Gina Burdeshaw
Gina Burdeshaw is a Career and Technical Education teacher with nearly six years of experience, dedicated to preparing students for success in both college and the workforce. Before entering the classroom, she spent more than 25 years as a graphic designer and marketing advisor, including 18 years with Southeast Health Marketing and the Southeast Health Foundation, as well as eight years specializing in digital targeting, Google Ads, social media, and advertising analytics. She has also provided marketing consulting services for clients across medical, retail, and general service industries and is a small business owner of Hill Top Hats.
Since joining Dothan Tech, Gina has led her students to earn six Alabama SkillsUSA State Championship titles and has guided them to attend the National Leadership and Skills Conference twice. She brings real-world experience into her classroom by creating a simulated workplace environment where students are treated as team members, empowering them to understand their value, voice, and impact. She is passionate about equipping students with both technical skills and practical life skills—teaching them not only how to pursue a career, but how to secure and sustain meaningful employment.
Gina’s teaching philosophy has evolved from simply navigating the challenges of a new career to truly thriving alongside her students. She invests deeply in each student, celebrating their successes and guiding them through setbacks with encouragement and care. She believes in fostering confidence, resilience, and ambition, helping students recognize their potential and take meaningful steps toward their goals.
Outside the classroom, Gina is a proud mother of two sons and a daughter-in-law. She enjoys traveling and making memories with her family, especially spending time with her grandson, Riggs, who holds her whole heart.
Through her work, Gina strives to create a supportive and authentic classroom environment where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to dream big. Her ultimate goal is to prepare students not just for their next step, but for a lifetime of growth, opportunity, and success.
The Educator of the Year Awards are presented annually to exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These awardees model best practices in teaching or administration inside and outside of the classroom, are peer role models, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence in education. Any NSHSS Educator teaching high school has the opportunity to apply.