January 24, 2014 -- The Chicago Bulls and Kia Motors are proud to bring back the Kia Educator of the Month program, which recognizes a Chicago Public School (CPS) teacher for their hard work and achievements in the classroom. The January Educator of the Month is Chris Berglind, 3rd grade teacher at Richard H. Lee Elementary School, located in West Lawn, who will be recognized at Friday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I’m so excited and humbled to be honored as the Kia Educator of the Month,” said Berglind. “I work with wonderful teachers, respectful students and a hard working administrative staff. I continue to learn from those around me and am inspired by the students every day.”
Berglind has been teaching for 16 years, spending the last 10 years at Richard H. Lee Elementary School with an emphasis on 3rd grade. She continues to encourage her students to have confidence, work hard and develop a love for reading and learning. Berglind most enjoys connecting with old students of hers and hearing how they’ve continued on to college or other professions and trades.
“Growing up, my father was a baseball and basketball coach and served as a role model not only to me, but also to those that he coached,” said Berglind. “He always encouraged me to have patience, fairness and to have fun with the students in her class, and I carry that with me every day.”
As part of the Bulls’ commitment to actively improve and raise awareness around youth education, the organization joins Kia in recognizing one teacher a month at a home game during the 2013-2014 regular season. Each honoree receives two tickets to a home game, an official Kia Educator of the Month award, Bulls and Kia promotional items, a teacher profile on Bulls.com, and $1,000 to be used for classroom supplies and improvements.
The Kia Educator of the Month is open to elementary school teachers in the CPS system. Teachers can be nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, administrators and parents. Please visit Bulls.com/community to download an application.