January Support Staff Feature
Tue, 01/23/2018 - 9:45am
admin
"Don’t study because you need to. Study because knowledge is power. Study because they can never take it away from you. Study because you want to know more. Study because it enhances you. Study because it grows you.” - Anonymous
Amy Berg is in her second year as a special education paraprofessional at Clearbrook-Gonvick School. Amy grew up on a farm in Clearbrook and was active in many things. After high school, she attended U of M Crookston for a short time. She was employed at the Clearwater Veterinary Service for many years. When she and her husband, Danny Berg, decided to start a family, she was fortunate enough to stay at home with their children. With their two children, Peyton (4th grade) and Ellyse (Kindergarten) both in school, she also decided to go to school.
Why did you choose to work at school? I wanted to have the same schedule as my kids. Knowing that maybe I can make a difference in someone else’s world also played a big part in that decision.
What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick? I worked at the Clearwater Veterinary service for 10 years. And then was a stay at home mom and farmer for the next 8 before starting here at C-G.
What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? The kids!!! I get smiles and hugs daily!! When you are out and about and the kids come up to you. That is one of the best things, that’s when you realize that you do make a difference in their life!
What is the biggest challenge of your job? Letting someone fail at something when they believe they are right. It’s very hard for me to not be a control nut and finish things for them as well.
If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? If I could be anything in the world, (that is a tough one) I would have to be a world famous chef with my own TV show!! I LOVE to cook, bake, and can food from my garden. The best things come from the heart and knowing I am helping someone take care of their family by learning to cook by watching and listening to me would be very rewarding!
What do you do when you are not working at the school? I crochet, cook, farm, fish, snowmobile, sit and read a good book, garden, volunteer with our 4H club, show cattle and pigs (all done with my kids!)
If you could go back in time to being school aged, what age/grade you would pick? Why would you pick that age/grade? I would go back to 1st grade. In first grade we dreamed of being a big kid. But in reality that is the most carefree time. The only thing to worry about was which friend to play with at recess!!
Describe a wish or hope you have for the New Year 2018 - either personal or professional. My wish for 2018 would be to take a family vacation. Our vacations are wherever Danny is working so there isn’t much fun.
What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? I love that our community sticks together on everything. If something needs to be done or someone needs help, we pull together to get it done. I also love that when you grow up in a small town like ours you know EVERYONE, I get to see classmates grow families and see how much their kids are like their parents.
And now a few words about Amy Berg from the students and staff that work with her… “Amy is helpful and always willing to lend a hand.” “Amy is incredibly positive.” Amy always looks for the best in me. And she helps bring out the best in me and others.” “Amy always says ‘work hard, I am here for you.’” “I like Amy because when she needs my attention, she says, ‘hey, sir!’” “Amy has made a wonderful addition to Clearbrook-Gonvick! Amy has a passion for working with the ‘challenging’ students! She works hard at building relationships with her students. Very nice person to work with :)” “Amy has been great to have in the classroom to help out. She is easy to work with and very helpful to all the students who she comes in contact with. Always has a smile on her face every morning. Thanks for all your hard work!” “Amy is always willing to go the extra mile. She brings out the best in others, because she is positive. She is a hard worker and never afraid to put forth effort. Amy is a role model for anyone willing to try hard and not afraid to get dirty.” “Amy is always helpful and happy.”