Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE) Announces New Director

The Urban Institute for Teacher Education in the University of Utah College of Education is pleased to announce Connor K. Warner as its new director, as of July 1, 2024. Warner follows inaugural director Mary D. Burbank, who has served in the role for over a decade.

In 2009, then College of Education dean Michael Hardman had a vision to create an interdisciplinary teacher education program that capitalized on the cross-departmental expertise of faculty as teachers and scholars. Central to that mission was a focus on the unique needs of children in K-12 schools from varied linguistic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Burbank was then appointed to lead teacher education in the College of Education, in collaboration with colleagues and leadership from across the college, university, and state.

Burbank’s track record in collaboration, with the university and beyond, is unmatched. “Under Professor Burbank, UITE has become an integral connector between public school districts and the College of Education. I now have the important role of stewarding these partnerships and ideally expanding them to include additional K-12 school stakeholders,” said Warner. “It’s pretty big shoes to fill. I approach the role with humility and I am glad Professor Burbank will be in the dean’s office as a resource as I aim to build on what she’s created with UITE.”

As UITE Director, Burbank led the college through multiple successful national accreditation reviews and created a place in Utah where language and a building a sense of belonging for learners from all backgrounds are central to teacher preparation.

As of July 1, Burbank continues in the College of Education as Associate Dean for Teacher Education and Assessment, Undergraduate Studies/Student Affairs, and Partnerships under the direction of Dean Frankie Santos Laanan. Her long-standing partnerships and commitments to excellence will continue to guide work across the state. Burbank plans to further her work in supporting students with disabilities and will also support efforts to ensure quality teacher preparation at the University of Utah.

Looking ahead, Warner, who will continue his work with The Native Education Collaborative and Native Education Graduate Certificate within the College of Education, as well as his current work on the Ute Ouray reservation that addresses educational disparities, feels nothing but excitement.

“The circumstances are right for UITE and the College of Education to reinvent themselves and make some major contributions to the field of education and the state of education in Utah. Dean Laanan is propelling us forward through the first strategic planning process the college has seen in 20 years; he has a vision for the COE to take leadership roles in education at campus, state, and national levels in new, unified ways. I’m excited to see how UITE can be part of this process and leverage our strengths to support this mission, to improve, and to grow.”