Gary Burdette

Gary Burdette has extensive experience in both education and music. Currently serving as a Special Education Teacher at Shawnee Heights USD 450 since August 2022, Gary previously worked as a Transition Special Education Teacher at Lawrence USD 497 from August 2014 to May 2022. Earlier roles include Director of Instrumental Music at Elwood USD 486/Riverside USD 114 (2009-2012) and Director of Bands at Mason County Schools (2003-2006). In addition to educational roles, Gary has been a freelance musician since February 2017, specializing as a musical theatre trumpeter with performances in notable productions such as The Music Man and Beauty and the Beast. Gary holds several degrees, including a Doctoral Candidate status in EdD in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Saint Mary, a Master of Science in Special Education from The University of Kansas, a Master of Music in Music Theory from The University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Marshall University.