Keri Berens is no stranger to D38. She grew up here, attended Ray E. Kilmer Elementary School (RKES), and now is a staff member at that same school.
After RKES, Berens attended Creekside Middle School, which is now Bear Creek Elementary, and then graduated from Lewis-Palmer High School. Once she earned her teaching degree, she made her way back to D38 and landed her first job as a second grade teacher at RKES.
“I love Kilmer, and that’s why I’ve been here for 13 years. I feel like there's genuine care for each other in the building. People genuinely want to know how you’re doing. And they're always willing to help,” Berens said.
Berens has always loved learning and that’s what she hopes to spark in her young students.
“(I want to) create lifelong learners that want to continue to grow and learn things. I love when I see the lightbulb come on and all of a sudden a kid loves to read. I want kids to be curious and love to learn. That’s why I got into teaching in the first place, because I loved school, and I loved learning.”
Berens has received a lot of praise from Principal Greg Saunders for her “exceptional educational talent” and her ability to implement innovative instructional practices. It’s something she credits to her ability to adjust and incorporate different approaches for various learning styles.
“I try to incorporate different pieces of technology, but not just by putting something on a screen, so that you’re entertained. Sometimes it’s just a matter of going outside and practicing things like using compasses,” Berens said. “Sometimes what’s good for this class isn’t good for the next class, so I just adjust to the kids.”
Berens is also applauded for her ability to prepare students for CMAS Testing, which students participate in for the first time in third grade. She said it’s not something she is necessarily focusing on, but it is something that she’s cognizant of and hopes comes as part of the greater goal of creating lifelong learners.
“Sometimes I’ll go and talk to the third grade teachers and say, ‘This is what I’m seeing. What do you feel is the priority to make sure these kids have for next year?’ But, I don’t want to just teach the test. I want to teach skills that will last a lifetime,” Berens said.
***This content was first published in “Monument Living” and “Palmer Divide Living” magazines powered by Best Version Media. D38 is proud to partner with these community publications to feature our students and staff members.
