Meet the Outstanding Teachers

National board certificated teachers in the Basic School network

Beth Gardner : bgardner@columbia.k12mo.us
Tracy Brown : bgardner@columbia.k12mo.us
Jill Bergee : jbergee@columbia.k12mo.us

Jill Bergee
2001 Missouri teacher of the year from Shepard Elementary, Columbia, Missour

"In the Basic School, Ernest Boyer asked us to build a life as if it were a work of art. I believe that all children can and must learn. As teacher-as-artist, I creatively collaborate to help create learning masterpieces. This is the foundation upon which my philosophy of how children learn is based. But they are only words until combined with the tools of teacher-as-artists: community building, inquiry, curriculum coherence, responsive and reflective teaching, team collaboration, and partnership with parents and community.

Community is the foundational sketch for the teacher-as-artist, which creates a safe and secure learning environment. Room 101 at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School is alive with a community of learners. The room provides the canvas; community makes each masterpiece unique. Inquiry provides the teacher-as-artist different media with which to experiment. Reflection is an essential piece for facilitating student learning and understanding. I ask many questions, seek multiple resources to further my knowledge, and make multiple connections. I work with my grade level and vertical team colleagues to develop and align a coherent curriculum. Shepard Boulevard Elementary School supports and extends my efforts. Team collaboration is valued and emphasized as we create the big picture from which to work. Partnerships among students, parents, community, and teachers provide me, the teacher-as-artist, with color, bringing the masterpiece to life. We must work together to meet the needs of all students and to assure the success of all learners. Teachers, parents, and the community must facilitate the learning of all children. This is not something I do alone; it takes a community of learners. Together we create learning masterpieces, a priceless reward."

Barb Stein
Media Center Specialist at Irving B. Weber Elementary in Iowa City, Iowa and Iowa Library Media Specialist of the Year!

Watch this site for continued updates! Basic School "Outstanding teachers" are resources for you! Please feel free to e-mail them with your questions.