*7th Grade Science Teacher*
By: BHS Staff Profiles
November 4, 2022
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mr. Jacob Burko. This year is Mr. Burko’s first year in the Brooklyn City School District. Prior to teaching at Brooklyn, he spent two years teaching in another district, making this year his third in education, altogether. Outside of teaching, he likes to spend time with his family. Something you might not know about Mr. Burko is that he was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld when he was 12-years-old.
Q: What is your favorite science lesson to teach?
A: “Physics! I love talking about the laws of physics. It’s very hands-on, and the kids get to do fun stuff like using little, toy cars. We also get to talk about velocity and momentum in ways that will keep the kids engaged by using references to sports. I like doing this unit towards the end of the year. It is a nice way to wrap up.”
Q: What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
A: “Not even necessarily the light bulb moment but more so when the kids come in and they’re in a good mood, and we’re able to take five minutes or so away from the actual lesson and just talk about our personal lives. The kids at Brooklyn are very good at being able to walk that line between having a good time all while knowing that there is a time and place for it.”
Q: What lesson are you currently teaching, and how does it align with the real world?
A: “We’re talking about the water cycle. It aligns to the real world because we all use water. We’re talking about our water footprint right now and how much water a person uses per day as well as the things we use it for. We’re also talking about water conservation, water purification, and how not every state, or more importantly, not every country has the same access to fresh water and its effects. We are also talking about how water fuels our industry and how it fuels our economy. The water cycle definitely has real life application.”
Q: How do you go about helping a student who is struggling to understand a lesson?
A: “Meet with them one-on-one first and make accommodations accordingly to help.”
Q: If you could solve any problem in the world, what would you choose?
A: “Finding the cure for cancer. I feel like every year we don’t get as far as we think we’re going to get. Finding a cure for heart disease or any other disease or illness that takes a lot of lives per year.”
Q: What was a time in your life when you were unsuccessful, and how did you move past it?
A: “The first time out of college, I didn’t get into the ideal teaching job I wanted. I got into a different one and that was kind of disappointing for me. But, it definitely taught me to be more organized and that life is full of opportunities, and there is a reason for everything. When one door closes another door opens.”
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: “Losing a family member. My family and I are super close. I call them all the time asking questions and asking for advice. If I were to lose one of my parents, that would be my biggest fear.”
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
A: “Halloween for sure. I love all the creepy horror and gothic stuff that comes with Halloween. If it could be Halloween all year long, that would be awesome!”
Q: What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
A: “Don’t let the little things bother you because at the end of the day, things always have a way of working themselves out. Don’t get too distracted on the front end.”
Thank you for allowing us to interview you, Mr. Burko. It was nice to learn your perspective as a science teacher. One question, though: A dolphin?
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 