Teacher of the Week: Melissa Bernu, Buckalew Elementary

As a society, we may forget that teachers are public employees in the vein of firefighters, policemen and politicians. Teachers perform a public service. To become a teacher is a choice to forsake the almighty dollar and instead serve the interests of the general public (that’s you and me). So it’s worthwhile to recognize this sacrifice and acknowledge teachers for the heroes they are--heroes in the everyday war of attrition we wage against ignorance and apathy. In this weekly series, Woodlands Online features one Woodlands area educator for his or her outstanding contributions to our children’s development.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas—Melissa Bernu is a Kindergarten teacher at Buckalew Elementary in Conroe ISD. Born and raised in Texas, Bernu has lived in San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, and now resides in the Houston area. The Texas native has a degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood.

For Bernu, the decision to have a career as a teacher came very easy.

“I have always known I wanted to be a teacher,” said Bernu. “I am the oldest child in my family, and I used to love to play school with my sisters and brothers with my books and chalkboard.”

When she was a senior in high school, Bernu was the student officer of a program called “Teaching Major Studies.” This allowed her to observe and learn teaching techniques, while also being able to student teach.

“The experience confirmed my desire to be an educator,” said Bernu.

Bernu has been a teacher for a total of ten years, five of which she has spent at Buckalew. Her favorite part about teaching Kindergarten is seeing the intellectual growth of her students from the time they arrive in August until the school year is complete in June. Bernu recalls that one of her current students went from reading level 4 books in November, and is now reading at a level 14.

This year, Bernu started the “Daily 5,” her favorite lesson she likes to do with the kindergartners. The activity allows the Buckalew teacher to meet with small reading groups each day while the rest of her class is engaged in a variety of centers such as computer time, reading books and working on sight words. The “Daily 5” may be Bernu’s favorite activity, but she notes that the iPad cart has been a class favorite as well. Once a week, she uses a class set of iPads as a teaching tool to review concepts her students are learning.

Bernu loves to do fun and engaging activities with her students, and her main hope is that they grow to love school.

“For many, Kindergarten is a child's first experience in school,” said Bernu. I want my students to leave kindergarten with a love of learning and to be excited about school. I want them to know that I believe in them. I feel very fortunate to be a person in a child's life who can shine love and show enthusiasm for learning.”

In her spare time, Bernu enjoys traveling, being outdoors with her family, and is often creating and decorating new things for her classroom.

Melissa Bernu was nominated by our Facebook fan, Amanda Starley.