About Me
Hello! My name is Carlene Burke and I am a fourth grade teacher at Creekside Elementary.
I have lived in South Dakota all of my life. I grew up on a farm in Eastern South Dakota and enjoy sharing my childhood memories with my students! I graduated from Beresford High School and from Black Hills State University.
I have two children, Christopher, and Katie. Being a parent is one of life's greatest gifts! I am very blessed to also have six adorable grandchildren. My son,Christopher, has three children, Mason, Madelynn, and Mckenna. My daughter, Katie, and her husband, Jared, are the parents of Zakaryah, Zaiden,and Zandria. I enjoy being a grandmother and spoiling my grandchildren a lot!
In May 2013, I was honored to receive Creekside Elementary's Teacher of the Year award. This was a wonderful honor to receive and one that I will always treasure.
I have also received other awards throughout the years that are very special to me. The South Dakota Year of the Volunteer Award was presented to me by the late Governor Mickelson. I've also received the Outstanding Elementary Employee of The Year Award. I have also been honored to have received the Excellence in Education Award three times from our students during the past five years. Another honor I have received two times is being named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers in America" listing. I feel very blessed and honored to have earned these awards.
My husband, John, and I have enjoyed biking on the Mickelson Trail this summer and also enjoy hiking. We are so blessed to live in the beautiful Black Hills! I also enjoy reading, taking walks, and enjoying life to the fullest!
My teaching experiences include: Third Grade, Title One, and Fourth Grade. I really enjoy teaching and working with children! My classroom is a warm, inviting place for children to feel comfortable and cared for.
I want children to leave my classroom each day feeling successful. Children need to have a strong self-esteem and that is a priority for me!!!