Colony High School celebrates Dr. Jamin Burton as 2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year

Celebrated band director Dr. Jamin Burton received quite a surprise at Colony High School this morning when state education leaders arrived to name him Alaska's 2027 Teacher of the Year.

“Dr. Burton represents the very best of Alaska’s educators,” said Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop.

“For more than two decades, he has created meaningful opportunities for students through music, leadership, and service. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and student relationships has left a lasting impact not only at Colony High School, but across Alaska. We are proud to recognize Dr. Burton as the 2026–2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year and celebrate the extraordinary difference he continues to make in the lives of students.”

Building a legacy of excellence since 2004, Dr. Burton leads Colony High School’s premier music program. He teaches a wide spectrum of musical disciplines, cultivating leadership and global performance opportunities for students.

Throughout his career, he has developed and led a wide range of music courses, including percussion, orchestra, AP music theory, and marching band, while also directing jazz band, concert band, symphonic band, and guitar instruction. From Anchorage to Normandy, Dr. Burton’s ensembles have represented Alaska on the world stage, notably in New York City, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Dublin, and Normandy.

Dr. Burton is widely recognized for creating meaningful opportunities for students through music, leadership, travel, and performance experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

A respected educator statewide, Dr. Burton’s previous honors include being named a Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist in 2019, British Petroleum (BP) Teacher of the Year in 2009, and twice being selected as one of School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” Dr. Burton holds degrees from Brigham Young University (B.M.), the University of Alaska Anchorage (M.Ed.), and William Howard Taft University (Ed.D.). He lives in Wasilla with his wife Jennifer and their five children. He says his favorite part of teaching in Alaska is “building relationships with students and watching them accomplish amazing things.”

Just two years ago, another music CHS teacher, Kelly Rentz, who serves as Director of Choirs for the school.

Each year, Alaskans nominate outstanding educators from across the state. Finalists are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including instructional excellence and community engagement.

Alaska’s Teacher of the Year participates in professional development programs offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers, joining fellow honorees from across the country. Additionally, they represent Alaska as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.