Outstanding Teacher of American History
River Bluff High School’s highly respected American history teacher, Michael Burgess, introduces his “Soul of America” speech with this quote from George Washington: “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty is more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?”
The quote is the solid foundation that guides Burgess’ passion for teaching American History, specifically the American Revolution. Several life experiences helped narrow and shape the teacher’s mission. A 1981 trip with his dad to the opening of the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitors’
Center near Chesnee, South Carolina, set the course for his abiding interest in American history. He witnessed his first reenactment there, which left an indelible impression on him.
He occasionally tagged along to watch his mother, a Greenville teacher, interact with her students, and he loved the mutual dynamics he observed. He also credits his eighth-grade English teacher for engaging her students in the 1984 election. During that October, “She jumped the English curriculum and had us do a mock schoolwide election instead. It changed my life and introduced me to Ronald Reagan,” he remembers. The process taught him the art of public speaking and developed his interest in history. “So, my mother and Miss Susan Bramlette; that’s who sent me in my direction!” he says.
Burgess received his BA in History from the University of South Carolina in 1993 and his MAT from the same university in 1995. He has won the 2023 SC Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Teacher of American History Award and the 2023-2024 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year Award presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and recognized by the State Department of Education.
Burgess says, “Throughout my 28 years, going into my 29th year of teaching, I have and will always believe that history must be taught fully, fairly, and honestly, or else we have a limited understanding of the past, with no way to explain the present, and no hope of building a better future. This means instead of creating a safe space for our students, we are charged with building a brave space for the free exchange of ideas.”
Burgess is married to his wife Chrystal, and the couple has four children, all of whom attend or have attended Lexington County School District One schools. Burgess and his family attend the historic St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Lexington. Burgess serves on the Church Council and delivers seasonal talks on the church’s history and its past members. He also speaks and gives tours of battlefields and tours to groups across the state of South Carolina.
Burgess’ innovative approach inspires his students, and he leads the way in promoting American History Education in South Carolina.