Laura M. Burke, M.Ed. Email & Phone Number

Denver, Co, Us

What I do: I help people gain confidence, overcome challenges & reach their potential by teaching them how to apply entrepreneurial skills in their everyday lives.Speaking EngagementsI help audiences gain confidence & reach their potential by speaking about how they can use 7 proven entrepreneurial skills in their everyday lives.Keynote Title:"Entrepreneurial Skills Aren’t Just for Entrepreneurs: Learn the skills necessary to gain confidence, turn challenges into opportunities & reach your potential, ”After people hear me speak, they will be inspired to take action to reach their potential because my speech shares real-life stories and practical ways to apply 7 entrepreneurial skills that make a meaningful impact in any area of their lives.5 Groups that Benefit Most from My Keynote:Educators & School LeadersWomen’s Groups & LeadersCorporate Teams & Emerging LeadersYoung Professionals & College StudentsNonprofit & Community LeadersConsulting & WorkshopsI work with schools, leaders, and organizations to integrate entrepreneurial skills like Collaboration, Innovation, Risk-Taking, Recognizing Opportunity, Critical Thinking, Learning from Failure, & Curiosity into their culture.For Kids (through Educators): I collaborate with educators to create spaces where kids build confidence & resilience. From strategy sessions to hands-on workshops, I help bring these essential skills to life in the classroom.For Educators and Leaders: Through 1:1 mentorship, workshops, & culture-building programs, I guide educators & leaders to grow their impact, strengthen collaboration, & develop adaptive thinking.For Women: In personalized coaching and small-group programs, I help women set meaningful goals, build confidence, & lead with purpose, whether in their careers, families, or personal lives.Contract AuthorshipI write articles and essays on empowerment, education, and entrepreneurial skills—sharing inspiration, confidence, and actionable strategies for change.

Lake Zurich, Illinois, Us

As co-owner of The Exercise Coach (part-time), I focus on developing and marketing our studio while my husband handles daily operations full-time. I play a key role in driving client growth and retention through strategic engagement strategies, relationship building, and brand visibility efforts. Leveraging tools like HubSpot to generate digital leads, I utilize social media and participate in local events to create genuine excitement for our services. This approach has not only strengthened our brand's presence but has also allowed me to harness my networking and strategic marketing skills to maintain high customer satisfaction and grow our business.At The Exercise Coach, we are passionate about transforming lives through innovative, data-driven fitness solutions. Our studio specializes in personalized, efficient, and effective workouts designed to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals with just two 20-minute sessions per week. We offer everyone two free sessions to experience our unique approach firsthand. These sessions can be booked by calling our studio at 720-613-0373. We are located in the Southlands shopping area in Southeast Aurora, CO and are open six days a week with extended hours to accommodate even the busiest schedules!

Aurora, Colorado, Us

Spearheaded all aspects of program development and implementation as the founding leader of Colorado's first K-8 public magnet school focusing on Invention and Entrepreneurship. Aligned instruction with standards while adhering to Board of Education policies. Responsibilities included student recruitment, marketing, supervision of 30+ staff, scheduling, fiscal management of $2+ million budget, hiring, facility oversight, community relations, instructional oversight, staff development, and articulation and evaluation of program implementation and improvement.Key Contributions:- Consistently exceeded district averages in student achievement for both reading & math leading to be a state-recognized Performance school in just 2 years- Achieved top district rankings in staff culture & climate and staff retention rates- Exceeded student enrollment targets with a 90%+ student retention rate- Established partnerships with local and global entities to further the school's mission

Aurora, Colorado, Us

As part of the Leadership Development and School Performance teams at the district level, collaborated with the Chief Academic Officer to provide strategic support to schools.Key Contributions:- Collaborated on district-level initiatives, enhancing school environments for staff and students- Directed New Leader Orientation, securing high satisfaction and bolstering leader retention across the district- Implemented school quality reviews that improved academic environments districtwide

Aurora, Colorado, Us

Responsible for assisting the Principal with instructional and organizational leadership, direction, supervision, operations and accountability.Key Contributions:- Transformed school performance, elevating state performance status from Turnaround to Priority Improvement within a year- Facilitated leadership development for staff and established a Student Leadership Team- Led retention efforts with Staff Culture & Climate data showing a 31% increase in staff satisfaction (highest in district that year across all middle schools) and 90% of staff planned to return(highest retention rate for that school in over 5 years)- Drove significant gains in student achievement for students with disabilities- Revamped testing accommodations and gifted programs, significantly improving identification and support- Organized large-scale community events that strengthened staff and community culture

Aurora, Colorado, Us

Oversaw planning, implementation, and evaluation of disability programs in a variety of P-12 schools throughout the district.- Enhanced special education outcomes by innovating instructional strategies and mentoring future leaders- Led comprehensive evaluations and professional development across multiple district schools- Increased staff proficiency in delivering special education services through targeted training

