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Rev. February 27, 2008

 


 Passion part of this math teacher's equation for success

Mike Berken '78
Major: Science and Environmental Change
Occupation: Math teacher and department chair
Hometown: Pulaski, Wis.

How do you know Mike Berken is an exceptional mathematics teacher? Here’s a good indication: Eight of his former students are math teachers, including three who are now his colleagues at Pulaski High School.
      Passionate and enthusiastic, Berken uses innovative methods to challenge his most talented students, many of whom earn college credits for his calculus and pre-calculus classes. He also has a gift for motivating those students who struggle with the subject.
      “I believe one of my strengths is to provide students with the opportunity to understand how what we are studying is applicable to their everyday lives,” he says. “This is not always the easiest of tasks in (this) field. However, illustrating meaning, application and purpose is an extremely successful motivational tool…”
      UW-Green Bay faculty members label Berken a “star alumnus” for his fresh approach and the reliable success of his students.
      With struggling learners, Berken turns to visuals or hands-on, manipulative tools to get them to see the concepts from a different perspective. Then, he says, “Success leads to confidence which in turn provides motivation to continue to succeed.”
      Berken, who has taught at Pulaski for 29 years, also integrates writing into his mathematics classroom through the use of biographies, descriptive narratives and creative writing assignments. He considers this valuable in students’ development and important as they continue their education.
      “The students are my motivation and inspiration… My opportunity to touch the future is to teach!” he says. “Obviously not every student possesses a burning desire to learn, but therein lies the challenge. Every student has gifts.”
All in the family
Four of Berken’s seven siblings are active (or retired) teachers, including fellow UW-Green Bay alumni Mary Rae Johnson and Karen Watermolen ’83.
Highly decorated
In 1991, Berken was the Pulaski district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. A year later, he earned district teacher of the year honors from the state. In 2001, he was named Wisconsin’s “Outstanding Teacher of Mathematics” by the state chapter of the Mathematical Association of America.
Influential teachers at UW-Green Bay
Mathematics, Robert Wenger, John Barger and Dennis Girard; education, Dennis Bryan; chemistry, James Wiersma; physics, Charles Rhyner and Nancy Sell.
Campus hangouts
“The hard-to-get study rooms on the upper floors of the library, the ‘purple lounge’ below the library, and golfing at Shorewood for $3 a round every morning before classes.”

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