Mike Burstein

Principal, Parkmead Elementary School

 Hello Panther Families,

My name is Michael Burstein and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Principal at Parkmead Elementary School.  Saying that I am excited to be part of such an amazing school community is an understatement.  Growing up in this community, Parkmead was always a school of excellence, positive school climate and high standards, all of which are still true today.  There is rich history and tradition that comes with being a Panther, and I look forward to many years of continued success and excellence.

I was born and rasied on the Concord/Walnut Creek border and attended school through Mount Diablo Unified School District.  I met my wife in 2004 (a WCSD graduate) and we attended college together before moving back to Walnut Creek in 2006.  We have made Walnut Creek our forever home with our three children attending school in Walnut Creek.  It is important to me that as a principal, I live in the community I lead.  I want to ensure our school community knows me not only as a school leader, but also a role model, community member and a parent.  As  father of elementary aged children, it is important that I honor the lens of a parent when making decisions that serve my school community.

I come to you with 14 years experience as an educator; however, I worked with student athletes all throughout college.  I began my teaching career at an elementary school in Vallejo where I also managed the athletics program.  I learned very early how important it is for students to have a positive role model they can trust and the impact dedicated administrators can have on a school and it's community, which inspired me to start my career in school leadership.  I earned two Master's Degrees in Recreation Management and Educational Leadership where I studied many important facets of education from the importance of booster programs in schools to how to collaborate with families to increase involvement in the school community.  I then spent seven years as an Assistant Principal at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill and Liberty High School in Brentwood.  I have experience in many areas of education but most notably in curriculum and instruction, school culture and student socioemotional development.  My experience at the high school level showed me how important fostering an early love of learning is for a child's long term success in their educational journey.  This last year, I guided Louis Bohn Elementary through the most unpredictable school year, and worked with my school team to build a strong school community despite the many challenges of distance learning.

At Parkmead Elementary, we will continue to foster a community of trust along with the desire to make learning fun.  The staff at Parkmead Elementary will work hard to continue the legacy of success established by building strong relationships with parents, students and community partners.  I bring a belief that students are the center of all school-related decisions.  I am excited to unite my experience, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach to support all our students. I encourage you to become involved in every way possible.

Please know that my door is always open and I welcome your input.  Feel free to call or email me anytime.

Stay positive Panthers, and don't forget to smile!

Mike Burstein

Principal, Parkmead School