After graduating from Appleby College, Desmond Burke earned his BA in English and History, followed by a BEd at Queen’s University. He went on to study Drama and English at the University of Western Ontario. Des perfected his French at the Université de Grenoble in France before beginning his teaching career at Upper Canada College.
Des came to HTS in 1986. Since then, he has taught English and social studies in all divisions, and coached soccer, softball and rugby. He has also served as the school’s Director of Information Technology, Webmaster, Director of Senior School, Director of Academics and Assistant Head. Currently, he is HTS's Deputy Head - Student Life.
Des is married to former HTS teacher Nicole Marsh-Burke with whom he has four children. While he has many interests, reading widely on virtually any subject is one of his favourite pastimes.