Anthem’s very own history teacher, Emmett Burnton, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious accolade of the 2025 Arizona Teacher of the Year. Employed at Boulder Creek High School, he’s known among student circles as “Mr. B,” a moniker symbolizing the rapport he’s built over his teaching career. According to
ABC15
, Burnton was officially honored at a ceremony in Phoenix on October 19, chosen from five finalists.
Speaking to the significance of the award, Burnton articulated an emotion of disbelief, “Honestly, it’s an honor.” This sentiment from Burnton came amidst conversations that highlighted his modest beginnings as a struggling student, a past peppered with criticisms like “My report cards would say, does not apply himself,” according to the
ABC15
. Burnton leverages his experience to empathize with students spanning a diverse array of academic standings, accentuating that “lifelong learning doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom.Who they were yesterday doesn’t have to be who they are tomorrow.”
Aside from his classroom endeavors, Burnton’s influence extends well beyond. He’s the founder of Duel of Fates, a local business intended to revolutionize the approach to world history education. Burnton’s commitment also sees him at the helm of Boulder Creek’s Anime and Culture Clubs and as co-lead of the Advanced Placement professional learning community for history. His excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed in the past; he was recognized as the 2024 Deer Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Year. This acknowledgment, mentioned in
azfamily.com’s report
, aligns with his newer, statewide recognition.
As Arizona’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year, Burnton now sets sail for Washington, D.C., to vie for the national title, which will be determined by year’s end. If selected, this distinction will open avenues to meet the President at the White House, among other exclusive engagements. He’s additionally been gifted a $15,000 prize from the Arizona Educational Foundation, travel opportunities related to his accolade, and a chance to attend the International Space Camp in Alabama. Furthermore, his alma mater, Northern Arizona University, is considering him for an honorary doctorate, an esteem only magnified by the possibility of engaging in discourse at the highest levels of government and education if he secures the national title early next year.
Both students and peers herald Burnton’s methods and impact. Leigha Cottam, a junior at Boulder Creek, extolled his approach to education, “He kind of opens people’s eyes and he makes them see where their faults lie and ignorance lie and he makes it really obvious,” she vocalized in a statement obtained by
ABC15
. Another student, Ed Walters, highlighted that Burnton “definitely cares about our future.” And, in the words of Kim Graham, AEF’s Chief Executive Officer, provided by
azfamily.com
, “All of our Teacher of the Year nominees exemplify the best that Arizona has to offer in terms of educational excellence, being a role model, and inspiring students in their community. We are so proud of each and every one of them. AEF congratulates Emmett on being named Arizona Teacher of the Year and looks forward to him representing us in Washington, DC, as Arizona’s 2025 National Teacher of the Year candidate.”
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