JPS-TV and the Jeffco Schools Foundation are partnering to present this special series, honoring Jeffco Public Schools students and teachers of extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
Meet 2016 Jeffco Hero Award honoree Julie Berg who is one of four Jeffco Public Schools teachers being recognized by the Jeffco Schools Foundation for their extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
There was a little something magical happening in a Dutch Creek Elementary classroom; a special visitor was helping the children work through the wide rainbow of emotions everybody has, with the help of a glitter jar. Their teacher, Julie Berg, was enjoying the lesson almost as much as her students; after all, she said she’s pretty much a kid herself. It’s an attitude that has helped her focus on meeting student needs through a long career that got its start when she was just a little girl.
“Gosh, I remember the moment. I got into education because I was drawn to it. In second grade, [my teacher] read a book to us out loud – Velveteen Rabbit – and I remember looking up at her and thinking, ‘I want to be her,’” explained Berg.
Julie realizes what a rare gift she’s been given as a teacher, to help shape young lives in a way that – if it’s done right – will have a life-long impact.
“I think it’s exciting that a word, or a phrase, or a moment, for a kid with me can matter,” Berg said. “It’s pretty cool to think about that; I can make those connections with kids that last forever.”
You just have to ask her former students see how that connection is already having an impact.
“She would see the great in you, she would always be…you’re not just another face in the crowd, you’re unique in your own special way of what she would see,” said Dutch Creek fourth-grader Bailey Frank.
“She sees your potential and sees that you’re amazing and you’re abilities,” added Dutch Creek fifth-grader Logan O’Brien.
Dutch Creek’s Principal, Jennifer Pennell, agrees.
“She epitomizes what we’re looking for in educators today. Her connection with kids, even through challenges, she finds a way to honor the kid and to really lift them up, and it’s really just amazing to watch her positive nature in the way that she works with kids,” said Dutch Creek Principal Jennifer Pennell.
For example, when Frank needed some help with math in second grade, she asked Berg for help. Now, both Frank and O’Brien think math is cool because Ms. Berg made it cool.
“I just know kids and I’ve worked with so many kids and a huge range of kiddos. I’ve worked with kids who come from really together families and kids who come from not so together families; rich families and not so rich families, and I think in all these years I’ve just become a kid,” said Berg.
Aside from her work in the classroom, Berg helped design and launch annual literacy and math nights to make sure Dutch Creek parents were as up-to-date as the teachers on the latest innovations in learning, problem solving, and thinking.
Humble, patient, persistent – that’s Berg.
“She’s a great teacher; she’ll help you, she’ll tell you that you can achieve anything,” said Frank.
Add to that her caring, kind nature, if only we could put it in a jar.
“I just love you. You’re an inspiration and it’s been wonderful to work with you,” said Pennell.
Watch the JPS-TV version of this story here.