BCSD Welcomes New Staff! | Berlin Central School District

Berlin CSD is excited to welcome Ms. Megan Olson, Mr. Erik Eckert, Ms. Faith Gatto and Ms. Rebecca Schumaker to the Berlin Central School District. Please join us in welcoming them to the district and read more about them in their own words below.

Megan Olson

Berlin Elementary School

First Grade Teacher

What is your education background?

I have an AS in Early Childhood Education from HVCC, a BS in Elementary Education and Special Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a MA in Language and literacy from Simmons College.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I worked my way through college working for Grand Union and Walmart. For the past 15 years I have taught in Bennington, VT at Molly Stark Elementary. I spent 6 years as a Special Education teacher, 2 years as the Math intervention teacher and for the last 7 years I have been a reading specialist in the intervention program.

Tell us about your family?

My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 23 years. We have 3 kids, Ryley (20), Taryn (17), Alex (14). Ryley is going to school to be an electrician; Taryn is going to school to pursue a degree in Elementary Education and Alex is planning on playing soccer for the rest of his life. LOL. We enjoy spending time together, going to baseball games and building with Lego together.

What are your interests outside of school?

I love playing volleyball, crocheting and playing piano. I also enjoy trivia and run a weekly online trivia group.

Erik Eckert

Berlin Elementary School

MTSS Math Specialist/Interventionist

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I received my undergraduate degree in childhood/early childhood education from SUNY Cortland and am certified in both childhood education and early childhood education. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree from SUNY Albany. I spent the past three years teaching in the Farmingdale School District. I was a permanent substitute teacher for two years, and taught 5th grade for one year. In addition to teaching, I spend my summers working at a camp for children with autism and other special needs. The focus of this job is to create a fun environment for the kids while also teaching important life skills such as problem solving and conflict resolution.

Tell us about your family?

I am the youngest of four children, and currently reside in Troy, NY with my girlfriend. I am originally from Lindenhurst, NY which is on Long Island.

What are your interests outside of school?

Outside of school, I enjoy lifting weights, sketching, reading, and playing video games. I also enjoy taking walks while listening to music and/or podcasts.

Faith Gatto

Berlin Middle High School

8th Grade Math & Accelerated Algebra Teacher

What is your education background?

I recently graduated with a Bachelors in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY Potsdam.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I had the awesome opportunity to work in a district near SUNY Potsdam following my last semester as an undergraduate. I taught Math 7, Math 8, and Geometry and became part of a wonderful community. Now, I am back home and looking to settle down with my fiancé.

Tell us about your family?

I am originally from Orange County, NY and am an alumni of Goshen Central Schools. I am very family oriented and cannot wait to begin creating a family with the Berlin community.

What are your interests outside of school?

In my down time, I like to do puzzles, crochet, and color. I’m excited to bring some arts and crafts into my classroom! I can’t wait to meet the Berlin community and begin this journey with you!

Rebecca Schumaker

Berlin Elementary School

Second Grade Special Education Teacher

What is your education background?

I graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a degree in Elementary and Special Education.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I spent the last 4 years as a 4th grade teacher in my previous district both virtual and in person! Before that I spent many years working as a Pre- K teacher!

Tell us about your family?

I live with my husband and my two boys, Jackson and Bryson. We have 2 family dogs and love our big family!

What are your interests outside of school?

I love spending time outside, going on walks, exploring new places with my family! I love the beach and anything involving water!

Congratulations on your new positions at BCSD and welcome!