JOHNNA BURR
Kenesaw
Summary
Seasoned educator with 29 years of experience designing student-centered learning experiences that nurture curiosity and leadership. Focused on leveraging literacy, community partnerships, and service-learning to empower students to discover their strengths and drive positive change. Committed to fostering inclusive environments where every student feels valued and supported in their journey toward success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
PK–12 Media Specialist • Career & Technical Education Educator • High Ability Learner Co-Coordinator
Kenesaw Public Schools
Kenesaw, Nebraska
01.2016 - Current
- Design and deliver engaging PK–12 library media curriculum integrating literacy, technology, inquiry, and digital citizenship.
- Collaborate with teachers to integrate literacy, technology, and inquiry across all grade levels.
- Coordinated school-wide literacy initiatives, enhancing community engagement through programs like One School, One Book, Read Across America, family literacy nights, and the annual Scholastic Book Fair.
- Develop cross-age mentoring opportunities connecting elementary and high school students to foster leadership, responsibility, and belonging.
- Teach Education Pathways and Work-Based Learning courses that prepare future educators through authentic classroom experiences and community partnerships.
- Advise the Educators Rising chapter, mentoring future teachers and preparing students for state and national competitions.
- Developed enrichment experiences for High Ability Learners, fostering creativity and critical thinking through invention, problem-solving, engineering design, and competitive events.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to create service-learning opportunities, extending learning beyond the classroom and promoting civic engagement.
K–8 Classroom Teacher
Christ Lutheran School
Juniata, Nebraska
01.2001 - 01.2016
- Led multi-grade classroom, differentiating instruction to support diverse learners' academic growth.
- Developed engaging lessons across core academic subjects, physical education, art, and music.
- Cultivated positive learning environment through strong relationships with students and families, enhancing student engagement and support.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Wallace Public Schools
Wallace, Nebraska
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Directed Language Arts instruction for grades 4–5, fostering student engagement and literacy development.
- Coordinated elementary reading program for grades 1–6, enhancing reading proficiency across multiple grade levels.
- Designed differentiated instruction to address diverse student learning needs, promoting individualized academic growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education (K–6), Special Education (K–8)
Hastings College
Work-Based Learning Certification - undefined
Hastings College
01-2024
Skills
- PK–12 literacy development
- Educational experience
- Built one of Nebraska's fastest-growing Educators Rising chapters
- Cross-age mentoring
- Service-learning initiatives
- Student conference guidance
Affiliations
- Educators Rising
- Nebraska School Librarians Association
- Nebraska Career Education
Certification
- Nebraska Teaching Certificate
- Elementary Education (K–6)
- Special Education (K–8)
- Library Science Endorsement
- Technology Instruction Certification
- Work-Based Learning Certification
Timeline
PK–12 Media Specialist • Career & Technical Education Educator • High Ability Learner Co-Coordinator
Kenesaw Public Schools
01.2016 - Current
K–8 Classroom Teacher
Christ Lutheran School
01.2001 - 01.2016
Fourth Grade Teacher
Wallace Public Schools
01.1997 - 01.2001
Work-Based Learning Certification - undefined
Hastings College
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education (K–6), Special Education (K–8)
Hastings College
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha
LEADERSHIP & SCHOOL INITIATIVES
- One School, One Book Coordinator
- High Ability Learner Program Co-Coordinator
- Educators Rising Advisor
- Education Pathways Instructor
- Work-Based Learning Coordinator
- Invention Convention Coach
- Read Across America Coordinator
- Scholastic Book Fair Coordinator
- Cross-Age Mentoring Program
- Chess Tournament Coordinator
- Family Literacy Events
EDUCATOR MISSION
"Every student has a story worth knowing. My mission is to create authentic learning experiences that cultivate curiosity, compassion, and purpose while empowering students to recognize their strengths, serve others, and make a meaningful difference in their communities."
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Pat on the Back Teacher Recognition Award, Advisor of one of Nebraska's Top Three Fastest-Growing Educators Rising Chapters (2026), Guided six students to the Educators Rising National Conference, Mentored two National Top 10 Educators Rising finalists
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Kenesaw United Child Coalition, Board Member, Coordinated literacy service projects benefiting local daycare centers, hospitals, Brooks' Bookshelves, and Threads of Grace., Developed service-learning partnerships with nursing homes, local businesses, animal shelters, and community organizations., Guided students in community outreach projects focused on leadership, literacy, and service.