By: Tori Schubert and Julia Valencia

People Editor and Opinion Editor 

As Kim Burlinson nears the end of her 27th year of teaching at Los Gatos High School, she continues to foster a positive and welcoming environment where students feel supported, both academically and personally. Teaching Biology, Strategic Learning, and acting as an advisor to the Learning Center, Burlinson strives to be the mentor that she had in her high school years. She aids her students in finding their passions, not only at LGHS, but also in their future lives. 

Burlinson’s path towards teaching was unexpected, with her passion stemming from school, specifically, a dislike of science courses. She described how her love for education began from a conversation with her high school science teacher. Following her conscientious refusal to experiment on earth worms, her teacher prompted her to imagine a different curriculum that would cater to her learning style. This newfound enthusiasm for education sparked Burlinson’s love for science, leading her to major in Aquatic Biology at UC Santa Barbara. With the goal of becoming the Educational Director at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Burlinson took on a variety of instructing roles including an art class aide, an elementary science lab technician, and a role at Independence High School. However, when LGHS offered her a job providing mental health and wellness resources, Burlinson could not pass up the opportunity to help students. 

Currently, Burlinson teaches a wide range of subjects, allowing her to connect with a large population of students, while also educating them on topics she is passionate about. She described the differences of the struggles that modern high school students now face, reflecting, “I think [high school] is harder now than it was for me because every one of your friends is walking around with a video camera in their pocket and that puts a lot more pressure on you guys.” As an educator, Burlinson strives to be a comfort to each of her students, becoming someone they can trust and rely upon as they navigate high school. She explained, “If you can find the place where you belong, whether that’s a sport, a social group, or a club, high school is so much easier.” 

Outside of school, Burlinson spends the majority of her time with her family. She joked that “my kids are older and don’t want to spend as much time with me,” but added more sincerely, “I feel really lucky. I still have both my parents and I have two great kids.” She also shared that she, her husband, and her dog, a Great Pyrenees and Labrador mix, are frequent visitors to the beach. 

Burlinson’s nearly three decades at LGHS reflect not only her dedication to the school, but to her students and their futures. Through creating an inclusive and supportive classroom, Burlinson’s commitment to helping students thrive is evident.