BCSD Retirees and Tenured Employees Come Together in Celebration

After a year of many in-person celebrations being on hold due to the pandemic, it was a special evening that brought together some of Berlin Central School District’s 2020 and 2021 retirees and tenured employees.

The evening of June 15, 2021 in the Berlin Middle/High School cafeteria, was filled with memories and gratitude for the retirees and excitement in welcoming the next generation of dedicated staff.

Retired Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young was in attendance as well as former Berlin Middle/High School Principal Dr. Cathie Allain.

Although there was an outdoor parade at the end of the 2019-2020 school year for some of the retirees, this gathering was an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. It was also a look ahead to the bright future of the recently tenured staff.

The evening was an opportunity for new Superintendent Mr. Joseph Dhara to see first-hand the strong community of staff that supports BCSD.

Thanks go to Executive Secretary and District Clerk Mary Grant for putting the memorable evening together.

The retirees in attendance: Dr. Young, Ms. Gloria Adams, Ms. Kellie Kaschak, Dr. Allain, Ms. Frances Mason, Ms. Colleen Foody, Mr. William Lawrence,  Ms. Cindy Smith and  Ms. Patricia Shuhart.

The 2020 and 2021 tenured employees: Ms. Christina Bauer, Ms. Samantha Brewer, Ms. Stacy Sausville,  Ms. Mikaela Marbot, Ms. Amanda Hayes, Mr. Joshua Weaver, Ms. Elisa Hammersmith, Ms. Courtney Hart, Mr. Fred Hutchinson, Ms. Rachel Teplitsky, Ms. Megan Laz, Ms. Courtney Bersaw and Ms. Stephanie Scanlon.

Please find more about the newly tenured staff in their own words below.

BCSD 2020 and 2021 Tenured Staff (l-r): Ms. Christina Bauer, Ms. Samantha Brewer, Ms. Stacy Sausville,  Ms. Mikaela Marbot, Ms. Amanda Hayes, Mr. Joshua Weaver, Ms. Elisa Hammersmith, Ms. Courtney Hart, Mr. Fred Hutchinson, Ms. Rachel Teplitsky and Ms. Megan Laz (missing from photo Ms. Courtney Bersaw and Ms. Stephanie Scanlon)

Get To Know BCSD’s 2020/2021 Tenured Staff

Ms. Christina Bauer
High School English Teacher and School Within A School (SWS) Coordinator

How many years have you been in the field of education?

11 years

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?   

English Teacher, School Within A School (SWS) Coordinator, Grades 11 and 12 Team Leader.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role? 

Four years

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I am most proud of the strong relationships I have built with students and having helped struggling students, who don’t always know if they will graduate on time, make it to graduation.

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I want to continue building and strengthening the School Within A School (SWS) program, so that it can better meet the needs of our students, while helping them to become more independent. 

 

 

Ms. Samantha Brewer
Director of Exceptional Education

How many years have you been in the education field and what other roles have you had?

I was a special education teacher for 12 years before coming to Berlin as an administrator.  The majority of those years were at the high school level co-teaching grade 9 English and teaching a self-contained English class.  

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

This is my third year as the Director of Exceptional Education.  It is my 15th year in education.  

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments thus far at BCSD?  

I have made it a goal to connect with families, because they are such an important part of a student’s educational program.  I have also helped to make the Exceptional Education Department a collaborative group that advocates for students.  

What is one of the goals you have for the future of the BCSD Office of Exceptional Education? 

My goal is to continue to promote independence for our students so that when they leave Berlin High School, they have the skills to become active community members who are able to find success in their lives.  

I am very grateful to the Berlin community for their support over the past three years, and I hope to continue to improve the Exceptional Education process for students, families, and Berlin staff.

 

 

Ms. Stacy Sausville
BES Physical Education Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I have been teaching for 17 years. 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I am teaching Elementary Physical Education. I’ve also worked in the MS/HS here at Berlin teaching Physical Education and Health. Prior to that I was a Physical Education/Health/Recreation Therapist in a private facility near Albany for five years. 

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

Since 2012-2013 school year, but my position was part time for much of that.

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take a lot of pride when I hear parents tell me how much their child loves physical education class. I believe that to build a foundation of a healthy child who becomes a healthy teen and adult they must learn to love movement. 

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I want to continue building and bettering our PE program and instill the value of health and fitness in my students. 

