Maria Burturla
Data based on 2 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of -1
Do not just read the sparknotes. Do not. Read the book, take notes in the study guide, and THEN if you have time, or you're confused, read the sparknotes. When you annotate, ALWAYS circle an look up words you don't know. If she thinks you haven't done the reading, she'll ask you specific questions about it in class, and roast you. There are also lots of text-specific questions on quizzes and tests. It can get overwhelming, but if things are really bad, and she can tell you're trying, AND you tell her ahead of time, she'll be willing to give you an extension. Your first essay will probably be a disaster. Read her annotations, and actually take her advice. MLA is your God now. She will tell you to print it and read it out loud, which is actually really solid advice, and your essays will be better. She likes them to be formulaic, and there is an order. She'll tell you the expectations. Write them down, and double check that you have everything. You will have to write in class essays for a test grade sometimes. Just try to finish. Even if it's short, you get points for correct structure and having all the required paragraphs. Then you will have to revise it, and she will go over it, and it will slowly become less scary. Revising an essay after you write one is a pretty normal thing. Non-essay assessments are less common while you're reading actual books, but they abound during short stories, and she loves pop quizzes. Please refer to the first paragraph for advice. Also, do not take your phone out unless she says to, or prepare yourself for a Buturla BarbecueTM.
Class of 2019
Read, read, read! Take notes while you read too and during class! You need it, as her quizzes/tests are very specific.
Additional Comments
Class of -1
Mrs. Buturla may seem scary or overly strict, but she's actually quite witty, and the course I had with her was my favorite class of that year. She loves bantering with students, and her infamous "Buturla BarbecuesTM" are more in good humor than actual malice. She has a will of steel though, and her classroom control is great. You can tell she really cares about her job and the kids she teaches. The course load may seem intimidating, but it's not so bad, and it's honestly worth it. She also talks about things outside of school, like books she's reading, or local events, or even stories from her own childhood. (She once challenged another girl who had bullied her to a fight over the phone! ) Speaking of phones, put yours away. She will 100% call you out, and you'll get a lecture on the "Death of Education". Also if you're late you have to sing a song. If you won't sing she will for you, and Mrs. Buturla, bless her, cannot sing to save her life. Overall, she's funny, kind of old-fashioned, and, despite the course load, having her as a teacher is an asset to you. You will end up a better, faster, and more confident writer.
Class of 2019
Mama B! I'm a freshman in college and I miss her so much. Her class is tough as nails, harder than any AP english class I ever took. But it's so so helpful. Mrs. Buturla has taught me so much in terms of studying, note taking, and improving my writing. Mrs. Buturla loves all her students and really wants them to succeed. If you try hard, she will reward you for your effort. Take her if you can! You'll hate how much work you have to do (especially during essay week), but you'll be so happy you took her class.