My Background
Professional
info
Mrs. Bercaw is a parent, teacher/student, author, writer and accomplished chef! After graduating from Syracuse University with a dual degree in Communications and International Relations, she worked in advertising and marketing before getting married and starting a family with her husband, Joe, another avid Orange fan and Syracuse graduate. The Bercaws settled in Hunterdon County in 1991 and have enjoyed living there since.
"Halmoni's Day", Mrs. Bercaw's first book, was published in August, 2000 by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of the Penguin Group. After many school, library, bookstore, and conference appearances, Mrs. Bercaw was struck by the "teaching bug" and hasn't looked back since! Her wonderful students are her inspiration, and she is a life-long learner who thoroughly enjoys taking classes and being a student as well.
Mrs. Bercaw's passions include reading new books and old favorites, writing in journals and sending personal notes and letters, and pursuing her dream of someday writing a screenplay. She also enjoys traveling and visiting with family, shopping with friends, and watching sunsets on the beach. Her three grown children, Joseph, Luke, and Jennifer, keep her busy with their work and college lives, and their experiences provide much insight and material for her stories.
"My three biggest teaching joys are helping student stretch their writing wings, watching them become captivated by new authors, and working with them to discover their genuine writing voices," says Mrs. Bercaw, "and there is no better time or more perfect starting point than the present!"
Skills
Languages
Work
experience
Middle School Language Arts teacher,
Milford Public School,
Milford, NJ
2014 - present
- Plans and creates innovative ELA lesson plans aligned with the CCSS
- Differentiates resources used to assist students in learning concepts
- Establishes trusting relationships with students, families, and faculty
- Achieves high level of growth in student learning and test scores
- Engages in Professional Development activities for Middle School ELA Instruction
Educational Support Professional,
Barley Sheaf Elementary School,
Flemington, NJ
2013
Franklin Township School,
Quakertown, NJ
2011 - 2012
- Assisted with implementing elementary school lesson plans
- Provided support and reinforcement to individuals and groups
- Assisted teachers with preparing classroom materials
- Supervised students during classroom activities
- Assisted with grading tests, recording grades, and homework checks
- Served as a Long-term Substitute Teacher for Grade 1, FTS
Visiting Author,
Penguin Young Readers Group,
New York, NY
2000 - 2011
- Presented writing workshops for students, teachers, and adults
- Promoted literacy initiatives via the Penguin Group's "Visiting Authors" Program
- Worked with schools and library media specialists to develop innovative presentations and workshops aimed at inspiring students to become proficient, passionate young writers
- Promoted multi-cultural diversity and literacy in schools, libraries, and bookstores in the Tri-state and Washington, DC area
Education
New Jersey City University,
Jersey City, NJ
2012 - present
- Currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Educational Technology with a School Library Media Specialization and Supervisory Certification
- Completed the New Pathways to Teaching Alternate Route Program with certifications in Elementary Education, K - 6, NJ,
and Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization: Language Arts/Literacy Specialization in Grades 5 - 8, NJ,
"Highly Qualified" Status
Syracuse University,
Syracuse, NY
1980 - 1984
- Bachelor of Arts dual degree earned in Telecommunications Management and International Relations