Distinguished Faculty AwardJohn W. Burns P'89
John W. Burns P'89
Professor Emeritus of Education
1971 - 2005
Burns taught Education at HWS from 1971-2005. He joined as an Associate Professor of Education before being named Professor of Education in 1982 and served as the Department Chair until 2001. His courses included “Analysis of Teaching in Elementary and Special Education,” “The Education of Racial Minorities in the U.S.” and “Language Experience and Schooling.” He was very involved in the community and served on many local organizations as a board member. These included Phi Delta Kappa, the National Council for Social Studies and the NYS Consortium of Social Educators. He published many articles in Social Science Record and books on the context of reading in education, including Resource Guide for Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. Burns earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton, a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Cortland and a doctorate degree in education from the University at Buffalo. Prior to his arrival at HWS, Burns served as a graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo and an Assistant Professor of Education at Buffalo State University. His former students recall his dedication to teaching and his students.