DOUG BURGE, HOLMEN SCHOOL DISTRICT (retired)

The Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s Distinguished Mathematics Educator (DME) award was established in 1983 and is the most prestigious award that the Council bestows. The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions and exceptional leadership and service to the Wisconsin mathematics education community.  The 2021 recipient of the DME award is Doug Burge, retired mathematics teacher at Holmen High School.

Doug started his teaching career at The Prairie School in Racine in 1991.  While there he taught every level of mathematics from 5th through 12th grades.  He also led their transition to a standards-based math program and coordinated staff development including a year-long CGI course for all teachers.  In 1998 he transitioned to a new position at Port Edwards Middle and High School and in 2000 Doug moved to Holmen High School where he spent the remainder of his teaching career.  While in Holmen, he taught every level of high school mathematics.  He also embraced the role of math coordinator, coordinating staff development at all grade levels and initiating math coaching roles at three elementary schools.  Doug also worked with his colleagues to create a more cohesive K-12 curriculum, and vertically align essential learning outcomes. 

Doug has also been a strong leader within the Wisconsin Mathematics Council.  He was on the Board of Directors from 2011 until 2017, and served as WMC President in 2013-2015.  He also served on the Annual Conference program planning committee from 2011 to 2015.  Doug has consistently shared his expertise with other teachers across the state.  He is a consistent presenter at WMC conferences, and has facilitated numerous regional and CESA workshops for mathematics teachers and administrators.  Doug was also instrumental in the development of the Wisconsin Statewide Mathematics Initiative, co-authoring modules for middle school teachers and facilitating week-long professional development sessions.  Additionally, Doug was a key member of the Wisconsin state standards writing team and state assessment teams. 

One nominating teacher stated, “Doug Burge is a distinguished educator in mathematics.  Throughout his inspirational career, he has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, and philosopher in the mathematics community.  His influence is felt daily in classrooms across our region; and, more widely, around the state through his work with the Wisconsin Mathematics Council.  I doubt there is a single student who learned with Doug who doesn’t remember his class.  I have met others in the Holmen community who, upon finding out I teach math at Holmen High School, tell me about the best math teacher they ever had: Doug Burge.  His dedication to teaching students in a way that meets individual needs is incredible, and the relationships he builds while doing so are lifelong.” 

Billie Sparks, Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus, UW Eau Claire and former DME recipient, said, “Through my years of consulting with districts on their mathematics curriculum, the role of in-district teacher leadership was crucial. Doug was a shining example of this both while I was there and in the ensuing years of follow-through. I was so happy when he went on to share this leadership statewide through WMC. He truly is a Distinguished Mathematics Educator!”

Congratulations to the Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s 2021 Distinguished Mathematics Educator, Doug Burge.  The WMC would like to thank you for contributing your expertise to the Wisconsin mathematics education community.

On behalf of the DME Co-Chairs, Dave Ebert and Diana Kasbaum