Two Polson Middle School teachers named award finalists

Erin Scott

Two of the top five Montana finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching come from Polson Middle School.

The prestigious award - from the National Science Foundation - dates back to 1983 and honors exemplary teachers who serve as role models for their profession. The award is given to K-6 public school teachers one year, and 7-12 teachers another. There are usually two winners from Montana, said State Superintendent Linda McCulloch.

Lori Peterson, finalist and sixth grade science teacher, was nominated by her sixth grade teacher and mentor Al McCrea. Charles Bertsch, finalist and fifth grade science teacher, was nominated by teacher Julie Duford. Both teachers had to fill out a lengthy application, submit a series of essays on the dimensions of learning and teaching, and fill out and tape a lesson taught.

Vice principal of Polson Middle School, Tom DiGiallonardo, said that since he's been with the school only one teacher, Julie Duford, has won the award, and he is thrilled for the finalists.

"It's very unique to have two state winners in the district, let alone in the school," he said, adding that it is always a pleasure observing them in their classrooms.

Finalist Bertsch has taught at the middle school for 18 years. He teaches several courses, but is most passionate about science. He holds a robotics club once a week after school in his classroom, in which students learn to create and program robots.

Bertsch is also passionate about music. At the end of every day his students practice with their recorders, and go on to play for the community when their skills progress. His students play mostly baroque melodies and have gone on to perform in state competitions.

Finalist Peterson has a hands-on, inquiry based approach to learning. She initially taught social studies and language arts for the school, but approached DiGiallonardo about teaching science a few years ago.

"I want students to love science and math and being at school," she said. Peterson is continually learning: she takes classes and attends conferences every year.

"If they know I'm always learning, they're going to be inspired to do that to," she said.

Bertsch said he considers the initial nomination, and his spot as a finalist an honor. He said one of the things he loves so much about teaching is that he can share things he's learned with his students.

"I enjoy being with the students," he said. "Working with them is rewarding. I learn a lot about myself from them."

Peterson said the reward of her job is when a child "gets it."

"The moment you see a kid get it, you see the light bulb," she said, adding that in the same way a priest is called to his work, teachers are also called to theirs. She said no amount of college courses can make someone a good teacher if they don't enjoy children.

Tel Motichka, a former student of Petersons, said she helped him get through the sixth grade and was someone he could relate to.

"When I was going into the seventh grade I thought 'it's gonna be a bummer 'cause I'm not gonna have Peterson'," Motichka said, adding that she always kept learning fun.

He said he learned a lot from her and visits her when he can. He learned about micro-organisms in space and water, constellations, and the odds of things happening (like a dice roll).

Mykah Kittson, a former robotics club member and student of Bertschs, said she enjoyed his teaching style.

"He's pretty cool," Kittson said. He lets stuff slide, but when you get on his nerves he refocuses you. "I was pretty goofy last year, but he let it slide, but gave me a few warnings." She said other teachers have tempers but he doesn't.

"He's hysterical, and energetic," she said. "He's very understanding and mellow."

After having spent a year in Bertsch's robotics club, Kittson said she could put a whole robot together now if she had the parts, and said Bertsch always gave the students in the club a snack.

"Any student would be lucky to have him as a teacher," she said. "I think I was."

The two finalists will teach a lesson to a body of judges in Helena on Nov. 7 and 8. The winners will receive a $10,000 grant and recognition for their teaching.