Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) teacher Julie Burr is being honored with a prestigious national award for her dedication to aerospace education. The RAHS Coordinator of Work-based Learning & Career Readiness received the Aerospace Educator Award from Women in Aerospace.

The award honors an outstanding teacher who is dedicated to aerospace education and the advancement of women in aerospace. A total of nine woman across the country are being honored by Women in Aerospace this year, including NASA Research Scientist Kristin Rozier and three NASA executives. Burr is the only educator selected for an award.

Burr works to ensure RAHS students gain authentic workplace experience in the aerospace industry through internships, mentorships, and a variety of aerospace-related programs. Her leadership has resulted in a dramatic increase in girls participating in these experiences.

“Julie Burr’s number one priority is to advocate for the importance and attractiveness of careers in aviation and aerospace to young woman,” RAHS Principal Reba Gilman wrote in the nomination letter. “Julie connects female students with female aerospace professionals. Since assuming her role at our school, Julie has expanded the number of female students participating in the mentor program from 10% to 90%.”

Burr’s work is just one example of Highline’s efforts toward its strategic plan goal of providing every student with community experiences or work-based internships prior to graduation.

Burr will be recognized for the award in Washington, D.C., on October 29.

Women in Aerospace is an international organization dedicated to expanding women's opportunities for leadership and increasing their visibility in the aerospace community.