Hello! My name is Martha Burdick, and I'm a 5th grade teacher at West Salem Middle School. Fifth grade is an exciting year! One of the big focuses all year is learning about our great nation, the United States. We also cover topics such as matter, space, and Earth's systems. Fifth grade is also the year our students are involved with the DARE program (Drug Awareness Resistance Education). Of course we’ll use these topics as well as other ones to enhance our reading, writing, math, and technology skills.
Let me fill you in with a little bit about myself. I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin and have three brothers and two sisters that are twins. I’m married and have three grown children. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for my undergraduate degree (That would make me a huge Badger fan!!) I received my masters degree from UW-La Crosse, and I’ve been teaching for over 30 years in either fourth or fifth grade.
I enjoy reading, and I like to play a variety of sports---as well as spectate. I love to get on my road bike and explore the Coulee Region. My family likes to ski and travel to new places. I love movies (especially science fiction), and I absolutely love the Green Bay Packers!
Since I began teaching in 1987, I've seen a lot of change in education, particularly with technology. However, certain elements have remained constant----the thirst to learn, ask questions, solve problems, have a sense of belonging, and be one's own person are still at the core of our students. Each day is different, a new adventure, and I never know what to expect. This is why I enjoy what I do.