2023 - Take Five with…Sarah Burkhart

Sarah Burkhart worked from home as an editorial freelancer for many years before deciding to teach an evening English as a second language course. Since then, she’s made it her full-time career. “I found that I loved teaching ESL more than I imagined. Adult ESL students are some of the most motivated and interesting people I’ve ever met,” said Burkhart. She became an assistant professor at ECC in 2011.

Take five today and learn more about one of your Building K colleagues! Daily, she travels through the stories of her students, but she also has a favorite travel destination of her own – the country she was born in.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled, or where is somewhere you dream of going, and why? I loved traveling to Machu Picchu (Peru) 9 years ago. I would love to go back. I dream of doing a walking/hiking tour through parts of several European countries.

Binge watcher, book club, or both? I wouldn’t say I binge-watch, but I love British crime dramas—such as (but not limited to) “Inspector Morse,” “Endeavor,” “Grace,” and “Luther.”

Cats, dogs, or house plants? Dogs and houseplants!

What’s one thing that really makes your day? I LOVE running into students that I had early in their ESL classes who have made it to higher levels — or who have gone on to college classes or jobs they’ve been working toward.

What is one surprising fact about you? I was born in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. I hardly believe it myself, but I have photos.