Minnesota Wild January 2022 Teacher of the Month
Name:
Sheila Berg
School:
New Code Academy; ISD 271 Bloomington Public Schools
Classroom Team:
Tell us about yourself!
I am a Health and Physical Education teacher at New Code Academy Middle School, a Computer Science focused online school available to Minnesota students. I have been a certified teacher for over 20 years which includes 12 years of virtual teaching, learning, and educator training! As an Adjunct Professor, I taught Health and Physical Education classes for a private Minnesota university. I have a B.S.Ed. in Physical Education from Minot State (ND) and a M.Ed. from Bemidji State with a focus on Health Education and I also earned a Certificate in Online Teaching. A few of my caring, fun teachers (Hey, Mr. Habbena & Herr T.!) instilled a love of learning in me and that love for learning led me to become a teacher…and a continual learner! I believe that education is the most powerful tool we can possess and my goal is to instill a love of learning in my students. My favorite teaching moments are all the little “a-ha’s” that happen when a students grasp a new concept! Outside of teaching, I serve as a Community Board Member for YMCA Camp Warren, have been a volunteer at Dress for Success Twin Cities working with women who are striving for economic independence, and keep the Bloomington Alpine Ski team website updated as a parent volunteer.
Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?
My favorite current WILD player is Jared Spurgeon. I watched a “Becoming Wild” episode featuring him this past winter and the words spoken by the coach and teammates were so positive and heartfelt. That is the type of player I want my students to look up to and that everyone should admire; the one that leads by example both on and off the ice!
What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?
At New Code Academy, we integrate Computer Science into our curriculum so Future Goals is a perfect fit! Computer Science a blend of the STEM subjects and connecting the sport of hockey with the CS concepts while engaging my online students in interactive learning games is an ideal combination!
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
If I was a hockey player, I see myself playing defense. I would be the one motivated to keep the opponents out of our net while NOT being the one at whom all the shots are aimed!