Marie Berke began her teaching career as a 3rd grade teacher in the Linn-Mar Community School District in 1997, where she taught for six years. She later moved to Ankeny where she was a substitute teacher for three years before beginning her teaching career in Algona, where she has taught for 20 years. At Algona, Berke has worked at Bryant Elementary, teaching 2nd grade.
Berke will definitely miss the students and co-workers at Bryant Elementary the most. She describes the most satisfying parts about being a teacher as making a difference in the lives of her students and watching them grow throughout the year. She also enjoys seeing her students when they are older and them telling her something they remember about her class.
Several others have impacted her career, including her co-workers, Amy McLaughlin, Brooke Miller, Erin Missman, and Janae Lager. They have all had a significant impact on her. “We have all grown professionally and personally by supporting one another through both challenges and successes,” Berke states.
In her retirement, Berke plans on spending time with her grandchildren, maybe subbing, and helping on the farm wherever needed. Berke is looking forward to reading more, working on a garden, visiting people she hasn’t seen in a while, organizing her recipes, and going to the Spencer Fair!
Congratulations Ms. Berke on 20 years of service in the Algona Community School District!