Meredith Burstin started her college education at the University of Missouri in Columbia and wasn’t sure what she wanted to be when she grew up. She got a job at an after school program and it felt like a natural fit. In 2004, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, followed by a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006 through a teaching fellowship.
Ms. Burstin taught fourth grade during her teaching fellowship, she then accepted a job as a second grade teacher in Fulton, Missouri. A couple of years later, a teaching position for the gifted program opened up and Ms. Burstin got the job. She says, “I had always had students in my classes that were part of the gifted programs and I was fascinated by what they were learning, so becoming a gifted teacher was an exciting prospect for me… I admittedly had a steep learning curve, but I threw myself headlong in to the position and soaked it all in as best I could.” During her time at Fulton, she was active in the Gifted Association of Missouri and met Dr. Lazzelle, Principal at Phelps. “As soon as she heard I was looking for a position, she called me in for an interview and the rest is history… Coming to Phelps was especially exciting for me because I was born and raised in Springfield… I graduated from Glendale in 2000 (Go Falcons!) before heading to Mizzou (M_I_Z!). I always enjoyed visiting different cities, states and even countries – but it always felt good to come home.” This marks Meredith’s sixth year with Phelps. She taught Lego Mindstorms and middle school classes for five years at WINGS. She is starting a new adventure this year at Scholars teaching sixth grade Communication Arts and Social Studies.
Ms. Burstin knows that gifted students see the world in unique ways. Seeing gifted students soar is such a gratifying experience for her. She recalls, “A former student of mine, whose family moved out of state, emailed me last year to ask for help, his district did not offer a gifted program and he wanted to meet with the superintendent to discuss his concerns. I happily wrote a letter of support for him, and while I’m afraid there was no immediate change in the district, I was unbelievably proud of this student for his passion… Another student who was part of my robotics club started off extremely shy and with low self-esteem. I watched her connect with others and, for the first time, feel understood and appreciated. Her transformation into a confident, outgoing, self-assured young woman was incredible.”
Ms. Burstin is a board member of the Gifted Association of Missouri. She feels that gifted education should be mandated, “Gifted students in Springfield are fortunate to have their unique needs met by their WINGS/Bridges/Scholars classes, but there are too many other students doing without. Gifted education should not be seen as a privilege; it needs to be an educational right.” She understands that no two gifted students are alike, “Gifted students do not always make straight A’s or ask for extra credit or even know all of the answers. They have such unique perspectives, and they can make you look at things in ways you never considered before.”
Ms. Burstin is getting married next year. She enjoys cycling and cooking with her fiancé as well as spoiling her niece and nephews. Family time is extremely important to her.