March 2025 Spotlight: Laura Buri

It is my great honor to present Laura Buri as this month’s recipient of the Nova Classical Spotlight Award. This award was established to recognize individuals who exemplify Nova Classical Academy’s commitment to academic excellence, virtue, and a thriving school community. Through their outstanding dedication, they inspire those around them and contribute meaningfully to our pursuit of learning not for school, but for life.

Since joining Nova Classical Academy in 2008, Ms. Buri has been an integral part of our community, shaping young minds as a fifth-grade teacher and serving in multiple leadership roles that extend her impact far beyond the classroom. As a Grade-Level Lead, Literacy Lead, Peer Coach, and Equity Coordinator, Ms. Buri has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to both student and teacher growth. She also serves on both the Governance and Curriculum Committees, playing a key role in shaping school policies and academic programming to ensure they align with Nova’s classical education mission.

In her role as Lower School Literacy Lead, Ms. Buri has worked tirelessly to support both parents and teachers, providing training and guidance on best practices in reading and writing instruction. Her passion for grammar is undeniable, and anyone who has attended one of her sentence diagramming sessions can attest to her belief in the power of a strong grammatical foundation to improve literacy.

As a Peer Coach, Ms. Buri embodies academic excellence and professional growth, guiding colleagues with insight and encouragement. She utilizes the school’s instructional focus for the year to provide meaningful feedback, strengthening teaching practices across Nova Classical Academy. She has long championed job-embedded teacher training, incorporating Teach Like a Champion and Great Habits, Great Readers to ensure that teachers model the very principles we instill in our students.

Beyond her classroom and coaching responsibilities, Ms. Buri’s contributions to the Governance and Curriculum Committees have helped shape the policies and academic programming that uphold our classical education mission. Through the Governance Committee, she has played a vital role in refining school structures that support students, staff, and families. Her curriculum development work ensures that Nova Classical Academy maintains a rigorous and cohesive academic experience.

Perhaps most visible is Ms. Buri’s commitment to virtue and community building through her role as Lower School Equity Coordinator. Partnering with Mr. O’Hara in the Upper School, she leads the Equity Team, working to foster strong school-family relationships and enhance student learning. She has also been instrumental in organizing Nova Classical’s annual Multicultural Night, collaborating with the National Honor Society to celebrate the diverse cultures that make our community special through food, performances, and cultural displays.

Through her dedication, leadership, and passion for classical education, Ms. Buri has left an indelible mark on Nova Classical Academy. Her impact on students, teachers, and the school community is profound, and her commitment to fostering academic excellence, virtue, and a thriving school culture is truly inspiring.

I am honored to recognize and celebrate Laura Buri for her remarkable contributions to Nova Classical Academy. Her work continues to shape the foundation of our school, and we are grateful for the lasting impact she has made.

It’s a Great Day to Be a Knight!

Dr. Brett Wedlund
Executive Director