Burlington welcomes new staff to school

Burlington Public School welcomed four new staff members to the school from the last school year.

The new hires included Kevin Brown, Shawn Hooker, Gerrett Spears and Rachael Spears.

Kevin Brown

Kevin Brown is the new superintendent.

He is originally from Gracemont, where he graduated high school. Brown then went to obtain his degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

When asked what led him to Burlington, Brown said, “The opportunity to lead a great district.”

Brown is married to Lacy.

His favorite part of education is making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Kevin enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and ranching.

Shawn Hooker

Shawn Hooker will be teaching world history, physical education and coach the girls’ basketball programs and golf.

Hooker is original Joplin, Missouri and graduated from Grove High School. He then attended Northeastern State University to obtain his degree.

When asked what led him to Burlington, Hooker said, “Everyone that I talked to about Burlington had nothing but positive things to say about the school and community.

Hooker and his wife Tammy have four children, Blake, Kenzie, Olivia and Teddie, and six grandchildren.

His favorite part of teaching is building relationships.

Shawn enjoys golf and fishing.

Gerrett Spears

Gerrett Spears is the secondary principal and athletic director.

He is originally from Garber where he also graduated high school. He then obtained his bachelor’s from Pittsburg State University and his master’s from Wichita State University.

When asked what led him to Burlington, Spears said, “I wanted to be back in northwest Oklahoma to raise my children and a chance to work in a great school system such as Burlington.”

He is married to Rachael and they have one child, Benaiah.

Gerrett’s favorite part of education is “seeing student reach their full potential at a level they didn’t even know they could achieve.”

His hobby is cooking.

Rachael Spears

Rachael Spears will be teaching seventh and eighth grade math, seventh grade geography, sixth grade English and assistant music. She will also be the assistant cheer coach.

She is originally from Kingfisher and graduated high school from Southwest Covenant. She then obtained her degree from John Brown University.

When asked what led her to Burlington, Rachael said, “To grow my family in a small community. Burlington is a great school system with great history.”

Rachael and husband Gerrett have one child, Benaiah.

Her favorite part of teaching is relating classroom material to the real world.

Rachael’s hobbies are crafting, reading and swimming.