Keys Weekly Celebrates Teacher and Coach Helena Bursa

Helena Bursa Reflects on 28 Years of Teaching and Community in the Keys

For nearly three decades, Helena Bursa has been a fixture in the Florida Keys, balancing a career in education with a deep-seated commitment to the community. Recently featured by Keys Weekly as the “Neighbor of the Week,” Bursa shared a look into her life as a teacher at Marathon Middle/High School, where she instructs students in HOPE—a curriculum covering health and physical education—and English as a second language.

Bursa’s path to the island chain began 28 years ago, drawn by a professional opportunity that eventually turned into a permanent home. Over the years, her role has expanded beyond the classroom to include coaching the school’s cross country and track and field teams, a position that often brings her into direct contact with the unique environment of the Keys.

The Reality of Coaching in the Florida Keys

The transition from classroom instructor to track coach involves more than just managing athletic performance. Bursa noted that her coaching experiences have included unexpected encounters with local wildlife, specifically an alligator on Watson Boulevard in Big Pine Key. While the students were captivated by the sight, Bursa maintained a professional, cautious approach, noting that the alligator itself seemed largely indifferent to their presence.

Her coaching duties also involve managing the day-to-day logistics of student athletics, which occasionally leads to unusual scenarios. When asked about the most bizarre excuses she has received for missed workouts or tardiness, she recalled a moment when runners arrived late, claiming one had to pick up another to ensure neither was even further behind. Though she initially doubted the validity of the claim, she later confirmed the students were telling the truth, earning her respect for their unexpected collaborative effort.

For post-run recovery, Bursa advocates for local Marathon staples, noting that her runners have earned a treat from Sweet Savannah’s after grueling sessions in the heat. When she is off the clock, she frequently visits Big Pine Park to walk her dog, Lily, citing the sunset over the water as a primary way to recharge.

Language, Travel, and Life Outside the Classroom

Bursa’s professional background is as diverse as her interests. She is fluent in four languages and holds certifications to teach three, a skill set that informs her work with students from various backgrounds. Her students, perhaps sensing the depth of her linguistic experience, once posed a question that highlighted the intersection of her work and personal life: “When you get really mad, what language do you think in?” Bursa’s response—that it depends on who caused the frustration—provided a moment of levity for her class.

Beyond the school setting, Bursa maintains an active lifestyle that includes swimming, paddle boarding, and running. Her expertise extends into unexpected areas, including Pilates instruction, snow-ski instruction, and mountain biking. Despite her busy schedule, she remains focused on a core objective: encouraging young people to believe in their own potential.

When pressed on hypothetical scenarios regarding her coaching life, Bursa admitted she would prefer to wear a heavy mascot suit during a track meet rather than attempt a full marathon in high heels, citing the importance of keeping her ankles intact. She also noted that if she were required to sprint a mile while carrying a non-traditional object, she would choose a full cup of coffee, acknowledging that the fear of spilling it would likely serve as an effective motivator for speed.