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Administration
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Abigail E. Comber
Principal and ChairpersonAbigail E. Comber
Principal and ChairpersonI have been a classroom teacher for 16 years and have been with Burris since 2008. My education research interests include secondary education curriculum and instruction with emphasis in project-based learning and student-centered activities; stakeholder and community involvement in schools; professional development as adult learning; student ambassadors and school discipline.
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Brandi Hankins
Office Supervisor and Systems AdministratorBrandi Hankins
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Megan McMullen
Graduation Pathways Student Data SpecialistMegan McMullen
Graduation Pathways Student Data SpecialistWithin my first week at Burris I realized I needed to be in an educational environment for the rest of my life. I am currently a sophomore at Ball State working on my undergrad in elementary education. It took a long time to get here but it’s worth it. I cannot wait to have my own classroom and only dream of being half as amazing and dedicated to my students as our teachers at Burris.
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Robert Marra
Superintendent of University Schools and Executive Director of the Office of Charter SchoolsRobert Marra
Superintendent of University Schools and Executive Director of the Office of Charter SchoolsDr. Marra holds a Doctorate of Education from Ball State University, a Masters of Science degree in Education from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science from Buffalo State College. He has over 30 years of experience advocating for children services.
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Lucas Reese
Technology CoordinatorLucas Reese
Technology Coordinator
Faculty
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Rob Jones
Instructor of Social StudiesRob Jones
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Jaami Bailey
Instructor of Elementary Education (2nd Grade)Jaami Bailey
Instructor of Elementary Education (2nd Grade) -
Heather Abernathy
Instructor of EnglishHeather Abernathy
Instructor of EnglishBurris has enriched my teaching in ways I never thought possible! I love soliciting feedback from students and I consider them co-creators in our curriculum and learning. We grow together as readers, writers, and students of the world. My courses follow a workshop model with an emphasis on choice, writing groups, book clubs, and conferences. Encouraging students to take creative risks in their work and to develop their own voices are my favorite aspects of teaching English at Burris.
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Nathan Bailey
Instructor of Social StudiesNathan Bailey
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Michael Abernathy
Secondary Science InstructorMichael Abernathy
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Brad Canada
Instructor of Social StudiesBrad Canada
Instructor of Social StudiesI have taught high school social studies for 15 years. Since 2005, I have taught Economics, U.S. Government, and U.S. History at Burris. I enjoy giving students hands-on experiences through field trips.
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LeighAnne Canada
Instructor of Elementary Education (First Grade)LeighAnne Canada
Instructor of Elementary Education (First Grade)I am in my 15th year of teaching. This is my 5th year at Burris. I have taught in all grades 1 through 6.
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Leah Chandler
Instructor of Secondary EnglishLeah Chandler
Instructor of Secondary EnglishI have taught in a variety of settings – from an after-school program for at-risk kids to a small town junior/senior high school, and now Burris Laboratory School. No matter where I teach my goal is the same, to create lifelong learners who value the written word and think deeply about what they are reading, who are able to communicate their thoughts and opinions with clarity and conviction through writing and speaking, and are prepared to contribute to the conversation in the world around them.
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Brad Clark
School Resource OfficerBrad Clark
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Bethany Clegg
Instructor of Physical Education and HealthBethany Clegg
Instructor of Physical Education and HealthI am an Indiana licensed K-12 physical education, health and high ability teacher. I am a Nationally Certified Adaptive Physical Education educator. I seek opportunities to grow as a teacher and have demonstrated leadership in my profession by being a past President of the Indiana Society of Health and Physical Education. I am a recipient of the 2018 Walter Daly Excellence in Teaching Award.
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Matthew Garringer
Instructor of Secondary MathMatthew Garringer
Instructor of Secondary MathThis is my second year at Burris as well as my second year of teaching overall. I enjoy finding new ways to incorporate technology in the classroom and to present old concepts to students in new ways. I love the educational environment here at Burris. It is a privilege to work with such great teachers and administration: it makes my job much easier!
