Bloomsburg’s Phil Burrell named PARSS Teacher of the Year
L-R: Bloomsburg Area Curriculum Coordinator Amy Melchiorre, Superintendent JJ Cleaver, and award recipient Phil Burrell
District Superintendent J. J. Cleaver had received word the previous day that Burrell had been named Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS), an organization that represents over 200 rural and small school districts across the commonwealth and advocates for the unique needs of these educational communities. Cleaver kept the news quiet until the faculty gathering, where he surprised Burrell with the announcement before the entire district staff. In a prior email to school board members, Cleaver shared, “Being selected for this award places Phil among a distinguished group of educators from across Pennsylvania who exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to students.”
Burrell admitted the moment caught him completely off guard. “I was looking around at all these great teachers sitting around me, wondering which one it was going to be,” he said. “There were so many deserving people. When I heard my name, I thought I had done something wrong, and only then did I start to pay attention that I was the one. I was quite surprised.”
The honor followed a nomination submitted in November 2025 by Bloomsburg High School Principal Dr. Andrea Landis, who praised Burrell’s long record of innovation and service to both students and colleagues. In her recommendation, Landis wrote that Burrell has “redefined what it means to engage students and colleagues in meaningful, forward-thinking educational experiences. Serving in a rural district, Phil has built opportunities for students that rival those found in higher education and industry settings. His leadership, creativity, and tireless dedication make him a standout candidate for Educator of the Year.”
Central to that vision is the school’s Innovation Studio, a learning space Burrell imagined and helped bring to life. The studio allows students to explore emerging technologies through hands-on experiences, offering access to drones, 3D printers, a laser cutter, vinyl and paper cutters, a poster printer, and advanced 3D modeling tools. Students can also experiment with media production through professional-grade video and photography equipment, podcasting tools, editing stations, and high-quality printing resources.
As Landis noted, the impact on students has been immediate. “At the heart of Phil’s impact is the Innovation Studio, a vibrant hub of technology and exploration he envisioned and brought to life,” she said. One student summed up the experience simply: “I never thought I’d be able to use equipment like this at my high school.”
Burrell’s influence extends beyond student learning. Throughout the district, he is known as a trusted colleague and mentor, particularly when it comes to integrating new technology into the classroom. He serves on the district’s Technology Advisory Committee and played a key role in guiding the rollout of upgraded Smartboard technology at the high school. Along the way, he created a “Smartboard Mission Checklist” that encouraged teachers to independently explore the features of the new technology. Participants were even entered into a drawing for space-themed prizes, turning professional learning into a collaborative and engaging experience.
“Phil makes learning new technology approachable,” one teacher shared. “He takes something that could feel overwhelming and makes it fun.” Another colleague added, “Phil is such a great resource. He is always willing to give up his time to help another teacher in need, offer technology support, and provide feedback. Phil always has a smile on his face, even when faced with adversity. I am not sure I have ever seen him frown.”
Burrell’s commitment to professional growth has also earned national recognition. For the past 10 years, he has been named a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, placing him among a select group of educators worldwide recognized for advancing innovative teaching practices.
His path to this moment spans three decades in the Bloomsburg Area School District. Burrell began his career as a member of the Social Studies department, teaching courses that included AP American History before transitioning to his current role as librarian and media specialist. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, he later earned two master’s degrees from Wilkes University — one in educational development and strategies and another in classroom technology.
Administrators say his lasting impact goes beyond technology, innovation, or accolades. “Phil is the rare kind of educator who elevates everyone around him including students, staff, and the larger school community,” one administrator said. “He is constantly looking for ways to innovate, share, and improve opportunities for all.”
For the Bloomsburg Area School District, the PARSS recognition affirms what colleagues and students have known for years: Phil Burrell’s dedication, creativity, and generosity have helped shape a learning environment where curiosity and innovation thrive.