'With A Smile On Her Face And Dedication In Her Heart'

CAMPBELL, CA — Great teachers matter. In Campbell we’re fortunate to have teachers like Rebecca Matthews Berry.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Robert Berry, who nominated Rebecca Matthews Berry, of Campbell:

How do you know the teacher?

Rebecca is my wife

What does this person teach?

Rebecca teaches 2nd grade on the east side of San Jose, Ca.

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

Rebecca has been teaching for 31 years. She started her career teaching 1st grade in Missouri. When she moved to California she decided she wanted to make a difference in the lives of kids that didn’t live in influential neighborhoods. She teaches mostly Hispanic students yet doesn’t speak Spanish. The first week of school she tells the kids “I’ll be teaching you but you’ll be teaching me Spanish”. Her class loves that. She also tells them that they will all head to college one day. As a supporter of her schools needs she has brought in $200,000 from a private trust that has bought iPads, provided a science lab, helped re-pave the playground and secured the funds for a expensive copy machine for the teachers. She is now securing the funds for an electronic gate to provide safety to teachers who arrive early or stay late. With a smile on her face and dedication in her heart she has remained a consistent force in teaching kids that school is not only a path towards success in their life but it is also be fun. Ask anybody at her school Aptitud - Mrs. Berry is the best!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

Rebecca makes sure each and every student feels the love and dedication to their success.

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