Meet Boni Burns. This is Boni’s second year with iLEAD. Boni stays busy as an Education Specialist supporting learners at both iLEAD Lancaster and Empower Generations in the Antelope Valley. Boni’s career as an educator began after spending time in the classroom as a substitute between acting auditions. Boni was drawn to the amazing and imaginative learners she worked with in the moderate-severe classrooms. This passion led to Boni earning her teaching credential and accepting a full-time role. She has been in the classroom for the past 24 years. Boni was specifically drawn to iLEAD because of our schools’ focus on meeting learners where they are.
Behind every fabulous teacher, such as Boni herself, are great role models. Boni has two role models who have helped shape her as an educator. The first is her mentor teacher, Kathy. Boni had the opportunity to work with and learn from Kathy for four years at Antelope Valley High School. The second is Corean, Boni’s mother. Corean has spent 35 years as a dedicated educator at LAUSD. She taught Boni that anything is possible with hard work and determination!
A fun fact that most people may not know about Boni is that she loves stage acting. She plans to pursue acting again one day. Boni turns a bad day into a good day by using her acting talents. She will sing in the classroom and is often able to engage learners and get them to smile. If you’ve ever met Boni, you know she also has a contagious smile that helps anyone feel included.
Boni will be spending the winter break traveling to Texas to visit her son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren! We are thankful for Boni and the ways she supports her learners and coworkers here at iLEAD.