Gilbert (Gil) Burlew, Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology instructor at Manatee Technical College (MTC) in Bradenton, Florida, is celebrating his 45th year of a rewarding teaching career – 30 years teaching in Florida schools. Gil started his Florida teaching career in Brevard County, Florida at the Cocoa High School Aerospace Academy in 1994 before moving to Palm Bay High School in 2001. During his four years in Palm Bay, his alternative energy Alternate Fuel Automotive Team (AFA) was recognized by the US Department of Education; his US FIRST Robotics Teams competed at the state, national and international levels; and his programs were recognized by the CEO of Harris Corporation. He was named Florida Technology Student Association (TSA) Advisor of the Year, and his students won State Championships and the Outstanding Chapter Award.
In 2005, Gil moved to Manatee County to continue inspiring his Engineering Technology students, and winning TSA state and national championships year after year. During his 11 years at Braden River High School, Mr. Burlew became Department Chair and Engineering Academy Lead, served as Chair of the FL-TSA Board of Directors, and president and executive director of the Florida Technology Engineering & Educators Association (FTEEA). His awards include TSA National Advisor of the Year (2014), International Technology Engineering & Educators Association (ITEEA) Teacher of Excellence, ITEEA Program of Excellence, and Sterling Award for Best Practices (2024-15).
In his current career setting which started in 2016, Gil started the Advanced Manufacturing program at Manatee Technical College (MTC) from the ground up with a Florida Workforce Education Job Growth Grant—the first in the state to be awarded. He has continued to grow the program in size, scope, and quality. According to Doug Wagner, Director, MTC: “It's been exciting to watch Mr. Burlew take students into this program, train them, educate them, and through his vast network of business and industry connections, help them become employed in some of the very best high-wage, high-skill manufacturing positions I have ever seen.”
Gil believes manufacturing education is important because “Every day we open a giant window of opportunity for students to look out into their futures and help them to see the careers that could possibly be a game changer for them and in many cases a life-changing experience for them and their families.”
No comments :
Post a Comment