part of my job. CES parents have made this aspect of my job very enjoyable and one I look forward to every year. Parents are welcome in our classroom to share their experience in our areas of study, to help with classroom routines or parties, or as guests for lunch or classroom activities.

After receiving my B.A. in elementary education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, I taught fifth grade teacher at a private school in West, Texas. I stayed home while my four children were very young. When I resumed teaching, it was in first grade at a public school in Lorena, Texas. I have been a fourth grade teacher at CES for the past seven years.

My family has lived in Christiansburg for the last nine years. We have a golden retriever named Tex, who is very mischievous, but he makes life interesting! Traveling, going to hear live music, dancing, and cooking are activities my husband and I enjoy doing together. I also love to read, hike, garden and chat on the phone with my "far flung" family.

At CES, I am lucky to work with, learn from, and share ideas with a whole building of wonderful people. On Tuesday mornings, I work with the CES Wildlife Club before school. I appreciate most everything about my job and this corner of Southwest Virginia. "Landing" here was a very fortunate event!