Greetings families,

I am a sixth grade special education teacher at FAMS. I co-teach English Language Arts with Mrs. Zarnowski and teach a small group section of English Language Arts as well. I joined the FAMS staff in 2013. Prior to teaching at FAMS, I taught at Craig High School in Janesville. The 2020-2021 school year will be my 23rd year teaching. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in 1997 from UW-Whitewater. Additionally, I earned my Master's Degree in Special Education, as well as an Autism Certificate at UW-Whitewater in 2013.

I live in Milton with my husband and my dog Juno. I have three daughters. My youngest daughter, Caroline, will be starting UW-Madison this fall as a freshman. My middle daughter, Molly Kate, will be a senior at UW- Madison. My oldest daughter, Alex, also lives in Madison and works as an interior architect for an architecture firm. Our dog, Juno, is a rescue Plott Hound/ Shepherd mix.

As a family, we especially enjoy hiking, traveling (especially visiting National Parks), attending sporting events, and attending musicals/concerts. In my spare time, I really enjoy reading and being outdoors.

I am looking forward to working with your sixth graders! Starting middle school is an exciting time of transition in a young person's life. I am here to make that transition as smooth as possible and help in any way I can! I believe an open line of communication between home and school is valuable to all parties, parents/guardians, students, and staff alike. Working together can go a long way in helping students achieve success.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you should ever have any questions, comments, or concerns. This year may look like none other before it. It will look different for all of us. If we work together with compassion, understanding, respect, grace (as we all learn new systems and technology), flexibility, and positivity, we can make it a successful year in which your students grow and thrive!

Sincerely,

Tara Burki