Dan Burke

Start date at XJTLU: August 2007

Dan Burke came to China in 2004 to start his teaching career. A university teaching veteran of 13 years in the United States, he wanted to try something different. Both of his children were grown and starting their own lives, so he decided to time was right. He first thought of Eastern Europe, but soon realized that China had the best opportunities.

His first position was at Suzhou International Foreign Language School where he taught for from 2004 to 2006 at all levels within the school. From 2006 to 2007 he taught at the WEB International English Training School, once again, at all different levels. Dan came to XJTLU in the summer of 2007 excited to get back to the university ranks. He is hoping with his past experience both in China and the United States that he will be able to help the students achieve their goals of improved English and effective studies abroad.

Dan Burke was born September 23, 1960 in Graham, Texas. He graduated Graham High School in 1979. Dan then proceeded to work in the oil and gas fields of Texas for the next ten years. In 1989, he entered Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas and decided to study a lifelong passion, history. He graduated with honours in 1991 and became a teaching assistant. When he attained his master’s degree in history in 1993, honours as well, he began his teaching career full time for his alma mater and Ranger College of Ranger, Texas. In 1999, in addition to his teaching duties, he was also appointed the director of an annex campus in Young County Texas.

Even though Dan came here three years ago for a change, he has decided to stay and start a new life in China. Learning the culture and history of China is his new passion, and he hopes that XJTLU will be his home for years to come.