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Mr. Michael Bertuzzi
I’ve been teaching at Berlin Brothersvalley School District since 1990/1991 school year. I have been teaching in the Special Education Department in various positions over the course of my tenure. I am presently teaching in the Life Skills classroom in the high school. My main focus is Language Arts and math.
My first college degree was in Business Management from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. It was shortly after graduation when I realized that I wanted to be a special education teacher. After looking at a few colleges, Indiana University of Pennsylvania seemed to be the best fit for me. I worked through the adult continuing Education Program to earn my credits toward teaching. I did my student teaching experience with Altoona Area School District in a Life Skills classroom and also in a Learning Support classroom. I took many summer classes in order to graduate earlier than many of my peers. I became an IUP alumnus in December 1989 and was hired at Berlin Brothersvalley the following fall. I almost finished my Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, then, I realized I wanted to remain in the classroom. So a few credits shy of a Master’s Degree from Frostburg State, I changed majors and schools. I finished my formal education back at IUP with a Masters Equivalency in Early Childhood Education. To round out my education, I studied and took multiple practice tests and became certified as a high school English teacher. However, my heart belongs in a Life Skills classroom.
I do not have a list of specific classroom rules. I follow the district wide school rules and policies. My role is not that of an enforcer but to guide my students into adulthood. Basically, treat others with respect as you would want to be treated. I like a classroom in which we all enjoy the company of each other and have a safe place to call a home base.
I am very open to communication and pretty quick to respond. Please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address jmbertuzzi@bbsd.com or through the high school phone at 814-267-4622.