The Hilton Central Schools Teachers Association (HCSTA) 2019 Teacher of the Year Award was presented at the annual staff convocation at Hilton High School on September 3. This year’s honoree is Robert Berg, Merton Williams Middle School math teacher, who is described by staff and families as a gifted teacher who strives to reach all students and radiates happiness throughout his classroom.
Berg has taught math courses at Merton Williams since 1997 and is currently the Math Department liaison, School Improvement Team facilitator and a Union Negotiations Team member. Berg has also served as interim assistant principal and elementary summer school principal.
Outside of the classroom, Berg has facilitated the Technology Committee, served as a team leader and on numerous hiring committees, and has hosted countless student teachers and student observers from local colleges. At the State Middle School Conference, Berg presented on “Teaming” and has presented to assistant superintendents at BOCES on video coaching. He coached modified boys basketball for 11 years and has coached modified cross country for the past 11 years.
“Hilton is a great school district and a supportive community,” said Berg. “I am honored, humbled and appreciative of this distinguished award, and am so happy that my colleagues took the time and energy to acknowledge and nominate me.”
The finalists for this year’s award were: Brad Helmer and Kent Smith, Hilton High School; Robert Berg and Janeen Pizzo, Merton Williams Middle School; Jen Roberts and Jen Sica, Northwood Elementary School; Mary McRae and Christy Neu, Quest Elementary School; and Carla Heise and Kathy Kittlinger, Village Elementary School.
Nominees must have more than five years of exceptional service to the district, active involvement in the Hilton community, and have made a substantial impact on the lives of their students and colleagues.
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