During the 2024-25 academic school year, Scott Burdick, a former science teacher, track coach and substitute, took a new role within Mount Greylock. Burdick now maintains and monitors the library, including managing Plato, an online learning program.
Plato, run through Westfield State University, offers a set of courses that students can select from. The selected course is self-taught in the library, during a standard class block. Students learn the online material while Burdick ensures that the deadlines are met and that the students are on task. He also grades written assignments.
For Burdick, his new role is a perfect mix of working with students while not having the responsibility of creating curricula and assignments. “It’s a wonderful program, and they work along at their own deadlines, so I just make sure they hit the deadlines and they do their work,” said Burdick. “The multiple choice tests are corrected by the program, but the written work is not. So, I get to correct that.”
Burdick taught for 34 years at various schools, including 20 at Mount Greylock, during which he was a cross country and track coach. Since retiring, he has stayed connected with the school, frequently filling in as a substitute teacher prior to his new role in the library. “It’s really nice to be able to keep the things that I didn’t want to give up like seeing students…and my colleagues that I taught and coached with for so long,” said Burdick.
Burdick is not the only beneficiary of his new role in the library. Students have also been pleased with the new arrangement. “He helps me stay on top of all my assignments and keep track of deadlines,” said junior and Plato student Max Killam. “Giving out candy is a nice bonus too.”
His sister, Liza Barrett, Greylock’s librarian and library media specialist, plays an active role in the library as well as in the wider school community.
Barrett’s involvement outside of the library creates and across the school means that it is very useful to have Burdick ready to fill in. “Ms. Barrett does so many different things…since my classroom is right there, I’m able to…help Ms. Barrett keep up with the library things, like passing out chargers and Chromebooks,” said Burdick.
He also helps students find and check out books when Barrett is unable to, which he has really enjoyed. “I’m really smiling…I really enjoy what I’m doing this year and I get to work with my little sister…which is really nice,” said Burdick.
As the first quarter winds to a close, the atmosphere in the library has never been better. Burdick’s infectious love of teaching fosters a welcoming environment that encourages students to be productive and creative.
