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“
There is nothing more noble or honorable than teaching.” So said
Eric Burrows, a former deputy district attorney in Oakland and current
history and social studies at San Marcos High School, who was named
this year’s Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.
Burrows, one of a number of outstanding countywide nominees for the
honor, was selected by a committee including representatives of teachers,
administrators, and PTAs.
Each year the county Teacher of the Year is a truly outstanding teacher
and human being. Each one brings different skills and passions to the
table.
Like previous county Teachers of the Year Chris Mullin and Peggy Lubchenco
before him, Burrows held positions outside the field of education before
entering the classroom. He holds a B.A. in history from Stanford University,
an M.A. in public policy analysis from Claremont Graduate School, a
law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley, and a social
studies teaching credential from Holy Names College.
Prior to working as a teacher he was Deputy District Attorney in Alameda
County. “Students often ask whether I miss being a district attorney
and my response is always, ‘Of course, but there is nothing better
than teaching,’” he wrote. “Teaching is an intensely
personal experience — more demanding, more exciting and more
rewarding — because of the opportunity to work with the students.”
Burrows’ awards and honors have been numerous. He received the
San Marcos High School Royal Service Award, and he was named San Marcos
Teacher of the Year by the Santa Barbara Notre Dame Club, as selected
by the school’s student body. He received a Teachers Network
Disseminator Grant for his Harlem Renaissance Lesson; an Honorary Service
Award by the California Parent Teacher Student Association; and was
named Teacher of the Year by the Santa Barbara Industry Education Council
(now Partners in Education) for his outstanding contribution to career
education. He was a nominee for Disney Teacher of the Year and was
named Teacher of the Year by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara.
Among his many community, extracurricular, and volunteer activities
stands his leadership of his school’s Mock Trial teams. Under
his leadership, San Marcos has won the county Mock Trial championship
five out of the past seven years and in five of those years a San Marcos
junior varsity team placed in the final four as well. In this process
he has worked with numerous local attorneys to help coach the team.
This year’s team took the state championship.
He also serves as coach for sports played by his own three sons, and
for the past 10 years has volunteered to coach basketball, baseball,
and soccer in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Burrows’ nomination will next be reviewed for consideration as
California Teacher of the Year in the fall. The California winner will
then proceed into consideration for 2005 National Teacher of the Year.
As Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Burrows will be available
to speak countywide, and can be reached at San Marcos High School in
the Santa Barbara High School District at 967–4581, or at the
County Education Office, by calling Carol Gregor at 964-4711, ext.
5281. He is an outstanding spokesperson for public education in our
county and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.
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