 | Brent profiles new 2nd grade teacher Jon Berg. “My second graders and I had a fabulous first week of school. We learned about one another, shared our hopes and dreams and set high expectations for ourselves and our classroom community. We used the first week of school to build a strong foundation for a memorable school year. I would also like to mention how much support I have already received from the parent community here at Brent – it’s been beautiful! |
Tell us about your educational and professional background.
Before becoming an elementary school teacher, I was a passionate ecologist and conservationist. I earned my Master’s degree in environmental education in 2008 and my Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology in 2006 from the University of Florida. Although I had volunteered in elementary schools throughout my undergraduate program, I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed teaching until my Peace Corps service in Cape Verde, West Africa. While serving, I taught English classes at a neighborhood elementary school, in addition to leading a sea turtle conservation campaign. After completing my service, I moved to D.C. in 2012 to earn my teaching certification through the Inspired Teacher Certification Program. In 2015, I completed a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Trinity Washington University. For the past 4 years I taught first grade at the Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School.
Tell us how your class did the first week of school.
My second graders and I had a fabulous first week of school. We learned about one another, shared our hopes and dreams and set high expectations for ourselves and our classroom community. We used the first week of school to build a strong foundation for a memorable school year. I would also like to mention how much support I have already received from the parent community here at Brent – it’s been beautiful!
What would be some of words your students have used to describe you as a teacher? I have been described as calm and kind, and am often compared to a teddy bear. I constantly strive to build an inclusive and supportive classroom community where students feel comfortable enough to be themselves and make mistakes while learning. I’d like to think it is this feeling of comfort that reminds them of a beloved stuffed toy, or it may be my beard.
What is unique about second grade and second graders?
Second graders are unique because they are developing skills that allow them to be much more independent learners and young people. Rather than asking for an adult to do for them, they are excited do many things on their own. Each day I am more and more impressed at the level of independence and responsibility my students demonstrate. What are your hopes and dreams for your students this year? I hope my students come to fully understand the power of kindness and the importance of empathy. In addition to the academic content we will cover this year, these socioemotional skills will serve them a lifetime.
Before becoming an elementary school teacher, I was a passionate ecologist and conservationist. I earned my Master’s degree in environmental education in 2008 and my Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology in 2006 from the University of Florida. Although I had volunteered in elementary schools throughout my undergraduate program, I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed teaching until my Peace Corps service in Cape Verde, West Africa. While serving, I taught English classes at a neighborhood elementary school, in addition to leading a sea turtle conservation campaign. After completing my service, I moved to D.C. in 2012 to earn my teaching certification through the Inspired Teacher Certification Program. In 2015, I completed a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Trinity Washington University. For the past 4 years I taught first grade at the Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School.
Tell us how your class did the first week of school.
My second graders and I had a fabulous first week of school. We learned about one another, shared our hopes and dreams and set high expectations for ourselves and our classroom community. We used the first week of school to build a strong foundation for a memorable school year. I would also like to mention how much support I have already received from the parent community here at Brent – it’s been beautiful!
What would be some of words your students have used to describe you as a teacher? I have been described as calm and kind, and am often compared to a teddy bear. I constantly strive to build an inclusive and supportive classroom community where students feel comfortable enough to be themselves and make mistakes while learning. I’d like to think it is this feeling of comfort that reminds them of a beloved stuffed toy, or it may be my beard.
What is unique about second grade and second graders?
Second graders are unique because they are developing skills that allow them to be much more independent learners and young people. Rather than asking for an adult to do for them, they are excited do many things on their own. Each day I am more and more impressed at the level of independence and responsibility my students demonstrate. What are your hopes and dreams for your students this year? I hope my students come to fully understand the power of kindness and the importance of empathy. In addition to the academic content we will cover this year, these socioemotional skills will serve them a lifetime.