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Sarah Gaither
Title 1 InstructorSarah Gaither
Title 1 InstructorI have worked at Burris for a total of 11 years. My current role is Title 1 Instructor, which means that I work with struggling students in reading and math.
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Felicia Gray
Instructor of Elementary Education (First Grade)Felicia Gray
Instructor of Elementary Education (First Grade)I have been an educator for 20 years, teaching at primary, upper elementary, and university levels. The majority of my career has been spent in elementary grades 1 and 2 teaching high ability and general education students at several schools in Muncie.
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David Harman
Instructor of Physical Education and HealthDavid Harman
Instructor of Physical Education and HealthI teach both Health and Physical Education from a wellness standpoint emphasizing the whole person. I currently coach Volleyball (assistant), Ladies Basketball, and Track and Field.
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Courtney Harnish
High Ability CounselorCourtney Harnish
High Ability CounselorI am an alumna of Burris Laboratory School and it is such a gift to come back and serve the current students here. I have a passion for helping all students find their talents and strengths. My role is to support students academically, social-emotionally, and to encourage them to think about and prepare for their futures. I love helping students achieve their goals and beyond!
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Michelle Harris
Instructor of Elementary Education (Second Grade)Michelle Harris
Instructor of Elementary Education (Second Grade)I have been an elementary educator for 19 years with experience in second and third grades. I have an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Ball State.
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Lisa Haughn
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fourth Grade)Lisa Haughn
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fourth Grade)This is my 6th year teaching at Burris. I enjoy working with students through Math Bowl, Japanese Exchange Program, Camp Crosley, and on a daily basis in fourth grade. I am proud to be Burris Owl and I am looking forward to many more years teaching at such an awesome school!
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Laura-Lea Hughes
Librarian/Media Specialist and Instructor of TechnologyLaura-Lea Hughes
Librarian/Media Specialist and Instructor of TechnologyBooks and technology are my passion. I believe that when students are given the ability to explore what is of interest to them in a structured but open classroom, the sky is the limit!
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Scott H. Jackson
Director of Choral Activities and K-5 General MusicScott H. Jackson
Director of Choral Activities and K-5 General MusicI am a graduate of Indiana State University with B.A. in Music Education. I have been an educator for 18 years and have taught Choral, Band, Orchestra and Elementary classes in my tenure. I enjoy playing piano professionally in different bands in Central Indiana and am grateful for my daughter Viola. I believe that embracing music will create a lifelong joy and discipline in all facets of life.
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Eli Jones
Instructor of Social StudiesEli Jones
Instructor of Social StudiesThe 2018-2019 academic year will begin my third year at Burris and my third year teaching overall. I take an active approach to social studies. My goal is for students to not just know history, but for them to do history so that one day they will change history.
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Becky Juday
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fifth Grade)Becky Juday
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fifth Grade)I have taught 5th grade for seventeen years. In my classroom, students “own their own learning” by engaging in hands-on experiences as often as possible.
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Tara Karnes
Instructor of Elementary Education (Third Grade)Tara Karnes
Instructor of Elementary Education (Third Grade)During my 18 years of teaching, my goals have continued to include collaborating with parents to inspire a love of learning in my students. My wish for the children who come through my class is that they will always be kind, rise to difficult challenges, and become problem solvers.
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Lainey Marshall
High School Mathematics InstructorLainey Marshall
High School Mathematics InstructorI have been teaching math at Burris for almost 5 years now, and there is no place that I would rather be. I love working with an amazing group of colleagues to provide our students with an exceptional learning experience. I enjoy creating a positive classroom environment and helping students build their confidence with mathematics.
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Michael E. McClure
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fourth Grade)Michael E. McClure
Instructor of Elementary Education (Fourth Grade)This is my fifth year teaching at Burris. I love working with all of the Burris students and I probably enjoy the adventures that we go on the most. Seeing students in different environments such as Camp Crosley, Japan, Conner Prairie, the statehouse, or even at events on campus reminds me how special our school is. Burris is an example of education in action and I am so proud to be a part of that.
