Berlin CSD is excited to welcome new and familiar faces to the BES Pre-K staff. Please welcome Ms. Whitney Leganczuk and Ms. Alyssa Bierwirth to their new positions at BCSD. Learn more about our new Questar III Pre-K staff in their own words below.
Whitney Leganczuk
Berlin Elementary School
Pre-K Teachers
What is your new position at Berlin Elementary School?
I am one of Questar III’s Pre-K teachers at BES.
What is your education background?
I earned my undergraduate degree in Child Development & Family Studies from West Virginia University. I earned my masters degree in Early Childhood Education from The College of Saint Rose, and I completed additional coursework to earn certification in Special Education B-2 and Childhood Education 1-6.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I started out as a substitute teacher in East Greenbush and Chatham back in 2010. I ended up returning back to West Virginia, my home state, in 2011 to start my public school teaching career. I taught Pre-K/Pre-K Special Education for several years. After the birth of my son, my husband and I returned to NY so he could further pursue his business. Before joining the PreK team at Questar, I was teaching at a private school in the Valatie area.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Matt and I have a son, Greyson. We live in the Nassau/North Chatham area. We have 2 crazy cats named Milo and Oliver.
What are your interests outside of school?
In my free time I enjoy hiking, crafting, reading, and shopping (specifically for home décor). I also enjoy taking on small design projects for friends/family that need inspiration when updating rooms in their homes.
Alyssa Bierwirth
Berlin Elementary School
Pre-K Special Education Teacher
What is your new position at Berlin Elementary School?
I am so excited to start my new position as the Pre-K Special Education Teacher!
What is your education background?
I graduated from Berlin High School in 2017. Following graduation, I attended SUNY New Paltz and studied Art Education before making the decision to move back home and attend Hudson Valley Community College. There, I received my Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I went on to attend The College of Saint Rose where I received my Bachelor in Science degree in Early Childhood & Childhood Education with a concentration in English Language Arts. I am now attending SUNY Albany for my masters degree in Literacy. I am also in the process of obtaining my certification in Special Education.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I have been working at Berlin Elementary as the Building Substitute for the last year. I also taught Kindergarten this past summer. Both jobs taught me many new things and helped me build great relationships within the BES school community. Before working in a school setting, I worked at two family-owned farms, waitressed, and worked in retail for a short period of time.
Tell us about your family?
I grew up in Petersburg with my mom, dad, and three sisters. My dad works for the Rensselaer County ARC caring for adults with disabilities and delivers newspapers early in the morning. My mom is a former newspaper carrier. I also have a stepdad, a brother-in-law, two nieces, and a nephew (plus one more on the way!).
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school you can find me binge-watching scary movies, baking warm chocolate chip cookies, playing fun games with my nieces and nephew, and camping with my mom.