Burke resident Steve Gossin has contributed nearly 40 years to education, serving 20 as principal. Currently the principal at Cherry Run Elementary School, Gossin is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the Burke Community: 21 years.
Family: I am married to a former educator, who currently works at another school in Burke. We have two children — Elizabeth, 21, a student at Virginia Tech, and Stephen, 26, a Virginia Tech and University of California at San Diego graduate currently teaching English in Japan.
Education: Undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton; graduate degree from George Mason University.
Primary Occupation: I have been in education since 1967. I have been a principal for 20 years.
Achievements: Three times nominated for Principal of the Year; initiated Success by Eight at a previous school, which included initiating a full-day kindergarten program; implemented accelerated math program for selected students; supported staff efforts to direct their own training; created the STAR (Student Taking Active Responsibility) in-school program that targeted underachieving students.
Activities/hobbies/interests: I enjoy walking for exercise, yard work, reading, swimming and cooking.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? A majority of Burke residents are unaware that Dulles Airport was supposed to be located where Burke Centre is. There was enough citizen concern that the proposed construction site was relocated to where the airport now stands. Dulles airport would have radically changed Burke. Burke has succeeded in preserving many resources. There are wonderful paths, the developers left many of the trees in place and people take great care of their lawns. Burke Lake is another picturesque area. Burke has preserved many examples of great architecture as well: The Silas Burke mansion on Burke Lake Road, the Kinchloe House on Burke Road and the Woods Community Center on Coffer Woods Road.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? Education and our approach to raising children has changed a lot in 20 years. Although the students feel safe in Burke, there is no sense of community when it comes to raising our children. It seems that no one wants other people to correct or counsel their children. Too many people don't want to hear negative comments about their children from anyone outside the family. In addition, there is too frequently an "us and them" attitude toward the school. The school has to take the lead in showing the parents that we share the same goals, that is the children.
Who has inspired you? Jamie Escalante has always been an inspiration to me. Back before No Child Left Behind, he showed that poor students who spoke English as a second language could achieve at the same high level as their affluent peers. He didn't do it just once; he did it continually. He was willing to spend the time to show students the results they could achieve when they believed in themselves and worked hard.
Personal Goals: Maintain the outstanding academic record at Cherry Run School; address the declining enrollment problem at Cherry Run; survive until retirement in a very few years!
Know of someone who should be recognized for his or her accomplishments or contributions to the community? Send People Profile nominations to Nina M. Dry at burke@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6422.