| Nathan R.L. Burnett

Who am I?

I was born in Australia, and moved to Aroostook County when I was 14 to be closer to my mother's family. I graduated from Presque Isle High School and then the University of Maine with a bachelor's degree in economics.

I began teaching math and computer science at Sacopee Valley High School, and my wife and I bought a home in the district. I am proud to call Hiram my home. I consider myself a lifelong learner and work to instill that mentality in the students I am fortunate enough to teach.

In March of 2025, the enrollment numbers at Sacopee Valley School District were such that the difficult decision to cut a math teacher was made. It wasn’t going to be me, but it would be one of my coworkers. At almost that exact same time, I found myself with the opportunity to pursue a masters degree in mathematics at the University of Maine. It would be a pay cut, but it would be an exciting opportunity to return to my alma mater, and permit a colleague to keep her job in district. A relative win-win!

Then in May of 2025, this senate seat opened up. I had to jump at it. I’m putting my studies on pause at the end of this first year of the program, with a plan with the department to return to finish the program in the future.

While in Sacopee Valley school system, I chaired the math department and lead the junior class trip to Quebec each March. I was the vice president of the Tri-County Teachers Association and was the statistician for our contract negotiations team. Through my work the Maine Education Association, I was elected and appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Maine Public Employees Retirement Service, where I did my part in stewarding the twenty one billion dollar trust fund for all state employees.

In separating from SVHS, I took off those hats, but within the community, I'm still deeply involved. I'm elected to the Hiram Conservation Committee, and a director for the Francis Small Heritage Trust, our local land trust. I’m the treasurer of Porter Grange #569, and my wife and I are on the board for the Ossipee Valley Music Festival, where we organize and run the front gate. I hope to see you there!

These are the things that make me, me. I'm ready to learn, and lead. Over the next months leading up to November 3rd, I look forward to meeting the residents of Senate District 22 and getting to learn even more about the place I’m working to represent. If there is any concerns or issues near and dear to your heart, please reach out and request a meeting.