 

 

Ms. Mikaela Marbot
High School English Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I am entering my fifth year. All of my years have been happily spent in Berlin! 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I am currently an English teacher in the high school, teaching English 10 and senior electives such as The Individual in Society and Creative Writing. In 2019 I had opportunities to begin two new programs here at Berlin, so I am the Coordinator for the MS/HS Character Education Program and also the Varsity Bowling Coach.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

The 2021-2022 school year will be my fifth year here! 

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take pride in the lasting relationships that I have formed with students and colleagues. I realize that I only see my students for a few short years, but making sure those years have happy memories and fun experiences is important to me. School is about so much more than just academics. I am always passionate about what goes on outside of my classroom – in sports, clubs, festivals, and any and all extracurricular activities that our students participate in. One of my greatest prides thus far is starting the bowling team. In our first two seasons we showed tremendous growth and I am excited to see where our student athletes take us in the future! 

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

My goal is to never settle. Education is always changing, as is the school environment. I want to make sure I stay knowledgeable, passionate, and adaptable. Always pushing myself to be the best version of myself – the teacher that my students deserve. 

 

 

Ms. Amanda Hayes
Middle School Science Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I have just finished my 5th year teacher science at Berlin. Prior to that, I was a long-term substitute at Berlin while working on my master’s in education. 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I am currently a middle school science teacher. I teach science 8, advanced living environment for 8th grade and the compression science class for 7th grade students who are advanced. I have also taught high school living environment. I have and currently still advise many clubs, including Envirothon, Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Future City, and am advisor for the classes of 2021 and 2022.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role? 

Five years

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take the most pride in bringing new opportunities to our students and opening their minds to the world! I love students who have a curious mind and never give up. Our extracurricular clubs in science push students to explore the world more deeply than they can in the classroom or on their own.

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

To get more students involved after school and in extracurricular activities. This helps them to reach outside of our community and expand their horizons.

 

 

Mr. Joshua Weaver
Berlin Middle/High School Physical Education Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I started coaching/subbing at Berlin in 2010 and became a full-time teacher in 2016. 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had? 

Physical Education Teacher, but also Dean of Students and Athletic Director

How long have you been at BCSD in your role? 

I just completed my 5th year in Berlin.

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field? 

I strive every day to make physical education as enjoyable for each student as I can.

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD? 

Continuing to make physical education as fun and enjoyable as it can be for each and every Berlin student.

 

 

Ms. Elisa Hammersmith
6th Grade Social Studies and Family and Consumer Science Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I started working as a teaching assistant in a special education elementary classroom in 2011 and I have been in the education field ever since.  Doing everything from bus monitor, alternative education teaching assistant and of course substitute from pre-k to 12th grade. So I have been in education for 10 years.

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I started at Berlin by covering a maternity leave for 6th grade Social Studies.  I had substitute taught following that position. The following summer I got hired as the long-term substitute for Family and Consumer Science and also taught 7th grade technology that year.  I loved the position enough that when Dr. Allain asked me if I would be willing to get certified in FACS I said yes.  So then I became the full time FACS teacher who also taught 7th grade technology and 6th grade social studies. I jokingly hung up 3 hats in my room with a sign that said the many hats of Mrs. Hammersmith.  

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

I have been here at Berlin for now 6 years, since the 2015/16 school year. But, have been teaching strictly FACS and Social Studies for 5 of those years.  

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I can’t think of anything in my own career that has made me overly proud but, it is what the students’ do that makes me proud of my career in education.  What makes me the most proud is seeing my students that struggle with academics work their hardest to get to the finish line – GRADUATION!!!  Graduation is the accomplishment that makes them most proud and therefore, makes me proud of them.  

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I’m not sure it’s much of a goal, but I do look forward to seeing my own son start at Berlin Elementary school in a couple of years.  I also look forward to each new group of students and seeing what we can teach each other.  As well as seeing what projects my clubs can accomplish in the time we have together.

 

 

Ms. Courtney Hart
Berlin High School Exceptional Educator

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I have been in the field of education for 10 years. 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I am currently a high school special education teacher. I currently teach SC global and am the English consultant. I have also created a social emotional resource room that focuses on helping students develop advocacy skills. In addition to teaching at Berlin, I am one of the Middle/High school Restorative Practices Liaisons and a LINK advisor. Prior to this I’ve been a high school social studies teacher and a middle school building substitute. 

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

I have been at Berlin for 5 years. 

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take pride in the creation of the SC Global class and the social emotional resource room. I also take pride in seeing students that I have had for most of their high school education graduate. 

