John Napier Burnett (1899–1989) was an important pioneer of education in British Columbia.
Burnett consulted the needs of both the students and the staff, and supported the welfare of educational organizations.
He became more and more successful in the educational field, becoming the President of the BC Teachers Federation, and as an administrator in the Burnaby and Vancouver districts.
In the World War II he served in the Irish Fusiliers, Vancouver Regiment, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After a stint in the Cariboo and Okanagan regions as an inspector of schools, he became director in various other areas.