By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Emmett Burnton, a history teacher in the Deer Valley Unified School District and dual enrollment instructor for Rio Salado College, was named Arizona 2025 Teacher of the Year in October.
The honor is the highest recognition for public school teachers in the state.
“Winning this award is absolutely surreal,” Burnton said. “There are so many spectacular teachers in my community and in the state. Now, I'd like to give them all a platform that sheds light on their victories, and help connect public school with the rest of the world.”
Burnton was one of 15 educators honored by the Arizona Educational Foundation for the 2025 Teacher of the Year awards. He was chosen from a pool of five finalists, after consideration of 625 nominated teachers.
Ironically, Burnton hadn’t initially planned on becoming a teacher.
“While I wasn't always the brightest student, this award helps show that students of all levels can eventually reach the highest levels of learning, engagement, and continue to grow beyond the classroom,” he said.
Burnton found his passion was studying the past and how it and critical thinking play essential roles in shaping informed citizens.
“History and philosophy helped me find my place in the world and provided me with the tools to critique the world we live in,” Burnton said. “Teaching these topics helps me give back to the community and engage students in ways that help them create a better world.”
Burnton has taught Advanced Placement World History and dual enrollment U.S. History at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem for the last nine years.
In dual enrollment classes, high school students earn both high school and college credit for specific coursework. Courses are taught at the high schools by qualified teachers using a college-level curriculum.
Rio Salado partners with dozens of high schools in the greater Phoenix area to offer dual enrollment classes.
“One of the most significant benefits of dual enrollment is the opportunity to learn from instructors who are deeply invested in both course content and student outcomes,” said Robert Bergman, faculty chair for History and Geography at Rio Salado.
Bergman said that Burnton demonstrates both of these traits.
“Emmett’s passion for not only the content of the course, but the success of the learners is quite clear,” Bergman said. “He is a content expert and is able to present information to learners in a manner in which they can understand, enjoy and also reflect upon.”
Burnton enjoys being part of Rio Salado’s dual enrollment program.
“Teaching dual enrollment classes gives me an opportunity to reach students who are looking for alternate avenues of education,” Burnton said. “Local colleges and classes reach diverse types of students. I enjoy helping to guide students along their path while challenging them in a college setting.”
As the Arizona Teacher of the Year award winner, Burnton will receive a cash prize, trips to the White House and the International Space Camp in Alabama, and will represent Arizona at the National Teacher of the Year competition in Washington D.C. in the spring.
Burton’s story was featured on ABC15, 12News, KJZZ and KTAR.