Latest news with #DonovanBurgmaier

Time Business News

Why Donovan Burgmaier Believes Teachers Change Lives

For Donovan Burgmaier, teaching is more than a career—it's a calling grounded in experience, empathy, and a deep desire to uplift others. While he's worn many hats over the years—athlete, coach, laborer, and student—it is his aspiration to become a teacher that drives much of his personal and professional growth today. As he studies at the University of Alberta, pursuing a double major in Native Studies and Secondary Education, Donovan is preparing to join the ranks of educators who do more than instruct—they inspire. Donovan Burgmaier's conviction about the transformative power of teaching stems from his own life. Growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, and attending Salisbury Composite High School, Donovan encountered coaches and mentors who didn't just help him on the field—they shaped who he was off the field. Those individuals taught him discipline, built his confidence, and showed him the importance of accountability and leadership. Their influence wasn't confined to wins and losses; it extended to Donovan's understanding of character, work ethic, and resilience. These formative relationships planted a seed. Donovan Burgmaier realized that many young people go through life without someone to believe in them, someone to challenge them with purpose. He saw teaching not as standing in front of a classroom, but as standing beside a student on their journey. It's why he decided to major in Secondary Education—because high school is a critical point when many teens are searching for identity, guidance, and support. Donovan Burgmaier's academic pairing with Native Studies adds an essential layer to his approach. It demonstrates his respect for culture, identity, and history. As Canada continues to reckon with its past and work toward reconciliation, Donovan believes educators must be prepared to teach from a place of cultural competence. His knowledge of Indigenous history, values, and contemporary issues will equip him to serve diverse student populations with greater sensitivity and impact. For Donovan Burgmaier, the goal isn't just to become a teacher—it's to become a principal. He envisions himself leading a school where all students feel seen and valued, and where equity and personal growth are emphasized just as much as grades and test scores. His desire to lead is not about status, but about influence: the chance to shape school culture and create policies that empower both students and staff. His leadership potential is already evident in his coaching roles. Donovan Burgmaier has mentored young athletes through the Golden Bears Football Academy, the Peak School of Football, and community programs like the Edmonton Eskimos Amateur Football Camp. His coaching philosophy focuses on character development, teamwork, and instilling a sense of purpose—all of which mirror his approach to teaching. Coaching, for Donovan, is simply teaching in motion. But Donovan's belief in education's power goes beyond academic or athletic contexts. His volunteer work with Kids Kottage and Santa's Anonymous has exposed him to the realities faced by children in crisis. It's reinforced his belief that schools should be sanctuaries—places where children can grow not just intellectually, but emotionally and socially. He wants to be a teacher who recognizes these needs and meets them with compassion. In the end, Donovan's perspective on education is refreshingly clear: teachers change lives not by teaching answers, but by helping students ask the right questions. They provide structure, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. And that's exactly what Donovan hopes to do. From a high school athlete shaped by mentors to a future educator preparing to mentor others, Donovan Burgmaier is on a mission to prove that good teachers don't just teach—they transform. And the next generation of students will be better for it. #DonovanBurgmaier DonovanBurgmaier Donovan-Burgmaier Donovan Burgmaier TIME BUSINESS NEWS