|  | | MESPA Home > Honors > Science and Mathematics Principal of the Year > B.J. Berg, 2009 |  | | 2009 Science and Mathematics Principal of the Year | |  | | B.J. Berg, principal, South Terrace Elementary School, Carlton, MN. To visit the Web site for the Outdoor Learning Center of Carlton County (for maps, curriculum, background, etc.), click on B.J.'s photo. |
SOUTH TERRACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IS NAMED 2009 SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
B.J. Berg is recognized for fostering science and math literacy in students at Carlton school
(St. Paul, MN; February 10, 2009) – B.J. Berg, principal of South Terrace Elementary School, has been named the 2009 Science and Mathematics Elementary Principal of the Year.
Created through a partnership between the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), the award recognizes the vital importance of fostering lifelong science literacy and honors the key role principals play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates student interest in math and science. The award is offered in alternate years to specialty (science magnets and environmental education schools) and general education school principals. In odd years such as 2009, the award is offered to general education schools.
In reviewing applications for this year’s award recipient, the award committee looked for evidence of the nominee’s support of professional development and coaching for the teachers in their schools, active partnerships with other organizations, efforts to apply math and science standards to curriculum and provide support materials, support of out-of-school as well as in-school experiences, inclusion of families, and evidence of other creative ways of fostering interest in math and science.
B.J. Berg has taken the lead as representative of the Carlton school district on behalf of the elementary school, high school, community, and other Carlton County school districts to partner with the Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District, working diligently to secure funding and coordinate construction for the South Terrace Outdoor Learning Center. The process began with a grant in 2003 from the Minnesota DNR to coordinate, plan, and implement an outdoor learning facility on 40 diverse acres. Since the initial planning stages, the partnerships have expanded to include: the City of Carlton, other local land management agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the University of Minnesota Duluth Environmental Education  | | B.J. Berg at MESPA Awards Banquet, February 5, 2009 |
Department. A standards-based curriculum connected to the Outdoor Learning Center is used throughout the school year for grades K-6.
“The South Terrace Outdoor Learning Center of Carlton County enables students, families, and community members the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique setting,” says Berg, “where they can learn, enjoy, and truly appreciate the wonders of the ‘Great Outdoors’ through science and outdoor activities.”
The award committee was struck by several exemplary math and science literacy practices when reviewing Berg’s application: that he creates and promotes community resources, creating value to parents as well as students; that he values after school programs, in addition to school-day curriculum; that he uses the valuable talents of partners, such as graduate students who help create lesson plans; and that he finds creative ways to embed science literacy in the community, such as having families participate in a walking tour of the trail system during the annual spring Kindergarten Round-up.
Carolyn Schroeder, Kindergarten teacher at South Terrace Elementary, nominated B.J. Berg for the award. Schroeder stated that Berg’s “deep appreciation of nature and his passion for providing students with the best possible education have had a significant effect on pupils’ engagement with and excitement about, science.” She continued: “Since it’s inception in 1963, the Carlton school district has been a small, rural district set amidst bountiful woods and streams. Current and future generations of students, teachers, families and community members will be forever grateful for Mr. Berg’s forward-thinking plans to utilize the surrounding natural environment in such a caring, well-researched manner. Students, teachers, and families are discovering that math and science are not just subjects in textbooks.”
As the 2009 Science and Mathematics Elementary Principal of the Year, Berg was honored for his achievement during the Awards Banquet at the MESPA Institute (statewide convention) on Thursday, February 5, in Bloomington, MN. In addition, South Terrace Elementary students and staff will receive complimentary Science Museum education programming.
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