North Hills Middle School teacher and avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan Anthony Burns already netted $10,000 in technology donations for his school from the NHL when he entered a three-way race to score triple the amount of tech for his school.
But the clock ran out before the sixth-grade science teacher was able to win the top prize.
Burns won the $10,000 donation by being named the NHL and NHL Players’ Association’s Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher for the Month of January.
He was among 20 teachers selected from schools in the United States and Canada who use the Future Goals educational program sponsored by the league, the players association and the software and technology company SAP.
The hockey-themed instructional tool uses interactive gameplay and real-world scenarios to teach students science, technology, engineering and math.
Burns learned that he won January’s prize during a video call from Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin.
That victory put the 12-year veteran teacher up against the Most Valuable Teacher winners selected in February and March for a $20,000 prize — Edmonton Oiler’s fan Jeremy Spink, who teaches eighth grade at Eastview Middle School in Alberta, Canada; and Philadelphia Flyers fan Donald Conaway Jr., who teaches at Eisenhower Middle School in Norriston, Pa.
Conaway took home the top prize after voting ended at midnight on May 7.
Burns said some of the teachers he had growing up served as inspiration for becoming an educator.
“I was very fortunate to have several exceptional teachers throughout my educational career,” he said. “Their passion for the content they taught made me excited to come to school each day.
“I entered into the field of education with the hopes that I could bring that same passion for science to my students. It is amazing to see what students can achieve when they are properly motivated and invested in their learning,” he said.
In addition to teaching, Burns is involved with the district as a scoreboard operator for North Hills varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse and also assists at Martorelli Stadium during football games.
