Jurema Gorham is the founder and executive director of Burst Into Books, a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding its village through the arts, advocacy, and family and educational programs. Burst Into Books envisions a world that is transformed by cultural literacy.

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Jurema is a dedicated educator, literacy advocate, and nonprofit leader committed to equipping children with the essential tools to thrive academically and beyond. Since 2008, she has taught and worked with students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, always remaining in "student mode" herself—continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs of her community. While pregnant with her son, she pursued her first Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, transitioning from elementary to high school education. There, she witnessed learning disparities firsthand, particularly among students struggling to meet grade-level expectations. This experience ignited her passion for differentiated learning, leading her to earn a second Master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction in 2016.

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In recent years, Jurema has expanded her impact beyond the classroom, coaching educators and advocating for systemic change. Currently pursuing her PhD, she is dedicated to addressing gaps in the education system, including standardized testing inequities and individualized learning support. Her expertise in navigating relationships between students, parents, teachers, administrators, and communities positions her as a leader in tackling educational barriers. As she enters her 15th year in education, Jurema remains passionate about the power of literacy—not only as a gateway to academic success but as a tool to empower and transform lives. Through Burst Into Books, she is committed to creating inclusive spaces where children can engage with literature, explore new ideas, and develop a lifelong love for reading. Inspired by her son, Trey, she continues to uplift and encourage as many children as possible to embark on the same literary adventure.