Bob and Tillie Burgin

Burgin Elementary was named in honor of Bob and Tillie Burgin in 2000. Bob and Tillie are life-long educators, serving and teaching beginning in 1958. Both are native Texans: Bob from Jewett and Tillie from Arlington. Tillie started her education at South Side Elementary, moved to the basement of Arlington High School for sixth grade and then upstairs at AHS for high school.

Bob taught math at Nichols and Hutcheson junior highs and before serving as assistant principal and principal at Nichols then principal of Arlington High School. Bob Burgin served as pastor at Parkview Fellowship and volunteered at Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex. He passed away in August of 2022.

Tillie was a special education teacher at Blanton, South Davis, and Dunn elementary schools. She was also a consultant at Morton, Roark, Butler, Swift, Foster, Miller and Speer elementary schools before becoming director of personnel for the Arlington ISD from 1983 to 1986.

People and service have always been Tillie’s passion and mission in life. She is a remarkable leader and a far-reaching visionary. The Burgin family has been meeting the needs of Arlington residents for more than 30 years through Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex. Tillie is the founder and executive director. Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex partners with the AISD to help students in a multitude of ways. They have been honored as an appreciated Engaged Community Partner.

Additional biographical material on Tillie Burgin may be found in the Texas Women’s University 2000 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame