Specials
It is my honor to teach young artists! I graduated from Colorado State with a degree in Art Education and later completed a Master's degree through Lesley University. I have taught in Poudre School District (Fort Collins, CO- 2 years), Jefferson County School District (Arvada, CO-5 years) and this will be my 6th year in Ann Arbor Public Schools. I teach using a choice-based model, Teaching For Artistic Behaviors (TAB). This philosophy centers a student aesthetic in art-making, student autonomy and a firm foundation in the artistic process. When I am not teaching I am likely attending my own kids' activities or walking our new puppy. We call Anm Arbor home but we like to get back to Colorado any chance we can! Go Penguins
Mrs. Conner
Hello! My name is Rachel Erdstein and I am the library media specialist at Burns Park Elementary. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the Residential College at the University of Michigan with a concentration in Social Change and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Information.
I am passionate about connecting students with resources, inspiring a love of reading and creating a space where students can explore, learn, and grow. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, camping, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family and my sweetheart of a dog.
I look forward to an amazing year!
Ms. Erdstein
I'm so excited to be teaching Project Lead the Way again this year at Burns Park! This will be my 4th year teaching! This year will be a PLTW filled year because instead of students having PLTW for 1/3 of the year, they will now have it all year long! Before teaching at Burns Park, I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Integrated Science at Central Michigan University in 2020. I later went on to earn my Masters degree for Reading Intervention at Michigan State University in 2023.Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time outside! During the months when the water is not freezing, I row on the Huron River. Other things I love to do are read, travel, spend time with my friends and family, play board games, and rock climb. I can't wait to have an awesome year of hands-on learning and exploring!
Ms. Florkowski
This is my 7th year teaching theater to the creative and talented students at Burns Park (and 8th year in the district). I also serve as the Program Director of Pioneer Theatre Guild at Pioneer High School and I produce a summer camp called “The Broadway Intensive.” I have a bachelors degree in Voice Performance and Music Education from the University of Michigan and a masters degree in Performing Arts Administration from NYU. Prior to my teaching career, I spent several years working in general management on Broadway. I worked in the offices for the hit musical HAMILTON, IN TRANSIT, COME FROM AWAY, and more! In addition, I worked as the Event Relations Manager for the Jimmy Awards (National High School Musical Theatre Awards). While my time in New York City was unforgettable, I missed working with young students, so it is a dream to teach theater in Ann Arbor! My husband and I joyfully welcomed our baby girl, Juniper, in February 2024. Outside of teaching, I love to spend my time with family and friends, singing, reading, shopping, vacationing, and seeing live theater.
Ms. Kelmigian
My name is JR Leonard and I have been working in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for 16 years. This will be my 14 year at Burns Park Elementary School. I have taught physical education to children from the ages of preschool to high school. The most exciting part of my job is helping every student in my class find fun and excitement through movement and exercise. Yes, I am a fan of Broccoli!
Mr. Leonard
