LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Josette Burns

Position: U.S. History/Geography Teacher
School: Plantation High School
School District: Broward County Public Schools
City, State: Plantation , FL

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Music that Describes Josette


Josette Burns was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.

Ms. Burns is one of those teachers who makes connections.  She scratches the surface of a curriculum topic just enough to leave you wanting more.  She has been teaching at Plantation for over 25 years, and she is a product of the school, as well.  Ms. Burns pours her heart and soul into the school, the students, and the community. 

There has not been a time where Ms. Burns wasn't smiling or cheering her students on.  Her students knows she cares about them and wants to see each of them achieve greatness. She is a strong advocate for the students and believes they can achieve despite any barriers put in front of them.  

Comments (8)

Tracy Yudell Posted over a year ago

I believe these types of awards/recognition are created for role models like Ms. Burns. When you send your child to school you can only hope there are leaders there that can connect with the students: to teach them, guide them, support them & open their eyes to new experiences & opportunities. Josette Burns exemplifies all these characteristics, plus .... she cares!! The students connect with her, respect her & want to learn from her - both inside the classroom & out! She gives so much of herself for the school & her students while asking for nothing in return.

Geraldine Jean Baptiste Posted over a year ago

She is so amazing! She is more than deserving!

Bianca Thervil Posted over a year ago

Ms. Burns is always encouraging her students to make a difference in the community. She supports them in all the ways she can. Every year, Ms. Burns wears many hats: teacher, student government advisor, IB guru and “school-mom” - just to name a few. She wears them all with pride at Plantation High. Ms. Burns motivates the students to surpass collective and personal goals. She has inspired us all to become model citizens. Ms. Burns listens and offers the BEST advice. No matter what, she doesn’t give up on her students, even after they’ve graduated. Ms. Burns is an incredible teacher and mentor. There isn’t anyone more deserving of this award.

Bianca Thervil Posted over a year ago

Ms. Burns is always encouraging her students to make a difference in the community. She supports them in all the ways she can. Every year, Ms. Burns wears many hats: teacher, student government advisor, IB guru and “school-mom” - just to name a few. She wears them all with pride at Plantation High. Ms. Burns motivates the students to surpass collective and personal goals. She has inspired us all to become model citizens. Ms. Burns listens and offers the BEST advice. No matter what, she doesn’t give up on her students, even after they’ve graduated. Ms. Burns is an incredible teacher and mentor. There isn’t anyone more deserving of this award.

Erika Leisner Posted over a year ago

I met Ms. Burns my sophomore year of high school. At that time, she was just my SGA advisor. However, by the end of my senior year, she was honestly like my 'school mom'. All throughout my three years of high school/SGA with Ms. Burns, she did nothing but motivate and support me. I'm sure many other students feel this way. Ms. Burns and I grew a very close bond throughout our years together at PHS. I truly believe that without her, I wouldn't have been the leader I was and made it as far as I did. She did nothing but push and encourage me to follow my goals and dreams, even if I felt they were a bit out of my comfort zone. Whenever I needed to rant, or gossip, or just have a pick-me-up conversation, Ms. Burns was always the first person I went to. I knew and still know that I can always count on her when needed and she will always be there for me. She is the heart and soul of PHS. From teaching AP, IB, Honors, and being SGA advisor, she truly is superwoman of Plantation High School. She has this way of connecting with her students that only wants them to keep learning and engaging in the material. Speaking from someone that was not the strongest in history, she made me want to learn more. Being my SGA advisor, she truly changed my life. Going into SGA, I did not think I could ever hold a position in office, yet by the end of my high school experience, I held two positions. Working alongside Ms. Burns has enriched me with so much leadership skills. She just has this way of connecting with others that makes you feel secure with her. Her words of advice and encouragement really come from the heart and she truly wishes nothing but the best for each and everyone of her students. I couldn't have gotten through high school without her. Ms. Burns 100% deserves this award.

Jason leisner Posted over a year ago

Ms Burns is an amazing person she strides to take care of her students and gives them the love and attention that is needed she has help my daughter in high school to as she was always there when needed she is an amazing teacher and deserves this award

Maria Somerville Posted over a year ago

Ms. Burns has been such a positive influence in my children life. I see her at times in our beautiful city and always feel the warmth of her smile and her care and concern come through each time. Feel blessed that she has been a part of our children upbringing. She is the best! Thanks for nominating her, she ROCKS!

Amanda Williams Posted over a year ago

Josette Burns is the most amazing and helpful teacher there is. She has been the SGA advisor at Plantation high school and has been a social studies teacher for over 30 years. She is the most amazing mentor and has had such a positive impact on my life and made me the teacher I am today. She deserves this award.