New Teachers

More teacher features from our November issue

by Shakira Mills

Science teacher Gary Bergthold voted most likely to go to war

With age comes wisdom. A new science teacher and Vietnam War veteran, Gary Bergthold is full of wisdom.  This humorous Navy offspring said he became a teacher because he loves sharing his experiences with students. “Getting others to look at their world differently and helping young people build their background” gives him joy as an educator. As an outdoorsman, Bergthold enjoys woodworking, camping, mineral collecting, and traveling to foreign countries. Not only is he well rounded, but his sense of humor is more than average for a teacher as well. When asked if he had any piercings or tattoos, he simply responded, “Do bullet holes count?” A graduate of Cupertino High School, Bergthold was voted most likely to go to Vietnam, and he did. He has been everywhere from Vietnam to Germany. Ever want to know what it was like to actually fight in a 14 year war? Ask Mr. Bergthold and he is sure to tell you in a way so passionate, you'll feel like you were there.  

English teacher Alden Lawrence connects class to other curriculums, humor 

Born in upstate New York, “in a farmhouse on the frontier, during the third year of the war against the Colonies,” English teacher Alden Lawrence uses the floundering U.S economy as inspiration to teach. Along with perfecting students' writing skills, Lawrence enjoys coaching, watching, and playing soccer, following politics and reading. Lawrence's favorite repast is “a boiled hot dog that is longer than the bun and covered in condiments.” You may find him relishing one while watching Star Wars, “before George Lucas destroyed it,” and listening to rock and roll. In Pennsylvania, Lawrence graduated most likely to “live a life void of stagnate air.” Lawrence said, “Public education needs a national champion . . . soon.”

US history teacher Diana Christy pays it forward, surprises her graduating class

U.S History teacher Diana Christy is an absolute home run hitter. In addition to her day job, the active teacher coaches high school and little league softball and is a huge fan of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. Back in the 80's, her hair was her biggest fashion fad. An alumni of Chaparral High School Christy was voted class clown as well as most likely to “not be a teacher.” Christy credits her turnaround to a teacher who made school feel like a haven. She said, teaching is the best way for her to offer back what was given to her as a student. If you ever have dinner with Christy, know that her favorite foods are “steak and baked potatoes” and jelly beans. She may be new to Bethel, but she said she is “really enjoying it.”

Family and Consumer sciences teacher Michelle Collins manages numerous activities

Born in New York City, Family and Consumer sciences teacher Michelle Collins was inspired to teach by her “experience in the business world.” Collins enjoys the training aspect of management. Outside of Bethel, Collins volunteers at her church, spends time with her children, and loves photography and reading. Graduated from Kempsville High School, Collins was involved in swimming and hiking. Like her contemporary Diana Christy her biggest fashion fad was big hair. The great outdoors is a major part of her life.  

World History teacher Victoria Walsh is athlete, writer, dog-lover

Running five miles each day after school, it's a wonder how the History teacher Victoria Walsh has the energy to teach. Originally from New Hampshire, Walsh has “always loved being with kids,” from her first babysitting job to working for the YMCA summer camps, which she still does. Inspired by a former history teacher of her own, Walsh admired how her teacher “made class so entertaining and fun,” which is something she accomplishes daily. Aside from showing her students where they've been, Walsh is an all-American athlete. She played varsity soccer all four years of high school and later in college, wrote for her school newspaper, coached middle school track and field, ran in the rock 'n' roll Half Marathon, and still plays soccer once a week. “Other than that, I just love hanging with my dogs and reading a good book,” said Walsh. After teaching sixth grade history at Syms Middle School, Walsh is happy to be back in high school teaching what she loves most—World History.