Four-time grad an outstanding educator

Rick Burkhart is one of those extraordinary teachers who stands out in the minds of his students long after they have graduated. And for many, his influence is even life-long.

Not content to simply provide a classroom education, Burkhart extends himself in other ways, assuming the roles of mentor, volunteer, and leader. It is for his exemplary dedication that The Citadel presented him its first Outstanding Educator Award in October. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies along with the Athletic Department and the Education Department honored Burkhart and other Lowcountry educators for their hard work and commitment.

Rick Burkhart '76 received The Citadel's first Outstanding Educator Award from Major General John Grinalds.

A member of The Citadel class of 1976, Burkhart received a degree in history. But it would not be until years later that he found his true calling as a social studies teacher at North Charleston High School where he still teaches today. In the years since he was a cadet, Burkhart has earned three more degrees from The Citadel-a master of arts in teaching (1989), a master of arts in history (1999), and a master of education (2001).

Burkhart is the kind of teacher to which students are drawn. It is not unusual to see students flocking to his classroom after hours, where he gives them advice and encourages them to continue their education, often helping them find college scholarships or make important career decisions. In 1999 Burkhart, who had several times been teacher of the year at North Charleston High, received the Milken National Educator Award. And in October 2001, Burkhart won national recognition when he was named to USA Today's All-USA Teacher Team.

But it is not the awards that makes Burkhart most proud. Five years ago, he founded a program to provide physical therapy to students with orthopedic handicaps. On Tuesday mornings, Burkhart and about 25 of his North Charleston high school students conduct three one-hour sessions with different schools at a local pool. Depending on the severity of the child's disability, there may as many as five students working with him or her.

Under the supervision of county physical therapists, the children get much-needed exercise, which strengthens their muscles and prevents atrophy. In addition, they increase their social skills and have an hour of fun. Burkhart is quick to point out that the program benefits his students too. "It enables my students to be players in the community, not just spectators."

The adaptive aquatics program has expanded to include special education students, and teachers have begun writing Burkhart's program into their education plans. At the same time, Burkhart's students are exposed to career possibilities and important lessons about community service, while the children with disabilities are getting therapy that they would not have otherwise received.

In October 2000 with a grant from the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to teach American studies, Burkhart took the program to the Ukraine. Under Soviet leadership, children with disabilities had largely been ignored. With the adaptive aquatics program underway, Burkhart went to work soliciting donations, getting a school bus, wheel chairs, and a hydraulic chair to lower the children into and out of the pool. The program at the Ukrainian school has now been incorporated into the school curriculum and also includes academic tutoring. Now schools in Russia as well as several other schools in the Ukraine have expressed an interest.

Back in the United States, Burkhart and his students stay busy raising money and taking donations for equipment and supplies. The busing fee for one month in the North Charleston program alone is $2,200. As a teacher, Rick Burkhart is not only educating his students in academics, but he is teaching them the value of helping others through community service while at the same time helping them to discover some important lessons in life.

For more information on the adaptive aquatics program or to find out how you can help, contact Rick Burkhart at 843-746-1353 or rick_burkhart@charleston.k12.sc.us.