History can seem like a really dry, boring subject, but Social Studies teacher Christy Harlow-Burner gives students a new way of looking at everyday subjects.

Harlow-Burner had always been a history buff, but in 7th grade she had a teacher who made history fun, which made her realize she could make history fun for other people. She became a teacher so she could share her love of history without a PhD. “I really just want to teach history to young people, and make it not just lecturing and boring for the students,” she said.

Harlow-Burner was born and raised just outside Danville, VA, and went to George Washington High School where she was a varsity athlete for soccer, softball, swim, and volleyball. Although she’s not coaching now, she used to coach volleyball and softball.

She received her Bachelors of Science, History, and Social Studies at Ferrum College, and received her Masters of Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She also has one semester left for a Masters of Mistory at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Overall, she has been teaching for nine years, and before coming to Fluvanna she worked at two other schools. She started at Carlisle, a private school in Martinsville, VA, teaching ancient civilizations and US History I. She worked there for four years before moving to William Monroe Middle School in Greene County where she taught 8th grade Geography. Now she is teaching 8th grade Civics and 12th grade VA/US Government.

When she is not at school, you can find Harlow-Burner at home spending time with her two daughters and her spouse. “And when I’m not spending time with family, I’m either reading or playing video games,” she said.