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Amy Miller
Instructor of Secondary ScienceAmy Miller
Instructor of Secondary ScienceAs a former research scientist, my approach to teaching science is to integrate the lab experience in every situation possible. I believe that students learn through hands-on experiences and become more engaged when given the opportunity to do science. My goal is to have students leave my classroom as capable science learners possessing critical lab skills needed at the next level.
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Megan Miller
Speech-Language PathologistMegan Miller
Speech-Language PathologistI have completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, both in Speech-Language Pathology, at Ball State University. I began working at Burris in 2016. My job as the speech-language pathologist at Burris is so rewarding! I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my students on an individual and small group basis. I love to see my students gain confidence when they are able to communicate more effectively as we work together to improve their speech and language skills.
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Evelyn Mocherman
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsEvelyn Mocherman
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsSince joining the Burris Faculty in 2014 as a member of the Mathematics Department, I have loved being in an environment where students and faculty support and encourage each other through both struggles and successes! Some of my most rewarding experiences in teaching have been watching students push through their mental block when it comes to understanding mathematical concepts. It is a privilege to be a part of the moment when a student realizes they can put into practice the skills we have learned together to solve what used to be an unsolvable problem, building confidence in their own abilities.
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Elisabeth Ohly-Davis
Director of OrchestraElisabeth Ohly-Davis
Director of OrchestraThis is my 21st year as a school Orchestra Director, and I am thrilled to join the Burris staff with experience that ranges from starting beginning string players of all ages to students auditioning successfully for music majors in college. Orchestra is a vehicle for excellence, and students will have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, creativity, and service in the program. In my spare time, I play the viola, hike epic trails around the world, raise alpacas, and knit items with yarn from their fiber.
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Stefanie Onieal
Instructor of Elementary Education (Second Grade)Stefanie Onieal
Instructor of Elementary Education (Second Grade)I have been an educator for over 20 years. My experience includes teaching Special Education, Reading Recovery, grades 1-4, technology literacy specialist and math coach.
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Danielle R. Phelps
Instructor of Visual Arts (K-8)Danielle R. Phelps
Instructor of Visual Arts (K-8)This is my 15th year teaching elementary art and my 2nd year teaching middle school. Teaching art is truly my passion and it is a pleasure to educate and influence the future artists at Burris every day.
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Corby Roberson
Instructor of Secondary EnglishCorby Roberson
Instructor of Secondary EnglishI have worked with students in a variety of capacities for the past 30 years of my life, and I can’t imagine anything else I’d rather do for work. Being an advocate for and learning in collaboration with LGBT+ and BIPOC students is the most exciting part of my profession. When I am not teaching and learning at school, I am usually outside trail running, cooking delicious vegan food, playing with my dog, or reading nonfiction texts about random subjects. Being back at Burris is an unexpected, yet very fortunate turn of events in my life.
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Emily Shepherd
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsEmily Shepherd
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsI have been a teacher at Burris since August 1999. I believe it is important for students to be able to construct their knowledge about mathematics.
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Kelly Sloan
Instructor of Elementary Education (Third Grade)Kelly Sloan
Instructor of Elementary Education (Third Grade)I have been teaching elementary for many years. I feel all students can learn and excel when given challenges and high expectations.
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Carmen Lili Stokes
Visual Arts InstructorCarmen Lili Stokes
Visual Arts InstructorI have been teaching visual arts for 18 years. I am honored to teach students from grades K-12 visual communication and to work closely with the David Owsley Museum of Art.
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Blake Turner
Instructor of Physical Education and HealthBlake Turner
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Jenny Wood
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsJenny Wood
Instructor of Secondary MathematicsI have a variety of teaching experiences from rural to urban, from small town advanced placement to city alternative schools. One thing all students have in common is the desire to be cared for. This premise is always in the forefront of my mind.
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