Colony music teacher named 2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year

PALMER, Alaska (KTUU) - A high school music teacher from the Matanuska Valley has been named the 2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Jamin Burton, music teacher at Colony High School, has been teaching at the school since 2004. In his tenure at Colony, the Northern Knights marching band has performed all over the world.

“We did the 75th anniversary of D-Day in France, we’ve performed at the Rose Parade, the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City, grand nationals — which is a huge, top competition for marching bands in the country,” Burton told Alaska’s News Source in a 2022 interview.

Four years later, Burton reflected on his career, and how teaching music has changed over time.

“What I teach has a history that’s hundreds and thousands of years old, and so the music part stays consistent, but how we approach it is different,” he said. “It’s been wild to watch the changes.”

Burton said he knew he was nominated for the award but did not know he was receiving it when he attended the school’s pep rally last Thursday.

“It is exciting and overwhelming,” he said. “So many different emotions going through and trying to figure out what that means, and there are so many good teachers, it’s very humbling.”

With ongoing debates over school budgets and planning — the district said in March it’s facing a $23 million deficit and is considering the closure of several elementary schools — Burton said he hopes this recognition can help highlight the importance of public education in Alaska.

“I think that public schools are doing amazing things, and there are amazing kids and amazing communities that support it,” he said. “I think that creative arts is an essential part of our American identity and education and our economic system and society.”

He also wanted to highlight his fellow teachers and administration, crediting them with his award.

“While it’s an individual award ... I work with an amazing team of teachers.”

As part of the title, Burton will have the chance to speak at conferences around the country, and possibly win the national title of Teacher of the Year.

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