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The beloved math teacher spent the past four years at DHS
By Tessa Kipke
This year, a lot changed at Dexter High School. Teachers and students came and went, to other schools, college, and beyond. Though we gained several new teachers, we also lost some to Mill Creek Middle School, and schools in other districts. Lisa Burgess, who has been in Dexter for 14 years, made a change this year.
Burgess began her career at Ypsilanti High School, teaching there for two years before moving to Dexter to teach math. She had always envisioned herself teaching high schoolers, but when it came time to teach eighth graders at Mill Creek, she said, “that worked well for me.”
As a teacher, Burgess doesn’t necessarily prefer one age group to another. Despite the perceived difference in maturity level, she simply enjoys “being with young people anywhere from 13-14 years on up.”
Additionally, says Burgess, “I like the teaming aspect of Mill Creek, working with teachers on a team to develop and track the whole student.”
Despite this, Burgess was moved to the high school four years ago (in what is called an involuntary transfer) because of her specific math certifications.
However, Burgess enjoys the different environments, students, and curriculum of both DHS and Mill Creek. In particular, she enjoys the experience of seeing students grow and change.
“I really enjoyed watching students grow, mature, and develop interests from ninth graders to seniors over the years,” Burgess said about her high school experience.
But back in Mill Creek, she’s excited for how eighth graders “often come into eighth grade really young and goofy, and I watch them grow into young adults throughout the year.”
“I would love to give a shout out to many of the repeat students I would have had this year; it was a tough decision to leave knowing I wouldn’t get to teach you again,” Burgess said. “I am confident that all my former students with be in great hands with the rest of the staff at the high school.”
