Pascack Valley High School Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) Natalie Burd celebrates her tenth year at PV with recognition as Educational Services Professional of the Year.
Burd described how surprised she felt when she found out about the award.
“I was so overwhelmed… I was just shocked [and] speechless,” said Burd. “And then, when Mr. Puccio started telling me why they were all here, I started shaking, and I just felt so honored. Like, why me? There are so many people that come here, show up to work every day, and make a difference… and so to be recognized, it’s just, it’s beyond me: it’s just an honor, it really is.”
Despite Burd’s surprise at her win, others assert that Burd is more than deserving of the recognition, and it comes as no shock to them that she was chosen.
Dr. Jonathan Hesney, Director of Special Services for the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, commended Ms. Burd for her work at PV and her commitment to her students.
“From the moment I first met her, it was clear that she is an exceptional support to students at Pascack Valley,” said Hesney. “Whether in her role as a Child Study Team member or as a coach, she puts her heart into everything she does.”
Even though Hesney only started as Director of Special Services last year, his impression of Burd has always been positive.
“As I got to know her and participated in meetings she led, my initial impressions were continually reinforced—and even surpassed. I witnessed several students personally thank Ms. Burd for helping them reach their goals and realize their potential at PV,” said Hesney. “She is a tireless educator who consistently goes above and beyond for students, their families, and her colleagues.”
Burd’s dedication to helping students with learning disabilities was inspired by her cousin, who had special needs.
“I had a cousin who had significant special needs growing up, and she was the glue of our family, I would say. She passed away, [but] growing up having somebody that needed so much support but taught us so much really made me want to help people that needed help and had the potential to learn,” Burd expressed. “So that’s [how] I knew, just through having that experience in our family, that that’s what I wanted to do when I got to college, so I did that.”
Burd attended James Madison University, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree. She also played D1 softball at JMU.
Burd said one of her proudest moments was when her coaches pulled her aside to tell her she was getting a scholarship.
“I was on summer vacation with my family, and we had found out that the company my dad had worked for [was downsizing], so he wasn’t going to have a job anymore. So I remember, within my family, there was just a lot of panic [about how we were going to pay for school],” said Burd.
“So, when I returned to school in August, I went to the coach’s office, and it was me and the assistant coach and the head coach, and they were like, ‘We want to let you know that you’ve earned a full scholarship,’…” Burd said. “I just remember leaving that office and calling my parents and being able to put their minds at ease that they don’t have to worry, that college is going to be paid off for the next two years. That was a big deal for our family.”
Along with working as an LDTC at PV for 10 years and being in education for 20 years, Burd continues her passion for softball through coaching JV Girls Softball at PV.
“I also am an Assistant JV Softball Coach here, and… I just finished my fourth year [coaching]. I love doing that here because it gets me outside. I get to coach the sport that I love [and] I get to instill that love and that drive and those skills in kids,” said Burd. “I get to work with three other female rock star coaches, and that’s a really cool thing to be a part of. I love advocating for and supporting my students.”
Along with softball and teaching, Burd also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, her friends, her family, and her dogs. Burd also spends a lot of time getting involved in the PV community by volunteering to help during sporting events and being involved in other clubs and committees.
“This is such a great place to be: it really is about the people. Every day, I show up to work because of my kids and their families and the people I get to work with,” said Burd. “I work with really amazing people who want, just like me, to help others.”
Speaking to Burd’s impact, one PV student shared their thoughts about Burd’s recognition.
“It’s no shock that Ms. Burd earned the award because she’s so supportive and she really cares about her students. If anyone deserves it, it’s her,” said the student. “I’m so thankful for her: I don’t know where I’d be without her support.”
