This school year, Saint Viator welcomed the arrival of many new teachers. One prominent new teacher is Mr. Burns. This school year marks his first year at Saint Viator and he brings a lot of experience with him. At Saint Viator, Mr. Burns teaches English to freshmen and juniors.
Mr. Burns’ favorite piece of literature is “1984” by George Orwell. “I don’t know if I have a favorite author, but I love F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Orwell; he was sort of a prophet for the future.” In his life outside of teaching, he has been married for 34 years, and he has two daughters—one of whom is also a teacher.
Mr. Burns started teaching literature and English in 1987 and this academic year marks his 37th year teaching. He first taught in Missouri and Alabama before moving on to Geneva High School, where he taught for 25 years.
“Originally, teaching was one of the jobs I’ve always wanted to do; I either wanted to be a teacher or a baseball player. I knew that since 4th grade. And I couldn’t hit a curveball, so here I am.” He said,reflecting on his career’s beginning.
“I’m a word guy. I’ve always liked words, the way they worked, and always liked literature, like connecting classics to what is happening in the world today,” he said, elaborating on his choice to pick literature.
“My high school years were fine, I was y’know, I was awkward and insecure but I got through it, overall the experience was quite positive. At Viator the memorable part has been all about adjusting to the unfamiliar. I’ve never taught a block schedule before,” he stated enthusiastically.
“It’s never too late. Y’know you’re going to screw up, you’re going to make mistakes, but man just reinvent yourself, and don’t plan on your future working out the way you imagine it will, because it will most likely be much different,” he said, offering a piece of wisdom to high school students.