Conversations with Darlene Burks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Burks.

Hi Darlene, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a high school English teacher and the director of the Saturday Tutoring Program. I arrived at this point in my career because I have always understood that there is a profound need to support students on their journeys toward success. I also recognize that many families face extenuating circumstances that can interrupt or delay that success. For that reason, in both of my roles, I intentionally create opportunities for students to gain not only the academic skills they need, but also the confidence to believe in themselves.

As an educator, I have been honored as a recipient of Excellence in Teaching. My instructional approach is rooted in high expectations, strong relationships, and innovative practices. Through the implementation of project-based learning and the strategic use of IXL, my students have demonstrated measurable and consistent growth. For four consecutive years, my NWEA growth scores have ranked in the 99th percentile. My students have also earned top placement with OST and PSAT scores in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. These outcomes are the result of intentional instruction, data-driven planning, and a commitment to meeting students where they are.

As director of the Saturday Tutoring Program, I lead efforts to close learning gaps and provide targeted support for students who need additional assistance. I introduced a celebratory model within the tutoring program, hosting student celebration events to honor growth and effort. Recognizing achievement publicly has transformed the culture of the program and reinforced the belief that progress deserves recognition.

Ultimately, I am where I am today because I see education as both an academic mission and a human one. I serve students not only by teaching standards and skills, but by helping them develop resilience, confidence, and a belief in their potential. That commitment continues to guide my work every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Education is a deeply complex field, and educating youth involves navigating a constant stream of competing dynamics. A student’s ability to learn is often impacted by external influences, ranging from peer pressure and family circumstances to fluctuating self-esteem, variations in child development, and attendance challenges. Technology is a huge distraction is often in finding a way to break through those barriers to reach a student who feels disconnected from the traditional classroom. And, of course, a very practical struggle is simply getting them to attend on Saturday mornings.

To navigate these hurdles, I have focused heavily on enrichment and culture-building. I integrated STEAM to provide more interest targets for students with diverse passions. By blending technical skills like science or math with creative expression, I’ve seen students who previously struggled with confidence suddenly find their voice.

The road is also made smoother by the celebratory style I introduced. One of the greatest challenges with the tutoring program is maintaining student attendance on a Saturday morning. I recognize that it isn’t easy to show up for extra work on a weekend, but through our enrichment activities and our student celebration events that are held twice a year, we shift the focus from what is missing to what has been mastered. These events turn the struggle into a shared victory, building the self-esteem necessary for long-term academic success.

Ultimately, the bumps in the road are exactly why I have committed myself to these students and why I consistently show up both during the week and on Saturday mornings. A successful outcome isn’t just a grade. It comes in the form of a hug, a sincere thank you, a college acceptance letter, or an increased SAT score after months of hard work. Sometimes it is just the visible enthusiasm a student shows when they walk through the door. Those are the moments that make every bit of the effort worth it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is that I am an educator who balances high expectations with a deep commitment to student engagement. In my practice, I infuse project-based learning and a sense of joy into the curriculum, but I also place a heavy emphasis on student responsibility. I make sure my students understand that they are ultimately responsible for their own success. By empowering them with that ownership, it mitigates the desire to blame external factors and helps them develop true accountability.

This commitment doesn’t end on Friday. On Saturdays, I continue my work as an educator by encouraging students to show up and take that same responsibility for their growth. While I believe partnering with parents is essential, my primary focus in the classroom and in the tutoring program is on activities that capture the hearts of the students themselves. I have found that if I can truly engage the students, they become the ones who convince their parents to bring them to the building on a Saturday morning.

Finally, my desire to celebrate students is a key component of my practice. I believe that students work harder and reach higher when they feel seen and valued. By creating a culture of celebration, I’m able to build the confidence they need to tackle significant academic challenges and achieve long-term success

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is our annual summer road trip to Union, South Carolina, which is my parents’ hometown. We would travel by car to visit Jeter Chapel AME Church (my maiden name is Jeter) and reconnect with our roots, and those long drives were truly magical. I remember the excitement of the stops along the way where I could pick out my favorite snacks, but what I loved most was how my parents would narrate the scene as we traveled.

As a child, I would sit by the window and marvel at the changing scenery, from the winding mountain roads and dark tunnels to the massive bridges and rushing rivers. Having my parents tell the stories of the landscape as we passed through made the journey feel like a living history lesson. Those trips weren’t just about the destination; they were about the connection we built through storytelling and the wonder of seeing the world unfold outside my window.

Pricing:

• Free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://saturdaytutoring.org
• Instagram: saturday_tutoring_program