Kathy Burnett holds The Humane Society of Missouri’s 2006 Humane Teacher of the Year plaque presented by Humane Society staff John Anderson, JoEllyn Klepecki and Lauren Connors.

Parkway Central High School went to the dogs when a team of Humane Society of Missouri staff members and canines arrived to announce that much-loved Science Teacher, Kathy Burnett, had been chosen from among numerous, highly-qualified St. Louis area educators as the Humane Society of Missouri 2006 Humane Teacher of the Year. 

For the past twenty two years, the Humane Society of Missouri has had the pleasure of acknowledging area teachers who strive to incorporate humane education into their daily lessons and activities and more importantly serve as humane role models demonstrating values of kindness, respect and compassion for animals and people alike.

Kathy was nominated for her concerted efforts to teach humane ideals to her students in the Parkway School District for the past 8 years. Principal Bill Myer says, “Kathy is a popular, energetic and upbeat teacher who practices what she teaches”. She provides devoted attention to the many animals in her classroom and immerses her students in the immaculate care-taking of the animals.

Valerie Michael, the Chair of the Science Department at Parkway Central High says “Kathy’s compassion for her students equals her passion for animals”. When educating her students about bi ology and zoology Kathy focuses on the fact that humans and animals are co-dependant and that balance in the environment is important.

Each year Kathy brings her students to the Humane Society of Missouri to participate in a humane education program where they explore and debate various animal welfare issues, participate in an extensive tour of the shelter and observe surgery taking place in the veterinary medical center. As a follow up reflective activity, she asks her students to write journal entries about their visit to the Humane Society. Each year we are impressed with the animal-related knowledge her students already possess when they arrive. This is a direct reflection of her teaching.

Kathy Burnett, the Humane Society of Missouri 2006 Humane Teacher of the Year posing with  one of her pet guinea pigs in front of animal-related student posters

Kathy has many compassionate animal-lovers in the after school club that she sponsors and facilitates. The group is called P.A.W.S (Parkway Animal Welfare Society). The members of this club meet to explore current issues affecting animals in our community. Currently, the school halls are covered with brightly colored student-created posters that explore the pros and cons of owning specific types of pets.

Kathy’s efforts extend beyond the classroom into the community at large. Kathy is a dedicated volunteer at the Humane Society of Missouri… serving the organization and it’s homeless animals in many ways. Kathy has fostered numerous homeless cats and guinea pigs, takes the pictures of the animals that are posted on our website for adoption and finds homes for animals in need. There is a joke among the faculty at Parkway Central that Kathy has encouraged so many colleagues to adopt her homeless foster animals that she is going to have to get a job in a new school so she can find more homes that aren’t filled up.

Kathy’s volunteerism and genuine love for animals is contagious! Her students decided to organize a donation drive to raise money for homeless animals in the community. They made and delivered valegrams for Valentine’s Day and all of the proceeds were donated to the animals.

The love and respect that Ms. Burnett shows her students has opened their hearts and minds to her message of concern and compassion for themselves and all beings. Kathy Burnett has gone out on a limb to make her classroom a place where teens have an opportunity to demonstrate their respect, responsibility and kindness for animals. The Humane Society of Missouri applauds Kathy’s efforts to instill compassion and empathy in her students because the ultimate result will be kinder, more respectful and compassionate society for all.

If you know a teacher like Kathy and nominate him/her for the Humane Teacher of the Year Award. Find out more.