Jabari Burton’s journey is one deeply rooted in Alief ISD, shaped by resilience, community, and a lifelong commitment to service. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Jabari moved to Houston at the age of three, where Alief became home. Today, he is a proud father to two amazing children, Jabria and Gage, and a dedicated educator who continues to give back to the district that helped raise him.
Jabari’s educational path through Alief ISD reflects both mobility and adaptability. Over the years, his family moved frequently, and he attended several Alief schools: Mahany (K–3rd, half year), Alexander (3rd grade, half year), Heflin (4th–5th), Killough (6th), Alief Middle School (7th, half year), O’Donnell (7th–8th), and ultimately Elsik High School, where he graduated in 1998. Some of his favorite memories from his time in Alief include hanging out in the parking lot after school, attending games, and enjoying after-parties with friends—moments that defined his high school experience and strengthened lifelong connections.
After graduating, Jabari’s career path was strongly influenced by his mother, Patricia Burton, whose life work centered on uplifting others. She founded Renewed Innovations, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope and providing support to individuals in need. Through Renewed Innovations, she operated two shelters—Bethel Home and Joshua House—as well as Camille’s Boutique, a resale shop that helped fund community services. Watching his mother lead with compassion, resilience, and purpose had a profound impact on Jabari and inspired his own calling to serve, mentor, and advocate for others.
Jabari is a proud graduate of the illustrious Morgan State University and the magnificent Prairie View A&M University. His professional journey spans 18 years in Alief ISD, including 10 years in the classroom, five years as a specialist, and three years as a school counselor. He currently serves as a school counselor at ALC, where he finds the greatest fulfillment in building authentic relationships with students, advocating for their needs, and supporting their academic, emotional, and personal growth. For Jabari, the ability to make a real and lasting difference in students’ lives is the heart of his work.
Both his upbringing and professional experiences in Alief helped him develop resilience, perseverance, empathy, and compassion—qualities that continue to guide his interactions with students and families. Jabari believes his work positively impacts the community by helping students become emotionally healthy, reducing behavioral challenges, fostering positive peer relationships, and teaching essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through collaboration with colleagues and families, he also helps strengthen households by connecting them with guidance, support, and critical resources.
Outside of work, Jabari enjoys spending quality time with his children, reading, listening to a lot of music, and riding his custom BMX bikes. These passions help him stay balanced and energized, allowing him to bring his best self to both his family and his profession.
As a former Alief ISD student, Jabari remains deeply connected to the community he now serves. He stays engaged through campus and community events, mentorship, and strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Having once lived in the same neighborhoods as many of his students gives him a unique perspective and a deep sense of responsibility to give back and help create positive, meaningful experiences for the next generation.
For students considering a career in counseling, Jabari offers thoughtful advice: develop strong listening and empathy skills, be patient with your growth, appreciate diverse backgrounds, practice self-awareness, and commit to lifelong learning. Progress takes time, and meaningful work requires continual self-reflection and development.
Jabari defines success as consistent growth, setting goals, challenging yourself, and making a positive impact on others and the community. Among his proudest accomplishments are earning his master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and being an amazing father to Jabria and Gage.
Reflecting on his journey, Jabari credits Alief ISD with playing a huge role in shaping who he is today—helping him build academic foundations, social-emotional skills, character, creativity, and the ability to navigate complex relationships. These experiences laid the groundwork for his purpose-driven career.
His message to current students, staff, and alumni is one of encouragement and pride: never forget the incredible potential you hold. Embrace challenges, believe in yourself, and keep striving to build a bright future.