Burke Town School Employee Spotlight: Jessica Garske
May 20, 2025
Jessica Garske, also known as Mrs. Garske to her kindergarten students, has worked with Burke Town School and Kingdom East School District for 5 years!
Jessica Garske comes from a long line of educators, and her passion for teaching was inspired early on by watching her mother dedicate herself to her students each and every day. Seeing the impact her mom had on young lives sparked a desire in Jessica to follow a similar path. From a young age, she knew she wanted to help others the way her mother did. As a child, she would often play “school,” pretending to be the teacher while her younger sister played the student. That early love for teaching only grew stronger over time. In eighth grade, Jessica began tutoring her classmates in algebra and discovered just how much she enjoyed helping others learn. That experience confirmed what she already felt in her heart—becoming a teacher was her calling, and she has pursued that path with purpose ever since.
Mrs. Garske 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: "Watching students have a light bulb go off when they understand something drives my love of teaching and education in general".
Q: What have been some of your favorite moments as an educator?
Answer: "My first year of teaching was in 2020 during the pandemic, and seeing how resilient students were during that time was amazing. Experiencing the world through my students' eyes has created some of my favorite moments: watching the excitement they have when our chicks hatch, going apple picking for the first time, hearing them read their first sentence in a book, or watching them zip up their coat all by themselves are some of my favorite moments as an educator each year. Our dance parties in Kindergarten are pretty awesome".
Q: What are you looking forward to about this school year?
Answer: "My students have come so far this year as a group of young learners. I am excited to wrap up the year with them with many fun school celebrations, field trips, and hands on learning opportunities".
A phrase that deeply influenced Mrs. Garske throughout her own educational journey was “Never say I can’t”—a mindset that has become a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. This powerful message shaped her resilience as a learner and now guides the way she encourages her students. In her classroom, Mrs. Garske emphasizes the "power of yet," helping students shift their thinking from fixed limitations to growth and possibility. She works hard to instill confidence, perseverance, and a belief that with effort and time, they can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Thank you, Mrs. Garske, for all that you do for your students and colleagues at Burke Town School. Your dedication, positivity, and passion for teaching shine through in every aspect of your work. You go above and beyond to support your students' growth and create a welcoming, engaging environment for all. Your encouragement and collaboration make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you. We are so grateful to have you as part of our Kingdom East team!
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