‘I plant seeds’: Harrisburg teacher named South Dakota teacher of the year

A third-grade teacher for the Harrisburg School District was recognized as South Dakota’s 2027 teacher of the year at a banquet Wednesday in Fort Pierre.

Christina Berger has taught at Liberty Elementary School for the last eight years, though she has more than 20 years of experience in elementary education. She started her career in North Dakota.

In a video recognizing Berger as a regional teacher of the year, Berger said she loves teaching “because who wouldn’t love organized chaos?”

Berger said helping children learn, especially in reading, and connecting with each of her students on a personal level brings joy to her career. That drive to create lasting relationships extends to parents and community members through her involvement in the district’s Parent-Teacher Organization and by hosting student teachers throughout her career.

“I plant seeds,” Berger said of her role as an educator, “and you get to see the result years and years later.”

Christina Berger, South Dakota’s 2027 teacher of the year, is featured in a video when she was honored earlier as a regional teacher of the year. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Education)

Liberty Elementary Principal Aaron Weaver said in a news release that Berger’s influence reaches beyond the classroom.

“She leads with heart, integrity and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for kids,” Weaver said.

The teacher of the year recognition means she’ll serve as a representative for South Dakota public education across the state and country, including attending the National Teacher of the Year Program Orientation, Space Camp, Washington Week, and the Impact and Influence Virtual Conference.

South Dakota Secretary of Education Joe Graves said in the news release that Berger earned the award because she’s “crafted her own legacy in the Harrisburg School District.”

“Her colleagues, students, and parents positively compliment her and her teaching style with a common takeaway of every child feeling seen, valued, and supported,” Graves said.