Brett Burton, EdD
Education
Faculty Spotlight
Assistant Professor of Education and Program Director of Educational Administration Brett Burton’s career path looks very different from how he imagined it as a high school student.
Originally from Aurora, Illinois, Burton was a student-athlete who had his sights set on a career in criminal justice. He thought he’d go to law school and hopefully, land a position with the FBI or DEA.
“I had taken the LSAT and was on my way, but I took a gap year after I finished my bachelor’s degree. I started substitute teaching at an elementary school,” Burton said. “I was also coaching football at the high school. I just knew at that point in time when I walked in to set up a classroom and when football practice started, I’m like ‘What am I doing going to law school next year?’”
He realized he had found what he was looking for.
“This is where I want to be. I enjoy students. It keeps you young. It keeps me invigorated and positive about being able to help and serve,” said Burton. “That’s how I became a teacher.”
Burton’s career eventually led him to becoming an administrator, extending to an assistant principal, principal and athletic director. Burton saw those stops in his career as a way to impact the greater good of all students, not just those in his classes.
The opportunity at Xavier has brought Burton full circle. Not only is he back in the classroom teaching, but his experience as an administrator has made him a valuable asset in assisting students because of his real-world knowledge about a number of education professions.
99 percent of Xavier students, including those in the education majors, are employed, volunteering or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (Class of 2022)
Burton teaches two classes a semester and he also schedules courses, advises students about the program and helps map out their future aspirations in educational leadership.
The educational administration program Burton directs also offers four licensure tracks— a superintendent license, a principalship license, an administrative specialist license and treasurer license. So students interested in pursuing one of those fields are ready to hit the ground running upon graduation.
Burton’s made a concerted effort to engage with his classes by instituting Xavier’s Ignatian values into his coursework.
“The mission and identity of our University is integrated into what we do on a daily basis,” said Burton. “I integrate some of the situations and challenges that I’ve experienced as a school principal into our classroom setting. I want to hear how they would resolve it.”
Ultimately, the dynamic Burton’s trying to create in his program and his classes is one where when his students graduate and they land a job.
“Even when we’re done and you’ve graduated and passed your school leadership Ohio exam, I am always available,” said Burton. “I have students that will contact me about a situation and say ‘Hey, do you have a second to talk about this unique situation I’ve encountered.’ So that relationship piece, although I may only have them in a class or two, we stay in contact. Once they leave us, we’re still connected.”
Xavier's education program is ranked #39 in the nation for 'Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs' (U.S. News and World Report, 2024)
The interesting thing about Burton’s life and his career is that he doesn’t believe he would be where he is if he hadn’t accepted a substitute teaching job.
“I think God was actually steering me in that direction, in the direction of education and serving others,” said Burton. “It was just by chance that I received a call from a former teacher that I stayed in contact with.”
It was a week before school started and the substitute teaching position was for a fifth and sixth-grade class. Burton can still remember attempting to decorate the classroom with inspirational quotes and sports posters.
“It was just an awesome experience,” he said. “If I reflect back and discern about that decision to walk in as a substitute teacher, I don’t know if I’d be at Xavier today.”
The impact of one small decision changed Burton’s life. It’s something he still has an appreciation for. He’s grateful for it.
“I’m a first generation college graduate,” said Burton. “Both my parents were factory workers. No one went to college. Once you graduated high school you either went into the trades or you worked at the local factory and that was really it. Seeing the trajectory of my life from the influence of my parents, teachers and coaches and then having leadership opportunities in the Chicago area has really prepared me to hopefully offer Xavier and the students at Xavier that we serve something different or perhaps unique.”
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