Dedication is at the heart of all of Emily Bergman’s activities. A second-grade teacher in the South Fayette (PA) School District, Emily exhibits great enthusiasm for her students. She loves the budding independence she sees in these young minds and works hard to foster an environment that allows them to learn and thrive. She is now in her fifteenth year as a teacher and is also married to a sixth-grade teacher. Emily and her husband have two daughters and enjoy spending time outdoors where they can often be found playing tennis or swimming. They reside in Peters Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
Emily did most of her graduate coursework at a satellite site in Monroeville, PA and came to appreciate her network of peers and instructors. She found the ability to collaborate with others in her field, the sharing of ideas, and working through challenges to be the most rewarding. “Gannon was a wonderful experience for me,” she added, “and I’m proud of my master’s degree.” Dr. Joseph D’Imperio had a great influence on Emily. She readily offered, “He was an outstanding professor who was able to share his real-life educational experiences with our cohort.”
Emily received her inspiration to teach from her grandfather, Robert Mousseau, who taught secondary math, physics and astronomy. He passed away in February, 2017 and Emily reflected on how much he meant to her saying, “He influenced my life academically and athletically. I’m so fortunate to have had him as a grandfather and mentor.”
Ever willing to grow and learn, Emily recently combined her loves of teaching and fitness by becoming a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She now trains clients three nights a week and is grateful for the ability to help others realize their fitness goals.
When asked to offer advice to current Gannon students, Emily offered, “Be open-minded and flexible - by doing so you will embrace change and grow in unimaginable ways.”
(published May 2017)