Welcome to the 2012 - 2013 school year :
 
 You may use this website to learn about the courses, to see what we are learning, and to view major upcoming assignments. There is also a link for the Global Studies textbook as well as a variety of interesting related links. Please click the related course link to view a description and to find out about upcoming projects and assignments.
 
Feel free to view my photo albums and share some of my fondest memories.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at sburke@vliet.neric .org or phone 629-3200 ext. 205.
 
Best wishes for a successful school year.
Mr. Burke

This course explores the political theory and everyday practice that direct the daily operation of government and shape our public policies. The express purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the AP Exam for Government and Politics.

The course is for all intents and purposes taught on a college level and it requires a substantial amount of reading and preperation for every class.

The objectives of this class go beyond a basic analysis of how government works. Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Students will use a variety of skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in world history. The broad sweep of history will be examined from various perspectives. Students must successfully complete the course as well as pass the NYS Regents Exam in Global History and Geography. The Regents Exam asseses student achievement from 9th and 10th grades.

Students can access their Global
Studies textbook on line.
(1) Go to glencoe.com/ose and add/type
in the Access Code below.
(2) Enter the following Access Code :
E0753A7078

My AP Government/Politics class received sponsorship on legislation to limit occupancy of classrooms with temperatures of 90 degrees or above. Learn more about it by viewing the video and reading the articles. Assemblyman Dennis Grabyszak is the sponsor and he stopped by to hold a press conference. See my photo albums for more pictures.

Mr. Burke's Profile :

Scott Burke

Social Studies Teacher

Watervliet Junior - Senior High School

1245 Hillside Drive

Watervliet, New York , 12189

1991 - present

(518) 629-3200 ext. 202

  sburke@vliet.neric.org

       

 Education :

Master of Arts: History and Political Science The College of Saint Rose, 1997

Bachelor of Arts: History and Political Science The College of Saint Rose, 1988

Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts and Sciences Hudson Valley Community College, 1985

Watervliet High School, Class of 1979

Saint Brigid's School, Class of 1975

 

Additional Education :

College Board Certification

Advanced Placement Conference

State University of New York SUNY Maritime College, 2006

 

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Cornell University

New York State United Teachers Leadership Institute,1998

 

Honors/Awards :

Outstanding American Teachers, 2007

Nominee, New York State Lottery Educator of the Week, 2006

Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 2002

Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1999

LeMoyne College Special Teacher Recognition, 1998

Union College Excellence in Teaching Award, 1996

 

Activities :

Operation Graduation : June 2010

Advisor, WHS National Honor Society Ellen Bevins Chapter 2006 - present

Advisor, WHS Student Council 2004 - 2010

Veterans of Foreign Wars Seminar, 2006 -2011

WHS 2005 - present River Street Economics Field Trip 2005 - 2008

Student Council Talent Show 2004 - 2010

Co - President, Watervliet Teachers' Association, 1999 - 2003 ,

Parent,Student, Staff, Teacher Association, PSSTA 2000 - 2003 Member,

New York State Department of Education Committee for American History and Government Test Sampling 2000

Committee of 100, New York State United Teachers, 1998

1998 WHS Mock Presidential Debates

1996 -2000 Model Congress, Columbia High School

1995 - 1999 Advisor, WHS Forum Club, 1995- 2002 

1994 - Class Advisor

 1994 Natural Helpers Program,

1992 : The Great Debate WHS 1992

 

Professional Organizations :

Capital District Council for Social Studies

National Council for Social Studies

New York State United Teachers

 

Hobbies :

Hiking, bicycling, vinyl collecting, walking, traveling, photography, writing, swimming and the beach

 

Legal Affairs :

Diane Bradshaw

Attorney at Law,

307 East 89th Street,

Suite 4C

New York, NY 10128

Awarded to a senior,who based upon the recommendation of the English Department, has demonstrated excellence in the study of English. The award is in memory of my great aunt Ruth D. Murray, who was an English teacher at Watervliet High School. Read more about this award.

Awarded to a W.H.S. senior for exceptional participation in student government and to the community of Watervliet.

Offered by Mr. Scott Burke in memory of William P. Burke Sr., William P. Burke, Jr., and William M. Murray.

 

William P. Burke, Sr.. was my grandfather. He served the City of Watervliet as a fireman, office worker, and Democratic committeman for over 40 years. He was a World War I veteran

.

William P. Burke, Jr. was my dad.. He worked as an accountant for New York State for 38 years. He was a Korean War veteran.

 

William M. Murray was my uncle. He served the City of Albany as a patrolman, detective, and Assistant Chief of Police. He was a lifelong resident of Watervliet.

Watervliet Junior Senior High School
Scott Burke