Schools
Dublin Teacher Named Finalist For $30K 'All-Star Teacher Award'
Erik Bertelson, who has been teaching bands at Wells Middle School for 44 years, is a finalist to win $30,000 for his school.
DUBLIN, CA — Wells Middle School band teacher Erik Bertelson has been announced as one of five finalists for the 2023 All-Star Teacher Award by NBC Sports Bay Area. If Bertelson wins, he could bring $30,000 to his school. The public is encouraged to vote online to make that happen and honor his impressive legacy.
Bertelson has taught at Wells since 1979, and currently teaches Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Advanced 6th Grade Band. His NBC Sports biography notes that he has taught the children of former students, and makes sure to impart a love of music and life lessons into his teaching.
Bertelson has received numerous awards over the years, including the 2022 Mayor’s Legacy Award, 2015 Northern California Band Association’s Outstanding Junior High Band Director, 2006 Mayor’s Award, and 2006 Alameda County Teacher of the Year.
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“Mr. Bertelson is a true icon in our community,” DUSD Superintendent Chris Funk said in a statement. “His positive impact over the last 44 years can be felt and heard through the thousands of students who have had the privilege of being in his classroom. He truly is an extraordinary educator. We are the lucky ones and feel an immense amount of respect, pride, and appreciation for him and all he has done for Dublin, and the Bay Area.”
The All-Star Teacher Award recognizes middle and high school teachers in Northern and Central California who have shown extraordinary dedication to their students and the community. Finalists are selected based on “overall commitment,” “excellence in teaching,” “rapport with students,” and “level of distinction.”
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“It gets better every year, I just can’t believe it,” Bertelson said in a recent video interview. “I just love it. We are all a team. It is a positive team to be involved with, everyone supports one another, they take care of one another, and that then enables them to develop a lot of confidence which carries over to other classes and out into the community.”
The community is encouraged to vote for Bertelson, which can be done here. Voting is open now through June 5. The winner will be announced sometime in the summer.
To learn more about Bertelson and the other nominees, visit nbcsports.com.
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