College of Education alumna promotes lifelong learning through etiquette

When Lisa Burdette graduated from the College of Education in 1982, the last field she thought she would work in was professional development. 

But now, she’s the owner of The Dallas School of Etiquette, a sought-after speaker and the author of the popular Yahoo Lifestyle advice column, Burdet-tiquette.

Burdette’s teaching philosophy is rooted in developing a sense of selflessness and service to others — all qualities she believes are instilled in students on the Plains.

“I never expected my career to take me on this journey, especially at my stage of life, but it’s circling back to my foundations that I developed at Auburn,” Burdette said. “Seeing the expectations and the curriculum that I learned from, I know that I came from the best.” 

Finding that fit 

There are many avenues for students who are interested in education but unsure of whether K-12 teaching is the right path, and one is providing professional development. 

For instance, Auburn’s College of Education offers degrees in adult education, educational psychology and rehabilitation and disability studies, among others. These programs all prepare graduates for careers both inside and outside of the classroom. 

For Burdette, there was never a time she didn’t feel education was the right path for her. 

“My father was the chairman of the county school board, and my mother was the president of the PTA, so all I knew was school,” she said.

Burdette spent a short time in the classroom as a teacher before she began working as a traveling researcher for the Georgia Department of Education. After several years in Georgia, she moved to Texas, where she serves as a permanent substitute and assistant teacher in schools across Dallas.

But recently, she identified a growing need for education outside the classroom and decided it was also time to launch her own business. 

Burdette serves numerous corporate clients, such as Toyota and the Bank of Texas, as well as colleges and universities. 

Having been educated in London, Paris and Japan, Burdette saw an opportunity to teach business travelers the customs of the countries they would be working in. 

As she was finding success in the Dallas community, many local colleges and universities began inviting Burdette to speak with students about how to conduct themselves professionally. 

Now, she teaches a broad range of classes, covering everything from charm school to military academy interview prep. Her mission is to build confidence and instill common courtesy in all her students. 

All about service 

Burdette’s teaching philosophy is rooted in developing a sense of selflessness and service to others — all qualities she believes are instilled in students on the Plains.

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“I am so eternally grateful that I had an education that was filled with such hospitality and care for each other,” she said. “I never had a professor who did not and would not go the extra mile to make sure we were all successful in their course. Beyond that, the students were always so supportive of each other and considerate.” 

With numerous service-oriented student organizations and many classrooms across campus implementing service-learning components, Auburn continues that reputation today. 

If Burdette could provide a few pieces of etiquette advice to readers, she’d start like all good etiquette coaches do — with first impressions. 

“Etiquette is all about how you make people feel," she said. "You have one second to make an impression, so make sure to lead with your eyes, smile and hand.” 

But the biggest piece of advice she would give is to take care of others. 

“Achievement is important,” Burdette said. “But giving back to your community is more important.”