WiNK

Meet A New Teacher: Mt. Bergmeier

by: Alexandra Kriegel

Every school year Wooster gains new members of our community. Many of them are students, but in this series, I will be introducing you to the 12 new faculty and staff members of our community. Next up in the series is one of our new Spanish teachers, Mr. Bergmeier. Mr. Bergmeier teaches middle school Spanish 7 and 8 and is also covering for Mrs. O'Reilly's Spanish 2 class. In this article, you will read all about Mr. Bergmeier's fun stories and about his hobbies and interests.

Why did you come to Wooster?

My previous school meant a lot to me, but the time had come for me to make a change for growth. Wooster presented an incredible opportunity for me to work in an environment that supports teachers in their educational and personal improvement, as well as an opportunity to work with students who are celebrated for their uniqueness.

Where were you before Wooster?

I enjoyed 19 years at Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in Somers, NY. Some years I taught Spanish full-time, other years I shared responsibilities with specialized areas of need while also teaching. I worked in the alumni, communications, graphics, and the IT department. Additionally, I coached cross country, winter track, and outdoor track for the first seven years I was at Kennedy.

Where are you from?

I grew up between Saratoga and Lake George, NY. I was always outside with my friends biking, playing street hockey, downhill and cross country skiing, running, and hiking. In high school, I ran cross country, competed in short track speed skating, and ran spring track and field.

Where did you attend College?

I graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, with a degree in Spanish 7-12. I was a 4-year member and captain of the cross country team while I was there too.

Initially I had chosen to attend college to be a Social Worker with a minor in Spanish. It didn't take long before I realized I wanted to be a teacher. There aren't many people I can say had more of an impact on my life than my Spanish professor, both personally and academically. She changed everything for me and so many of my friends. Every day she would make statements like, "when you study abroad." She willed all of us to spread our wings, so in January of 2001, I spent a semester in Seville, Spain. She encouraged us to write to her and let her know what we were doing and sent us suggestions of places to visit. During her spring break, she came to Seville to visit us and hear about our experiences. And after we returned, she invited us to her summer home with her family in the Adirondacks and cooked us paella. That personal connection she made with us has lasted 20 years.

What's one interesting fact about yourself?

When I was 16, my friend Andrew and I rode around Lake George on our bikes by ourselves, which is 100 miles give or take. 8 hours later with very sore hands, we finished the ride and still talk about it today with a great sense of pride. Of course our parents knew what we were doing, but I still can't imagine how we pulled it off without a cell phone and a debit card. But with no Strava to track our ride or Instagram to document our trip, did it really even happen?

Do you have any hobbies or activities you enjoy?

I am an avid runner and I love woodworking. After college I found a love of running ultramarathons, which I continued until last year when I changed gears to qualify for the Boston marathon. My first attempt was unsuccessful, but I will get it next spring.

Growing up, my father and grandfather were hands-on fixers/builders, and that trait was definitely passed on to me. There isn't a piece of furniture I see in a store that I'm not sizing up and thinking, "I could build that." Next up, a dog crate that is also an entertainment center. Wish me luck.

Do you have any pets?

We have a pandemic dog named Romeo. He's my running and working buddy. Romeo is extremely friendly and always up for an adventure. Going back to work after the shutdown phase of the pandemic was tough on him. He must have destroyed 20 dog beds before we all settled into this new routine.

What are you looking forward to now that you are at Wooster?

Wooster is magical, isn't it? I have enjoyed and appreciated the professional development offered to teachers. I'm looking forward to more opportunities to learn and grow as an educator. I am also looking forward to making memories with my students in class and sharing all of the things I have learned and about which I am passionate.

Who's your favorite music artist and do you have a favorite genre of music?

I have a very eclectic taste in music. I like everything, but I generally listen to specific genres at specific times. Country in the car, Celtic music to clean, rap to get me moving, classical or jazz to help me center myself and focus.

What's your favorite food?

Rice and beans. Rice and lentils. Rice and grilled veggies. I'm noticing a trend.

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

I loved history and art the most, but looking back I think it was really the fact that certain teachers in those subjects stood out to me. They were the kind, passionate, and patient educators who I try to emulate.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you travel?

Hands down, Chamonix, France. Mountains excite me and it's the place I go when I need a mental reset. I'm not much of a city or a beach person, so a quiet town with great food, lots of outdoor activity, and a deep history will always be on the top of my list of go-to places.