GCPS German language educator honored for excellence

     A Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) educator is being recognized for his contributions to foreign language instruction. Carlos Li-Burse, a German teacher at GSMST, has been named the recipient of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) Outstanding German Educator Award. This honor is given to a teacher who demonstrates excellence in the German language through unique approaches to instruction that drive critical and creative thinking.

     “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Li-Burse for being awarded the AATG Outstanding German Educator Award,” says GSMST Principal Logan Malm. “This well-deserved recognition reflects his passion for teaching, his dedication to our students, his leadership in the German educator community, and his commitment to promoting global understanding through language education. Mr. Li-Burse has inspired a love for the German language and culture, enriching the lives of our students and strengthening our school community. We’re thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment with him!”

     Nominees for the AATG Outstanding German Educator Award must be educators at the elementary, middle, high school, or post-secondary level with at least five years of demonstrated excellence in German education. They are also evaluated on their dedication to professional growth and ongoing contributions to the field of German education.    

     “My passion for teaching German stems from my love of German culture (especially northern German culture), the German language, and the sincerity of the people,” Li-Burse shares. “I admire the honesty and authenticity of interactions in the German-speaking world. I endeavor to bring this sincerity to every lesson and every topic that we cover in my classes, from sustainability to media/technology. I want my students to speak openly and honestly about their thoughts, perceptions, and perspectives because through these types of interactions, we not only learn more about the world but also more about ourselves.”

     The AATG is an organization of nearly 3,500 members who have committed themselves to bringing the language, literature, and culture of German-speaking to Americans. AATG has members in all 50 states, members at all teaching levels (i.e. elementary – higher education), and 58 local chapters that work to support local projects and activities.