Niskayuna Central School District community
mourns the loss of longtime social studies
teacher
The Niskayuna Central School District community
is mourning the loss of a dedicated educator and
friend. Van Antwerp Middle School social studies
teacher Susan Burke passed away unexpectedly on
January 11, 2008.
Known for her leadership abilities, Ms. Burke
helped support her colleagues and served as a
mentor to new teachers at Van Antwerp School.
Throughout more than 23 years teaching social
studies, her love of learning never ceased. Two
years ago, she seamlessly made the transition
from teaching Grade 8 to Grade 6, and was in the
process of exploring new instructional
strategies with her colleagues. Her enthusiasm
for teaching history and government reached
beyond Niskayuna’s classrooms. She was the first
educator to serve as a pilot fellow for the
Region to Region program, the precursor to
Civics Mosaic, an international exchange program
between Russia and the United States. Through
this program, each year, U.S. educators and
their Russian counterparts spend time observing
and teaching in each others’ respective
countries.
“Susan’s enthusiasm for teaching and love of
children and colleagues only grew with time,”
said Superintendent of Schools Kevin Baughman.
“As a parent, teacher and person, Sue was a role
model we all can learn from.”
Ms. Burke was extremely popular with students
for her warmth, consistency and strength as a
teacher. She had more recently served on the
Grade 6 middle school teaching team, and earlier
in her career, had coached girls’ varsity
volleyball, softball and track. During her 16
years teaching in the Niskayuna school district, she touched the lives
of countless students, parents, and staff
members.
“Susan Burke truly cared for her students and
colleagues, and worked tirelessly to help ensure
them the best possible school experience. As
principal, I could always depend on her for
sound, even-handed, well-thought out advice,”
said Principal Luke Rakoczy. “Our school is far
better for her having taught here. We will miss
her tremendously.”
Measures have been put in place to support
students and staff during this difficult time.
The district’s crisis team met on Saturday to
plan how best to support students and staff.
Grief counselors will be available at Van
Antwerp School during the early part of the week
to assist the school community deal with this
unexpected loss.
Ms. Burke is survived by two sons, Andy and
Kevin who live and work in California, and a daughter,
Jennifer, who is a middle school teacher
locally.
