Used with permission from Guy Wang

Used with permission from Guy Wang

Class of 2013 alumnus Khari Burton, a hip-hop artist and English teacher, was recently nominated for Gold Star Teacher of the Year.

Burton teaches 5th-grade English and Social Studies at Rockdale Elementary and often infuses hip-hop into the classroom by making rap albums with his students. 

For example, while reading “The Crossover,” by Kwame Alexander, Burton made an album to help the students understand and remember the messages of the text.

Out of the 935 nominated teachers from across the Tri-State, 10 teachers, including Burton, came out as finalists. Voting is ongoing through Feb. 29: one vote can be cast daily.

Text “Burton” to CHILI (24454) to vote for Khari Burton.