Ed.D., The University of Alabama, 1986.
M.A., The University of Alabama, 1978.
B.S., The University of Alabama, 1973.
Dr. Marcia Burke has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Alabama children through education for the past 48 years. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from The University of Alabama in 1973, Dr. Burke started her career as an elementary teacher for Pike County Schools. This was followed by 15 years of teaching in the Tuscaloosa City School system where she taught gifted education, social studies, computer education, and English. While teaching, Dr. Burke continued her journey of lifelong education by earning multiple degrees and certificates from UA including a Master of Arts in Secondary Education, Class A certificate in Gifted Education, Class AA Certificate in Secondary Education, Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Class A Certificate in Education Administration, and Class AA Certificate in Education Administration. The additional degrees and certificates opened the door for Dr. Burke to serve in leadership roles in both Tuscaloosa County and Tuscaloosa City Schools. Her positions included Principal, Alberta Elementary; Principal; Crestmont Elementary, Assistant Superintendent, Tuscaloosa County Schools; and Assistant Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools.
Dr. Burke has received recognition for her work throughout her career. She received a University of Alabama College of Education Honors Day Faculty Recognition Award and was recognized by the Alabama Jaycees as the Tuscaloosa County Outstanding Young Educator. She participated in leadership academies including the first cohort of The University of Alabama Superintendents’ Academy, the first cohort of the University of Alabama Innovative Leadership (Danforth) Program, Leadership Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama School Superintendents’ Executive Development Institute.
After 34 years devoted to K-12 education, Dr. Burke retired to work as a consultant for Burke Enterprises, LLC where she assists systems with policy development, strategic planning, employee evaluation and HR services, professional development for faculty and staff, and grant evaluation and technical assistance. Dr. Burke’s clients include more than 64 Alabama school systems, The University of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, and the Alabama Department of Commerce. Dr. Burke is a highly sought after in-service trainer and speaker. Organizations she has worked with include the Alabama Association of School Boards, Alabama Council of Leadership Development, Alabama State Department of Education, East Alabama Regional Inservice Center, Tuscaloosa Public Library, The University of Alabama College of Education, Council of Leaders of Alabama Schools, and numerous schools, local, state, and regional civic clubs, churches, and community groups.
Dr. Burke has been a key instructor for The University of Alabama Superintendents’ Academy for more than 15 years. When it was determined that a session on curriculum would be added to the trainings required for new superintendents, Dr. Burke’s guidance was sought in the development of the curriculum, training manual, training sessions, and assessment. Virtually every new superintendent in Alabama has had the opportunity to participate in one of Dr. Burke’s sessions.
Most recently, Dr. Burke has worked extensively with the Alabama First Class Pre-K program and will continue to work with that program. She facilitated the Strategic Plan for the Department of Early Childhood Education in 2015 and has worked on a variety of projects in support of this award-winning program for Alabama’s four year old students. Her activities include grant evaluations, systems design, information technology innovations, and employee training.