Ms. Berman is a veteran teacher of nineteen years. This past year, she became an eighth grade math teacher at James Lick Middle School. She is renowned among students as "an amazing teacher" who "takes her time during class and explains everything by making stories… and everybody learns and understands what she says." Wait… stories? Aren't we talking about a math teacher?

You see, Ms. Berman is OUR kind of math teacher—a storytelling math teacher. And Ms. Berman decided that she would teach algebra to all of her students, even those who are below grade level. She helps her students stay focused and comprehend the bewildering dynamics of algebra by telling them mathematical stories.

One of her colleague told us: "It is funny to hear one of our eighth graders explain multiplying exponents as 'the baby coming to the mama.' The students remember this sort of thing for life."

Ms. Berman's belief in the abilities of her students is further evidenced by all the extra time she contributes to a study group comprised of students who need additional help. She takes her own time to have an eighth period class even though there are only a few students and she doesn’t get paid for it. These students "used to have bad grades in math and failed a lot of tests," but with Ms. Berman's assiduous effort, they are getting their homework done and raising their grades. The students at James Lick are very appreciative of her for that.

And so are we! Kudos to Karen Berman, truly deserving of this $1,500 award. We hope to hear more stories of her stories!