Salt Lake City, Ut, Us

- Mentored student teachers, achieving a 100% hire rate for graduates in subsequent teaching roles- Provided actionable feedback that directly contributed to the success of new educators- Collaborated with school leaders to optimize the studentteaching experience

Established a nonprofit organization, overseeing startup tasks such as board formation, policy creation, and obtaining 501c3 status.Key Contributions:- Cultivated relationships with educators, policymakers, and community members through strategic networking and outreach efforts- Organized successful fundraising events, raising over $4,000 through a partnership with the Denver Broncos Alumni Association- Generated media coverage for events- Developed and delivered curriculum and services aligned with the organization's mission, including educational advocacy, parent and student training, and professional development for educators and administrators

Greenwood Village, Co, Us

- Developed and facilitated building-wide RtI Process - Participated on the school’s Instructional Leadership Team and District Coordinator Meetings- Mentored new teachers to the SpEd department- Organized quarterly sessions for progress monitoring of IEP goals- Participated in Beyond Diversity training as well as ongoing Culturally Responsive professional development-Member of school Equity Team- Responsible for the department budget - Created class schedules for up to 8 Special Ed teachers and 100+ students in any given year- Organized and facilitated student transition meetings for area feeder schools- Assisted case managers with the development and implementation of IEPs- Worked with case managers and administrators to ensure compliance with local and national SpEd regulations- Collaborated with staff to deliver individualized services to students with varying needs - Organized a Back to School Night specifically designed for parents of students with special needs- Administered achievement tests and interpreted those results with parents, students, and staff- Wrote and implemented IEPs and Behavior Plans using EXCEED & Encore - Made regular home contact through written reports, phone calls, and/or home visits- Created networks with other schools, districts, universities, and national organizations. - Collaborated with area school districts, treatment centers, and other outside agencies to ensure most appropriate LRE environments were being utilized for students- Taught Reading and Writing through the lens of Self-Advocacy to students with various disabilities in grades 6-8

Aurora, Colorado, Us

- Taught Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Self-Advocacy to students in grades 6-12 with various social/emotional and learning disabilities in a day treatment setting- Wrote and implemented IEPs and Behavior Plans and developed a template IEP for the statewide facilities IEP-Collaborated with mental health providers to determine social/emotional needs of students and the effectiveness of current prescribed medications- Made regular home contact through written reports, phone calls, and/or home visits- Participated in weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups - Collaborated with area school districts, treatment centers, and other outside agencies to ensure most appropriate LRE environments were being utilized for students

Greenwood Village, Co, Us

- Taught Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills, and Self-Advocacy to students in grades 6-8 with various disabilities in both resource and inclusion settings- Collaborated with staff to deliver individualized services to students with varying needs - Administered achievement tests and interpreted those results with parents, students, and staff - Wrote and implemented IEPs and Behavior Plans using EXCEED & ENCORE - Made regular home contact through written reports, phone calls, and/or home visits- Nominated many students for scholarships, awards, and admission to prestigious programs- Participated on RTI teams as needed - Developed an all-girls course in leadership, empowerment, and self-esteem- Developed a self-advocacy program for students with learning differences - Developed and Facilitated a College in Colorado Summer Program - Created networks with other schools, districts, universities, and national organizations. - Collaborated with area school districts, treatment centers, and other outside agencies to ensure most appropriate LRE environments were being utilized for students

Denver, Co, Us

- Taught Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Study Skills, and Self-Advocacy to students in grades 6-8 with various disabilities in resource and inclusion settings- Collaborated with staff to deliver individualized services to students with varying needs - Administered achievement tests and interpreted those results with parents, students, and staff - Wrote and implemented IEPs and Behavior Plans - Made regular home contact through written reports, phone calls, and/or home visits- Nominated many students for scholarships, awards, and admission to prestigious programs- Participated on RTI teams as needed -Created networks with other schools, districts, universities, and national organizations. -Collaborated with area school districts, treatment centers, and other outside agencies to ensure most appropriate LRE environments were being utilized for students- Participated on the school’s Instructional Leadership Team and District Coordinator Meetings- Mentored new teachers to the SpEd department- Responsible for the department budget - Created class schedules for 3 Special Ed teachers and 60+ students each year - Organized and facilitated student transition meetings for area feeder schools- Assisted case managers with the development and implementation of IEPs - Worked with case managers and administrators to ensure compliance with local and national SpEd regulations

Educational Administration & Supervision- Principal & Special Ed Director Licensure

Executive Leadership Program- Administrator (Superintendent) Licensure

Master Of Education (M.Ed.), Students At-Risk

Bachelor Of Science In Education (B.S.), Special Education