Hello families,
My name is Travis Burhart, and I’m happy to introduce myself as the Gifted Education Facilitator for the 2025–2026 school year. Some of you may know me from my past three years teaching fourth grade here at Pine Grove, and I’m looking forward to continuing those connections—and building new ones—as I support our gifted learners. In this role, I will work alongside you, your student, your student’s classroom teacher to help enrich and stretch their thinking in meaningful ways.
As an educator, I believe learning should be approached with a sense of joy, curiosity, and humility. Growth isn’t always a linear path, and that’s okay—what matters most is progress over perfection. I hope to create a space where students feel safe to take risks, think deeply, and learn from each other. We’ll always strive to show patience and compassion, both for ourselves and for those around us.
Before joining Pine Grove, I taught both fourth and fifth grade and worked in consulting. Outside of school, I enjoy playing golf and tennis. My one claim to fame is that I was an extra in the Hannah Montana movie when I was in fourth grade. (I never booked another role, so it was fun while it lasted!) I’m truly looking forward to the year ahead and all that your student will explore and accomplish.
The Gifted Education Facilitator creates and maintains systems for Equitable Identification of Gifted students as well as develops collaborative systems for creating, revising, implementing, and progress monitoring Advanced Learning Plans. The Douglas County School District uses a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework to guide instructional decisions in order to meet the needs of all learners, including those with advanced learning needs. Through an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support, Pine Grove provides a continuum of programming for Gifted and Talented learners. Programming options include, but are not limited to, accelerated/differentiated content, flexible groupings based on abilities and interests, and independent study and projects. Programming delivery is within the regular classroom setting and through push-in or pull-out sessions with like-minded peers supported by the Gifted Education Facilitator.
For more information about the programming for gifted learners, visit the DCSD gifted education website or contact me at tburhart@dcsdk12.org.
Warmly,
Travis Burhart