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 - Art
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 - Media
I'm so excited to be teaching Project Lead the Way again this year at Burns Park! This will be my 5th 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 Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Integrated Science at Central Michigan University in 2020. I later went on to earn my Master's 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 - PLTW
Hello Burns Park Parents!
My name is Mrs. Rennert and I am the new physical education teacher. I have 14 years of experience and have taught in both Michigan and Ohio. I have my Masters in education from University of Toledo and a bachelor's in business. I love playing sports but U of M and the Lions are my fav teams!! Go blue!! I love spending time with my family, friends, and my 2 cats. My goal here is to educate the students on how to to be healthy and have fun doing many different types of sports and fitness activities. I value cultural diversity and education and can't wait to meet all the wonderful families at our school!
Mrs. Rennert - P.E.
Hello! I am so excited to be teaching music at Burns Park Elementary! I recenty graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelors degree in Music Education and I am so greatful to have found a home here at Burns Park.
I aim to teach music like a language through vocal and instrumental avenues to set your students up to be lifelong musicicians! I cannot wait to start showing you all what we have learned through performances and the 3rd grade musical. Outside of teaching, I enjoy going to concerts, singing in choirs, watching movies and spending time with my cats! Go Penguins!!
Mr. Bishop - Music
Hello Burns Park Families, my name is Justin Hammis. I am very excited to be teaching
band class at Ann Arbor Open School with your students. Your students will have a creative and
enjoyable experience in band class. We will learn the history of composers, instrumental
techniques, reading music notes, expression, instruments, and the appreciation of music. I
graduated with a bachelor of music degree from the University of Michigan in 2003 and a
master of music degree from Central Michigan University in 2011. I have taught instrumental
music throughout my career and really enjoy teaching the students the instruments. They have
such enthusiasm for band class. I love Ann Arbor, and I am an ardent alum of UM. It's nice to
get to know parents and community members, so feel free to say hi. I look forward to seeing
you soon!
Thanks,
Mr. Hammis
Instrumental Band Music - Justin Hammis
Instrumental Orchestra Music - Timario Wilkins