SEAFORD, NY — While those who’ve gotten to know Thomas Burke call the Seaford Harbor Elementary School principal “beloved,” he is humbled by the acknowledgment.
“[It’s] just so overwhelming,” Burke told Patch. “You do this job, day in and day out, you have those great days and then those challenging days. But seeing the impact that you have [on] children, families and teachers, sometimes you don’t always realize that. That’s been so rewarding.”
Burke spent nine years in the Seaford School District, the last seven as principal at Harbor Elementary. The memories fill boxes now, as he prepares for his last day this Friday, before starting as principal at Wantagh’s Forest Lake Elementary.
Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Those butterflies in the stomach that I get every year that first day of school and Sunday nights too, I think that’s a good thing to have,” Burke said.
But the experience carries Burke into the new position, as does his youthful demeanor. Burke doesn’t look like his 41 years.
Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After teaching for more than a decade in Wantagh, first at Mandalay Elementary followed by the middle school, Burke wanted to expand his horizons into administration. However, Wantagh officials told Burke that he needed more experience to make the move.
Seaford gave him the opportunity.
“Now I get to go back and make it a real full circle,” he said of his journey.
Burke, who grew up in Wantagh (by way of the Levittown School District), married his wife, a native of North Bellmore.
Relocating one town away, Burke expects to stay in touch with his soon-to-be former colleagues. “It’ll be someone else’s building, but the connections I made were invaluable.”
So we know Burke will be missed, but what made him so special for so many?
“I’ve been a teacher; I’ve lived that life. Now I lead teachers,” he said. “I’m a parent of three children. I’ve lived that. I can relate to the elementary parents and their concerns. I’ve been a principal for some time. I can bring that experience back with me. Every place you go, you’re just building that experience and that empathy.”
Burke recently visited Forest Lake to see who he’ll be creating new relationships with, as well as reestablishing ones from earlier in his career.
“That’s a unique thing, to see that they’re looking at me as a principal, as a leader. That’s really a nice feeling,” he said.
This new position “fell into place” for Burke after seeing the job posting.
“I knew it right from the start that I was more than ready,” he said. “[I’m] very excited.” Burke declared. “I’m going home.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: Haas Racing Suit