Originally from Poway, California, Andrew Burke has been teaching for the past 15 years. Having taught in the 6th Grade Spanish FLES program in DMUSD for the past six years, Profe Burke is thrilled to transition into his new role within the Spanish Language Immersion Program, helping 6th graders refine their Spanish proficiency while building the confidence and independence needed to thrive in middle school and beyond.
Profe Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hispanic Studies from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a minor in Latin American History. In 2024, he completed a Master of Arts degree in Foreign Language Teaching from Michigan State University. He holds a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish, along with CA single-subject teaching credentials in Spanish, English Language Development, and Social Science, plus his multiple subject credential for self-contained classrooms (K-8).
Profe Burke enjoys sharing stories from his experiences living and teaching abroad in Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Chile, and Colombia. Profe Burke is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in the education sector for 27 months in rural Colombia from 2017-2019.
It's a pleasure having you in class this year! ¡Bienvenid@s a tod@s!
Teacher Contact Information:
Email: aburke@dmusd.org
Phone:
Educational Philosophy
My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that "educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel empowered to take risks, discover their passions, and maximize their potential. In the Spanish Language Immersion Program, I strive to foster a classroom that feels alive with student energy and deep thinking rooted in biliteracy. By building strong relationships and meeting students where they are, I aim to develop independent thinkers who leave my classroom feeling inspired, confident, and intrinsically motivated to ignite their genius and advance the good in the world.
What to Expect in 6th Grade Spanish Immersion
Sixth grade is a milestone year! As the culmination of the SLIP journey, our focus is on refining simultaneous proficiency in Spanish and English while preparing for the increased demands of middle school. Students will engage in rich conversations across all subjects—literacy, math, and science—to sharpen their biliteracy and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the year, we will explore the "why" behind our learning: How does bilingualism transform our perspective? What does it mean to be socioculturally competent in a global society? We will dive deeply into the history, geography, and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world (and beyond!) to build a genuine appreciation for diverse perspectives. Beyond academics, we will work as a team to strengthen the organizational and communication skills essential for the next stage of students' education.
My greatest hope is that my students graduate from 6th grade not only as fluent speakers but as empathetic global citizens who recognize the endless doors that language and culture can open!
Outside of class, Profe Burke's interests include hiking, going to concerts, traveling, and enjoying life in San Diego alongside family and friends.
He has a 1-year old Rat Terrier named Yaya (right).