Burd was a three-time Andrew J. Rider Scholar, an honor given only to the top one percent of upper-level students. She earned the Koppelman Scholar Award, the John Lewis Student Essay Award, the Levine Phi Alpha Theta Award, the Levine History Research Prize and The Gary A. Carskaddan History Prize.
How Rider helped create the foundation for her future in education
Victoria Burd always knew she was destined to enter the field of education. Having a stepbrother with special needs, she recognized flaws in the special education system and wanted to become part of it in order to improve it.
Following her sophomore year, Burd completed fieldwork or student teaching experiences every semester, at times having as many as three at once. With each experience, she learned more about the profession and saw the positive impact her work made on her students, which allowed her to experience firsthand how fulfilling the profession can be and further confirm her calling.
Rider taught me the lesson of preparation and professionalism. Even if you don't feel confident in what you're doing all the time, even if you feel inexperienced, being professional and as prepared as possible will help you overcome those other hurdles.”
Social studies teacher (special classes program) at Ewing High School
Recognition as a top student teacher in New Jersey
In addition to earning her degree, to culminate her Rider journey, Burd received the 2022 Distinguished Clinical Intern Award from the New Jersey Department of Education. The honor recognizes the 15 top graduates of educator preparation programs in the state's colleges and universities. She credits her mentors who include Rider faculty, advisors and student-teaching supervisors for supporting her growth and offering guidance throughout every student-teaching experience.
Being able to start the first semester of sophomore year and being able to experience five or six experiences at different school districts, both in person and virtual, was incredible. Other schools don’t have those opportunities.”
Turning her calling into a career
In her senior year, Burd worked in a student teaching position at Ewing High School where she was later hired for a full-time tenured track position as a social studies teacher in the school’s special classes program. Even after accepting the job at Ewing, she continued to receive multiple offers. Burd commends Rider’s education and history programs, along with the University’s focus on engaged learning, for preparing her tremendously for her career.
“Being able to start the first semester of sophomore year and being able to experience five or six experiences at different school districts, both in person and virtual, was incredible. Other schools don’t have those opportunities. Practice and experience is what gets you good at your job.”
Rider's College of Education and Human Services
Rider University’s College of Education and Human Services will set the foundation for your success through direct experiences in every imaginable setting. The connections you’ll make here will transform your potential and passion for teaching into a successful career as a lifelong learner and educator.