South Side High School principal cited for leadership in education

South Side High School Principal Dr. Carol Burris was selected as the 2010 New York State Outstanding Educator by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). She will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 7 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

Burris has worked as an educator for 19 years — nine of them in her present position. At South Side, her goals have been to improve academic achievement and to build a vibrant learning community. During her tenure, the Regents Diploma rate for minorities and students of poverty has exceeded the state average and the number of students taking advanced placement or International Baccalaureate classes has reached 80 percent.

Burris is also a writer who has had articles printed in professional educational publications including “Education Week,” “Educational Leadership” and “American Educational Research.” In her articles, she shares her experience and expertise on topics such as detracking, closing the achievement gap and heterogenous grouping.

“It is the quiet, individualized attention she gives those students who may otherwise fall through the cracks and do not have anyone else to advocate for them,” said South Side High School Assistant Principal John Murphy, “that inspires others to follow her lead.

“Carol has raised the standard for everyone at South Side High School, and has opened our doors to other schools that want to replicate her model of success,” he added.

Burris holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Hofstra University, a master’s in Spanish Education from Long Island University and a doctorate in organization and leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University.