Hello! 

If you're here, it's very likely that you are a student of mine or an important adult in their life. In either case, welcome! I'm looking forward to the 2022-2023 school year, and I can't wait to see the progress you or your student will make in their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking abilities.

If you ever have questions or concerns about something related to class, please reach out. I'm happy to help.

Teaching Background and Beliefs: 

I began my teaching career at BHS during the 2018-2019 school year, and it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It's common for strangers to respond to my being a high school teacher with "wow...I'm sorry" or "you're so brave", but nothing could be further from the truth. I'm lucky. I get to spend my days with passionate, insightful, hilarious young people who care about the world around them and provide me with so much hope for our future. Every day we get to learn and laugh together is a good day. 

Another thing I love about my job is getting to discuss the ins and outs of literature and writing (real shocker there, huh?). I believe that language has the ability to empower students to become the best versions of themselves and help make positive social change. I also firmly believe that every student has talents and passions that will benefit our classroom community, whether or not English is a main interest of theirs. 

Fun Facts:

• I've lived in Western Washington for the past 9 years, but I was born and raised on the east side of the mountains. I like the rain, so the move worked out well.
  
  
• My partner and I recently adopted a three-year-old pandemic cat named Echo, and she's the cutest little creature to ever grace our family (we don't have children of our own, so rest assured that I didn't just throw shade at any offspring 🙂).
  
  
• Before beginning my undergraduate degree in English literature, I had planned on majoring in art history and becoming a museum curator. That love of art never dissipated, and I pursued studio art as a second major and still enjoy creating things in my spare time. 
  
  
• My favorite holiday is March Madness (just kidding, but it is in my top four). Go Zags!

-Ms. Berger