64 Campus Lane
Lyndon Center, VT 05850
Burke Town School Employee Spotlight: Tracie Surridge
February 5, 2025
Tracie Surridge, also known as Mrs. Surridge, to her 3rd and 4th grade students, has worked with Burke Town School and Kingdom East School District for 27 years!
In Tracie's early years of education, she struggled as a student and sought out guidance from her teachers. One teacher that specifically stuck with her, was her 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Susan Ferland. Her patience and kindness showed her that with a good support system and hard work, she could get through those challenging years. During her senior year of high school she became a student aide at the Lyndon Campus School. This teachers name was Miriam Benson. Miriam taught 3rd grade and was loving and kind. The positive influence from these educators made Tracie think,
"Hey, I might like to do this!" This lead Tracie down the path to help other students like she was helped, with love kindness, and compassion.
Tracie, a proud fifth-generation Vermonter, has called Burke home for the past 27 years. Her deep roots in the community grew even stronger as her two children attended Burke Town School, where she became an active and engaged member of the school and town. Now, as a loving Grammy to Addison and Jackson, she looks forward to watching her grandchildren follow in their parents’ footsteps and attend Burke Town School as well. Her time in Burke has not only shaped her as a person, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the town’s close-knit values and traditions, but it has also shaped her family, creating lasting connections and a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
Mrs. Surridge was asked questions regarding her time at Burke Town School. Below are some of the questions that were asked, followed by her answers.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working in a school?
Answer: "My favorite part about working in schools is the special connections I’ve made with students, especially the ones that have stayed with me over the years. There’s something truly heartwarming about watching them grow, and knowing that, even after they’ve moved on, a little part of our bond remains. It’s those long-lasting relationships that remind me every day why I love what I do—because teaching is so much more than lessons and assignments; it’s about the people and the impact we have on each other".
Q: What have been some of your favorite moments as an educator?
Answer: "My favorite moment as a teacher was the year I teamed with 5/6 and we took the kids on a 2 night, 3 day trip that followed the Northern Campaign of the American Revolution. I also like doing the Veterans' Day brunch each year with the kids learning songs and serving the Veterans. I also like working on family histories with students at after school".
Q: What are you looking forward to about this school year?
Answer: "I look forward to making learning exciting, building relationships and bringing social studies and science into my reading program".
One of Tracie's favorite quotes relating to education is
"Yes, even teachers make mistakes." This is an important concept for anyone to remember, in any field. Tracie has never been afraid of making mistakes as a teacher, as this is how we learn.
Thank you, Mrs. Surridge, for your 27 years of dedication to Burke Town School and Kingdom East. Your hard work and commitment have made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and community. Beyond the school, you have been a huge part of the Burke community, always supporting and contributing to its growth and success. Your dedication to education and the town has helped shape countless young minds, and your contributions will always be appreciated.
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