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

My goals for my future at Berlin is to continue working on bringing restorative practices to the middle/high school and continue to foster and implement positive community building activities in my classroom, and the school.

 

 

Mr. Fred Hutchinson
Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment / Chief Information Officer

How many years have you been in the education field and what other roles have you had?  

I have been in the field of education for 20 years.  I have been a Middle School Reading Teacher, a High School English teacher, a School Improvement Specialist, and I have led schools at each of the three levels (Elementary, Middle, and High).  My current role is as a District-level administrator.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

2021-22 will be my 6th year in the District

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments thus far at BCSD?

I feel I have had a very successful tenure in Berlin.  Since I have been in my role we have developed our website, improved communications through incorporation of School Messenger, a Media Specialist, and a myriad of surveys and public forums.  We have partnered with the Via Aquarium in Rotterdam, and introduced a host of new courses for secondary students.  We have also completed curriculum maps to align with Next Generation Learning Standards, introduced a writing program at the Secondary level, and replaced both the ELA & Math programs at the elementary level.  What I am most proud of, however, are the relationships I have been able to forge with the faculty and staff, the students and their families, and my colleagues in the administrative roles.  Because of these relationships and the close collaborative working environment, when COVID-19 hit we were able to adapt our programs, adopt plans for providing education in uncertain times, and adjust these plans as we needed to, resulting in the Berlin CSD successfully completing the whole school year without closing due to COVID-19 (I believe we are the only school in 150 miles to have done so).  We could not have done this if we were at odds, but because of the culture of respect and focus, we were successful in our mission.

What is one of the goals you have for the future of BCSD with regard to the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment?

I believe in student agency – in giving power to the students to not only achieve in their academic endeavors, but to participate in identifying their strengths and weaknesses, to act to improve their own lives, to determine the best ways for them to illustrate their learning and their growth.  I foresee a school with courses that meet not only the needs of the students, but their interests, as well.  A school where teachers facilitate learning, as coaches for their students.  I see this at every level we teach and in every class students attend.

 

 

Ms. Rachel Teplitsky
BES School Psychologist

How many years have you been in the field of education?

Eight years

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

I’m the school psychologist at BES, and I previously worked in an elementary position working with students on the autism spectrum.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

I’ve been at BCSD for five years, primarily at BES for three years.

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field? 

I take pride in my relationships with students and families, and being able to be a resource and support, especially with special education processes which can be complex and overwhelming.

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I always want to be improving my practice and refining ways to support students, staff, and families.  

 

 

Ms. Megan Laz
BES 4th Grade Teacher

How many years have you been in the field of education?

This is my 7th year as an elementary teacher. 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

Currently, I teach 4th grade. I’ve taught 4th grade my entire time at Berlin but previously I taught 5th grade and 6th grade math. Non-teaching related I’ve been one of the Elementary School Drama advisors. 

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

This is my 4th year in the district teaching 4th grade. 

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

Oh gosh, I am torn. I’ve loved being able to watch students grow academically and socially throughout the year. But I’ve also taken great pride in helping bring a drama club to the elementary school. This creative outlet is so important to so many students. 

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I would like to help the Drama Club at the elementary school continue to grow and encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things within the club. 

 

 

Ms. Courtney Bersaw
BES Exceptional Educator

How many years have you been in the field of education?

This will be my 10th year in education 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

Currently I am the Exceptional Educator for 4th grade co-teaching. At BES I have also been the Exceptional Educator for 2nd grade. BES Odyssey of the mind coach.

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

Four years 

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take the most pride in helping students find confidence and intrinsic motivation in themselves to become believers of their own success in education. 

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

I want to continue to be a strong advocate for students to get what they need and to help families find ways to achieve this. 

 

 

Ms. Stephanie Scanlon
BES Exceptional Educator

How many years have you been in the field of education?

I have been in the field of education for 9 years. This year coming will be my 10th year of teaching! 

What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?

Currently, I am working for the exceptional education department as an exceptional educator. I teach special class math and reading. I have also coached Odyssey of the Mind! 

How long have you been at BCSD in your role?

I have been an exceptional educator teaching special class reading and math for 5 years. 

What do you take the most pride in or are most passionate about with regard to your accomplishments in the education field?

I take the most pride in the strong relationships I build with my students. These relationships help my students find confidence and become risk takers in the classroom. Believing in my students helps them to believe in themselves.

What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at BCSD?

One goal I have for myself for the years to come at BCSD is to make sure I continue to be creative in how I teach. I want to continue to make sure all my students have real-life connections to what they are learning.