Mr. Daniel Burkert

Despite the fact that I have never had Mr. Daniel Burkert as a teacher inside the classroom, in the short year I have known Mr. Burkert, he has come to be one of the most influential teachers in my life outside of the classroom. While in the halls of Lakeland he is known as English teacher Mr. B, when the school day is over, I know him best as Coach Dan. The lessons Mr. B has taught me through his coaching have come to apply to my life far beyond the track, becoming some of the mottos I carry with me everyday. His encouraging words and great wisdom have impacted me more than he could ever imagine, and have truly guided me to grow and work to achieve a more positive mindset for all aspects of life. Mr. B was one of the first people to believe in me before I believed in myself, and I do not know how I could ever thank him enough for that. In particular, I will always remember Mr. B’s empowering words the day of my cross country Groups Championships race. When my anxiety and nerves were making me doubt my abilities, Mr. B looked right at me and said, “We all believe in you, it’s about time you believe in yourself.” While this statement may have been just another coaching moment to Mr. B, to me, these words changed my life. They not only reframed my mindset in the moment and guided me to win the state group title, but they are now the words I repeat to myself before any event that I begin to become anxious over. Hearing Mr. B’s uplifting voice in my head not only inspires me, but calms me, as I know no matter what happens, Mr. B will always be on my side. His youthful, cheery personality makes him incredibly relatable, and from the minute my team and I met him over the summer, we instantly felt comfortable around him. Whether I see Mr. B in the halls during the school day or peek a glance at him while I am running 400 repeats around the track, his enthusiasm and positivity never fails to make my day, no matter what mood I may be in. Obviously I know Mr. B is a powerful educator, but when I asked him what he feels has led him to his success as a teacher, he credited “solely the people around him who have inspired him” to be the best he can be, and for his “passion” in helping his students reach their full potential. Mr. B is proof that some of the best teachers in life are those who teach beyond the curriculum in the classroom.