My name is Steve Funderburk and I teach 6th grade at Jim Maples Academy. This is my third year of teaching, all in the Burton School District. I have a BS in Criminology from California State University Fresno, and I received my teaching credential from National University. Before coming to Burton, I worked in a private school at a boys ranch for troubled youth. This job showed me that no matter how “bad” someone’s situation is, there is always the opportunity for one to turn his life around, especially through education.
My wife has worked for the Burton District for 12 years, and my father taught for the Porterville Unified School District for 39 years. We have a daughter who will be starting Kindergarten this year. I am a product of the Burton District, having attended Burton Elementary and Burton Middle School. It has been quite an experience teaching at a school with some of my former teachers!
I have a passion for teaching and I love to experience those “it moments,” when a student grasps a concept for the first time; to me there is no bigger rush. My students are my priority, and I strive to develop a healthy classroom environment where they can build positive relationships, not only with each other, but with me as well. My goal is to inspire my students to be life-long learners-always curious, always questioning.
Most of my hobbies involve the outdoors: fly fishing, backpacking, kayaking and the ever difficult sport of golf. I also love music, animals, Dodger baseball, and most of all my beautiful wife and daughter.
My wife has worked for the Burton District for 12 years, and my father taught for the Porterville Unified School District for 39 years. We have a daughter who will be starting Kindergarten this year. I am a product of the Burton District, having attended Burton Elementary and Burton Middle School. It has been quite an experience teaching at a school with some of my former teachers!
I have a passion for teaching and I love to experience those “it moments,” when a student grasps a concept for the first time; to me there is no bigger rush. My students are my priority, and I strive to develop a healthy classroom environment where they can build positive relationships, not only with each other, but with me as well. My goal is to inspire my students to be life-long learners-always curious, always questioning.
Most of my hobbies involve the outdoors: fly fishing, backpacking, kayaking and the ever difficult sport of golf. I also love music, animals, Dodger baseball, and most of all my beautiful wife and daughter.
Technology--a computer-based classroom in which students are comfortable with technology and its infinite possibilities
Peer-to-Peer-an environment in which collaboration and the open exchange of ideas are fully utilized
Students-a safe and challenging environment in which students are not afraid to "FAIL"
Peer-to-Peer-an environment in which collaboration and the open exchange of ideas are fully utilized
Students-a safe and challenging environment in which students are not afraid to "FAIL"