Teacher Feature: Dr. Jodi Burn

By Barbara P. Jacoby

Dr. Jodi Burn teaches her Cherokee HS drama students that being their best selves is the most important role they will ever play.

“I want to make my theatre the place kids want to be — I want it to feel like a second family,” said Dr. Burn, a 24-year educator who also serves as the school’s theatre program director and fine arts department head. “I try to set up an inviting environment for my students where they feel comfortable to be themselves and try new things.”

Dr. Burn was called to teach at an early age, inspired by her own caring teachers. Her parents fed her love for literature and theatre by encouraging her to read, taking her to Broadway shows, and sending her to study in England.

Her decision to pursue an education career, and to continue her own education culminating in a doctorate degree, is affirmed for her every day.

“Having the opportunity to learn from these innovative and creative minds, to see them excited about what I am teaching, to watch them perform in front of audiences, and witness their successes solidifies daily why I am in the right career path,” said Dr. Burn, who last school year was named Cherokee HS’s Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Cherokee County School District Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Burn, already known for her creativity, shone even brighter during the pandemic, as she found new ways to keep her program thriving, even as the stage lights went dark.

“When teaching fine arts, there are always creative challenges to solve. Last school year, there were just a few more than normal,” she said. “Talent shows online were implemented, videos to teach music, dance tutorials were created, and videos posted for kids to practice at home. Even plays were read and practiced utilizing online platforms! No problem is too big to solve in the theatre world, especially when you have amazingly creative kids to teach and help you solve those obstacles.”

Another hallmark of Dr. Burn’s teaching is her dedication to community service. She models this in her own life and organizes activities for her students, ranging from collecting canned goods to volunteering at elementary schools to producing the annual holiday play that stars the school’s students with special needs.

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?

“The No. 1 thing parents can do is make sure their students are involved in something.” Dr. Burn said. “Whether it be sports, fine arts, or one of the many clubs each school offers, it is essential that students are connected in school. They need to find their tribe. They will be more successful both academically and emotionally. The second thing they can do is continue to be involved. Ask questions, talk to your students, and volunteer in their lives when you can. Bring a meal to a cast party, serve up dinner before the football game, volunteer in the library, carpool, etc. Show your kids that you are still invested in them! Oftentimes, parents are really active in elementary school, but middle and high school is when many students need you the most.”