About Mr. Bursch

This page contains information about my experience and qualifications as an educator and a statement explaining the values that guide my teaching.
You can find out more about me on my personal website, JSBursch.

Credentials

• Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science: Biological Sciences, June 2010, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Adult Designated Subjects Teaching Credential (Full Time) in Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills, Life Science, and Physical Science, September 2004, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Education

B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, June 2001, University of California, Santa Cruz

Personal Philosophy of Education

A solid, well-established ideological foundation is crucial for any educator. While particular superstructural elements of human pedagogical systems are continuously evolving, a core set of beliefs must be maintained. The basic values to which I steadfastly adhere are listed and explained in my Personal Philosophy of Education.

Four Cornerstones of Education

Honesty

Openness, truth, integrity.

Equality

Awareness, fairness, opportunity.

Responsibility

Accountability, reliability, commitment.

Energy

Passion, imagination, determination.

Fundamental Beliefs

Every person counts

Any effort to educate humanity must be all-inclusive. Each of the members of our global community should have the freedom to learn about the world in which we live. Likewise, each of these individuals has the potential to make positive contributions to society and should not be denied any opportunities to do so.

Technology should benefit all people

The fruits of scientific research are often touted by commercial enterprises and popular publications as powerful tools that will significantly improve the lives of all humankind. The reality, however, is that most technological advancements are immediately available to just a small fraction of the population, usually the wealthiest. As we make our way through an age in which we are increasingly dependent on computer technology, the ramifications of this trend are becoming difficult to ignore, and, despite the efforts of activists and public agencies, many people still do not enjoy the quality of life that modern technology can afford. This growing problem is an issue that should concern all citizens of our planet because it represents a major obstacle on the path to achieving global unity through education.

Working together is the way to succeed

The very survival of our species depends on cooperation. When we collaborate, we pool our resources, thereby promoting more efficient utilization of our total capital; moreover, we can use our collective knowledge to optimize the outcome of every human endeavor.

Knowledge is power

The full significance of the idea encapsulated in this maxim, despite the frequency with which the expression is used, is often missed. Nearly everything we do requires the information we possess in our brains. When we augment our knowledge, we refine our understanding of the universe, thus increasing our ability to manipulate the world around us.

Approach life with an open mind

There are no absolute limits in the universe, only the restrictions we place on ourselves. When we escape the barriers in our minds we truly can accomplish anything.

Never stop learning

Lifelong learning is essential to continually improving the quality of our lives. We should not, therefore, regard the end of a person's formal schooling as the end of their education; rather, this point should be considered the start of a new level or period of learning.

Communication is the foundation of society

All of the achievements of human civilization have been realized through the use of effective forms of communication. Despite this truth, human beings are often reluctant to share knowledge more than any other resource. Without established open lines of communication between individuals and groups, we cannot reasonably expect to continue to make societal advancements. Fortunately, our seemingly inherent unwillingness to exchange information is a behavior that can be consciously overridden. Through honest introspection and interpersonal communication we can unlock our full potential.

People need people

Humans are social creatures by nature and our ability to interpret and comprehend the world around us, while partially innate, is developed and refined most extensively through regular interaction with other human beings. In other words, people learn best by working with other people.

Think globally, act locally

As citizens of the earth, we are all responsible for the health of our planet and for the general well being of its inhabitants, but most of our actions have the greatest impact in our respective immediate localities. Even large-scale social movements usually start with just a few inspired, determined, and dedicated individuals. While limited in scope and manpower, these efforts are nevertheless very important because they can, when successful, serve as models for other (various) communities to follow.