George Burns, Asst Program Director
June 6, 2022–The Board of Directors of the Fredericksburg Education Initiative, DBA as SystemsGo, has announced the addition of George Burns as Assistant Program Director of the Fredericksburg-based high school STEM rocketry program.
“We are pleased to name George Burns our new Assistant Program Director,” said Scott Netherland, Executive Director. “George developed a passion for the program, first as a teaching colleague of Brett Williams, the founding instructor, then as the parent of a SystemsGo student, at which time he began volunteering in support of our launches. George’s three decades of experience as a high school educator along with his understanding of the program will contribute to SystemsGo’s efforts in curriculum development, recruiting efforts, and program execution.”
Burns recently retired from Fredericksburg High School, where he taught Spanish for 29 years, serving as Foreign Language Department Chair for 19 years. He held many positions, including Intel Teach to the Future Master Teacher, Campus Technology Liaison, Transportation Driver, Cheerleading Coach, Amateur Radio Club Sponsor, and Chess Club Sponsor.
He holds a BA from Southwest Texas State University with a double major in English and Spanish and is fluent in both languages. George and his wife, Katie, have three daughters: Savannah, Gloria, and Eleanor.
Burns will assume his duties at the end of June. They include assisting Program Director Rebekah Hyatt in curriculum development and maintenance, recruiting, teacher/student support, volunteer recruitment and training, grant writing, equipment and supply management, and launch support.
“We believe George’s fresh perspective, understanding of our foundational philosophy, and varied skillset will be an asset to the continued growth and quality of SystemsGo,” said Rebekah Hyatt, Program Director. “I am excited for the future and am looking forward to working with him.”
SystemsGo was developed in 1996 under the leadership of Brett Williams, and is now the premier STEM curriculum in more than 50 high schools in three states. More information on the history of the program, its annual rocket launches, and how to start a program is online at www.systemsgo.org.