Leading by example

Growing up in a family with a mom who worked as a librarian and a dad who was a professor, Sarah Bergner saw that her parents placed a high value on education. She was encouraged to ask questions, find answers and always challenge herself.

A few decades later, Bergner is the one who not only encourages her fifth and sixth grade students but also her peers at Holyoke Elementary School, and for that reason, she has been named the Leader Among Us for the 2022 Emerald Awards.

“Not only does Mrs. Bergner complete her normal planning, grading and assignments for her students, but she is also willing to take on the role of the Holyoke Elementary School Impact Coach and is a member of the Standards of Excellence Committee,” said fifth grade teacher Theresa Tharp in her nomination letter for Bergner.

In her first year as the impact coach, Bergner is now in charge of visible learning for grades K-6. She explained that the goal is for students to take more ownership of their work and to better understand what they’re learning, why they’re learning it and what to do next.

“She has attended additional trainings with our principal and has helped other teachers during her spare time implementing learning intentions, success criteria and helping teachers analyze different data reports,” said Tharp. “In addition, in her drive to serve this position well, she takes time outside of school to learn more about her role as an instructional coach.”

Tharp added that Bergner collaborates well with staff, and she encourages strategic thinking and personal development without being critical. “Without the help of Mrs. Bergner, the elementary staff would not have extra support for visible learning.”

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