Mr. Burt has worked at West as a teacher for some time. This year, he stepped up into a new role. He was promoted to Vice Principal at Cherry Hill High School West. His decisions will no longer only impact a few students, but instead the whole school. But, what exactly is Burt’s new role at West? How has the transition been from the classroom to the office? What does Burt hope to accomplish as Vice Principal? All the answers are found in my interview with Mr. Burt as he explains his hopes for this school year.
The Coronavirus had a huge effect on everyone. While it brought people together, it also drove people apart. The pandemic changed our new normal. As people returned to work, fans returned to stadiums, and kids returned to school,we all searched to restore the status quo of society, but schools may have been the most affected. With online Zoom and Google Meets, most kids could simply shut off their cameras, and do whatever they want during class,whether that be on your phone, cheating on a test, or not even being on your screen. This left many students below the academic level they were supposed to be at. It also did damage to tight-knit school communities. People naturally, when separated, drift away from each other. A lot of communities lost their sense of togetherness, and West is no exception.
When I asked Mr. Burt about how he plans to continue rebuilding the community at West, he said, “It takes time but… I think collaboration, staff and students, see where everybody’s pulse is and their mental is and just try to bridge those gaps. Try to hope to get back to normal as possible and don’t rush it.” Change is something people often want but don’t want to go down the long road to get to it. Burt and the rest of the leaders at this school must understand how to accomplish the desired change if they want it to happen.
Mr. Burt has leapt from the classroom to an office, which is a big change. So what exactly does a Vice Principal do here at West? How has the adjustment been from the classroom to the office? Burt said, “You always miss the social equation of the kids and the classroom …it hasn’t been a difficult transition, this isn’t my first time being an assistant principal. You miss some of the things you do as a teacher and embrace things you have to do.” Having previous experience has made the adjustment for Burt easier, and he won’t have to enforce too many changes around the school. When it came to the topic of changes around the school, he said the bathroom system and the old lunch schedule coming back were the only changes.
A new school year and a new job brings new experiences. So what does Mr. Burt hope to accomplish and get from the upcoming year? He said, “I just think building culture. Building a culture that people you know wanna be here. I think once you build culture and those relationships, you start moving forward.” According to Burt, building a culture is crucial. It’s important to have a place people like and care about. To make your voice matter, people have to respect your voice.
Mr. Burt has been able to lead and coach future and current NBA players such as Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Derrick Lively, and Lamar Stevens, among others. He is used to being a leader wherever he goes, so I’m sure he’ll have no problem leading Cherry Hill West in the right direction this school year.