Dear Edison High School Staff, Parents, and Community:

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Amanda Burke has been selected as the next principal of Edison High School (HS). Ms. Burke is an exceptional leader with extensive experience in education and a strong understanding of academic and social/emotional best practices. She currently serves as acting principal at Rocky Run Middle School (MS) and has previously served as assistant principal at Chantilly HS and Woodson HS. Ms. Burke has also served as a Special Education Procedural Support Liaison (PSL), Pyramid Special Education Resource Specialist, as well as Special Education Teacher.  Ms. Burke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education at Arizona State, and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at George Mason University.

Ms. Burke has extensive knowledge of special education and instructional best practices and grading practices. During her time as acting principal at Rocky Run MS, she led staff and students towards academic success in and outside of the classroom, rethinking course options and interventions to match students' needs. Her commitment to critical thinking and collaboration led to a pyramid-wide professional development opportunity focused on Portrait of a Graduate skills K-12 and increased vertical articulation and supported family transitions across levels.

Ms. Burke is known as a clear, concise, and collaborative communicator. She has mentored aspiring leaders, focusing on increasing students' time in class through engagement and scaffolding strategies. She prides herself on connecting with families from all backgrounds and has served as a military liaison at several schools, focusing on supporting military-connected families and enhancing their experiences in in our school communities.

Building a safe and positive school climate has been at the center of Ms. Burke’s work with students, families, and staff. She created systems that resulted in decreased disciplinary referrals for students and increased support and further developed staff in this area. She communicates clear expectations and celebrates success along the way. Further, Ms. Burke has led administrators at the division and region levels at All County Assistant Principal Meetings, and region assistant principal meetings; leading work around MTSS and student social emotional supports and behavior solutions.

Additionally, her instructional knowledge of special education best practices and procedures across all content areas has led to an 8% gap reduction for students in math through the innovative creation of courses to meet students' individual needs. 

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Burke as the new principal at Edison High School!  Ms. Burke understands the rich history of the Edison community as well as the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of the students and families within the community, having started her teaching career in Fairfax County Public Schools at Edison HS in 2000 as a Special Education teacher. She looks forward to returning “home” to Edison and engaging staff, students, and families in the life of the school. 

Sincerely,

Grace Taylor

Interim Superintendent, Region 3, Fairfax County Public Schools