Lee Bennett
Florida Conference Public Relations
The Seventh-day Adventist Memorial Medallion of Honor has been awarded to Ruth Elizabeth (Beth) Bursey for 16 years of innovative and compassionate leadership in the field of education in Florida Conference. The Medallion in her honor was presented posthumously to her husband, Ernie Bursey, and her sister, Helene Pooler.
In the educational world where fads and fixes come and go, Bursey held on to the best of the old ways while embracing and then modeling the new. She developed a comprehensive approach to children and learning during 25 years of teaching before coming to Florida.
Bursey’s high quality of service remains as coworkers and friends have begun a scholarship fund in her honor. Additionally, teacher training will be funded by the Beth Bursey Legacy initiative.
Jicell Taylor, B.S., first-grade teacher at Greater Miami Adventist Academy shares her experience with this training: “Responsive Classroom training has been a game-changer in my teaching. It has helped me create a more positive and engaging learning environment for my students. The strategies I learned were easy to implement and have strengthened student-teacher relationships, greatly improved student behavior, and increased academic engagement. My students feel valued, respected, and eager to learn every day! This approach has also reignited my passion for teaching, reminding me why I chose to become a Christian educator.”
This summer, a two-week intensive training of Responsive Classroom (K-5)/Development Designs (Middle School and up) approach to classroom teaching in Florida Conference elementary education will be held, with follow-up during the school year. Additional assignments will enable a teacher to receive two units of academic credit from Southern Adventist University. Responsive Classroom and Development Designs encompass the principles and philosophy for classroom management and social-emotional learning for Florida Conference.
Florida | June 2025
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