Every morning for 36 years, Deborah Berg has shown up to the same classroom, ready to teach. Now, she’s preparing to walk away from it.

“As I come to this part of my life, it’s kind of bittersweet because I’ve done this for 36 years. I mean, my car will just drive itself to school. You know? Um, and it is bittersweet, because I love my job. I love the students,” said Berg.

Berg’s next-door neighbor is Spanish teacher Raquel Prado who describes Berg as doing the most for her students. “She does beyond what a teacher should be doing. She feeds the students, she provides them with moral support. She’s had students that needed a home to stay, live with her, so she does a lot for her students,” said Prado.

She said she is most proud of maintaining the program and building strong relationships with her students. Over the years, those connections have allowed her to support students through difficult times, even providing a home for some who needed it. Above all, she values the opportunity to expose her students to the world through art, film, literature, travel, and food.

Berg enjoyed what she describes as “a good ride” at Stagg since 1990, finding even on the hardest days, the best part of teaching was the chance to hit the restart button every year. 

Julio Lopez, who taught Spanish for 18 years, remembers Berg’s support from day one. He credits her for introducing him to the world, recalling his first trip to Paris where she jokingly pressured him into trying escargot. “Paris was a great opportunity for me, it was the first time I’d been out of the continent,” Lopez said. “I remember eating at a restaurant and her saying, “Come on Julio, try.” 

Beyond travel, Lopez highlights Berg’s commitment to growth in the classroom.

“She’s always looking for ways to help her students,” he said. “She uses a special method of teaching the TPRS and brings fun into her lessons. She’s respected by both students and staff.”

Berg plans to continue exploring her love for French culture, traveling with friends and furthering her studies at Delta College. While she may be leaving the classroom, her impact will remain carried on by the students and colleagues whose lives she touched. 

As she looks ahead to retirement, Berg’s message is simple, stay curious and take learning seriously. She encourages students to stay involved and ask for help, while reminding teachers of the importance of what they do. After 36 years in the classroom, she reflects on how quickly it all goes by, making every moment count.

Berg has a lot of fond memories to look back on. From trips to France and Mardi Gras, costumes and festivals. But mostly, she will look back on the young people she’s worked with. “I love the interaction with students, just talking with them, making connections, and I made lifelong friends.”