Upper School Math Teacher Ryan Burkett Honored as Outstanding Educator

St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School is pleased to announce that Upper School educator Ryan Burkett is the 2025 recipient of the Albertus Magnus Award. The award, which is presented annually by the St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Board of Trustees, recognizes an outstanding educator who demonstrates the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism - Study, Prayer, Community and Service. 

“Ryan Burkett truly embodies the Four Pillars,” said Heather Valdez, Dean of the SAA Upper School. “Throughout the school day he brings math to life with innovative teaching strategies that ignite a love for learning in his students. For Mr. Burkett, teaching is not just a profession—it’s a passion and a joy. However, what I admire most about Mr. Burkett is his unwavering dedication beyond the classroom. He willingly devotes his evenings and weekends supporting our students.” 

Ryan joined the Upper School Math Department in 2012, and he is currently Co-Chair of the department.  While he is passionate about teaching math, he is even more passionate about making sure every young woman understands and succeeds in his class. Ryan recognizes math is a challenging, often dreaded, subject for many students, but he makes it fun.  

“I believe that the harder you work for your students, the harder they will work for you. I demand a lot of my students so in return, I demand alot of myself: creating engaging lessons, informative assessments, and unique learning experiences that differentiate for various learning types.” 

Ryan allows students to say they don’t like math, but he won’t let them say they can’t do it - because he knows they can. He builds a community in his class where students grow in confidence and respect for each other. 

“As a student, I can tell Mr. Burkett values each person that enters his classroom. He does not let a student fall behind if they are willing to do the work.” said Madelyn Havard, SAA Class of 2024.

Ryan knows that a student’s mindset and emotions greatly affect their learning experience. “It is paramount to learning that I create an environment that makes a student feel safe and supported. That means they feel safe to ask questions, safe to be wrong, safe to admit they need help,” he said. 

Ryan is immersed in every aspect of campus life and his impact extends far beyond the classroom. When students ask him to show up - he does!  He is available every morning before school and he stays after school to provide extra help for students, even providing zoom assistance on the weekend. He can be found in the stands cheering on his students at soccer, volleyball and basketball games, often volunteering to assist keeping score. He even drove six hour hours to watch a student compete in the state golf tournament. 

Ryan is as present for his colleagues as he is for his students. If a class needs coverage or a teacher needs help, he will be there. If anyone asks for a volunteer, Ryan is the first to say yes. As moderator for the Upper School Learning Lab he recruits student tutors and offers them guidance and support as they assist their peers. He has chaired and served on numerous academic committees. He chaperones dances, attends Freshman Student Orientation, and helps with Spirit Week. He has devoted countless hours working on Upper School theatre productions. 

“It is always a good idea to have a mathematician, problem solver in the theatre department, especially one who enjoys showtunes,”  said Ann Neal, Chair of the Upper School Fine Arts Department & Theatre Director.  “Ryan Burkett is a cheerleader if a student is struggling with lines.  He is a counselor to the theatre students who may be trying to figure out how to juggle academics and rehearsals, or are finding challenges at school or at home.   He is our resident magician - he can make a cup move with telekinetic powers, make the lightning flash, make the moon shine, or make smoke come from the villain's hands - Ryan is our man.    He  is always there to support me and the program because he understands how it benefits the students who are involved.”

We invite you to join us on April 4 when Mr. Burkett will be honored following an All School Mass.