Special Education Teacher Email Phone: 414-747-3659 Dear Parents and Guardians.
My name is Lee Bernfeld and I was recently made the new Lead Teacher for the 9th - 12th grade Intellectual Disability Program at St. Francis High School. I wanted to take a minute to tell you a little bit about myself.
I was born and raised in Madison; graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education. Right after college I taught for the Peace Corps in Micronesia. Once I returned, I received a job in the school District of New Berlin, where I taught for six years in a full inclusion setting at the elementary school level. At Poplar Creek, in New Berlin, I was on the PTO board, coached middle school wrestling, chaired multiple leadership teams, and helped implement the Peer Mediation program.
Last year I came into the School District of St. Francis where I taught 8th grade at Deer Creek. While there I began the Peer Mediation program and was involved in helping to implement PBIS. Beyond the school setting, I am also a board member for the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin Family Services. Through them, I currently provided assistance and support to individuals who need help with daily living skills and respite care. I am also enrolled in the UW-Milwaukee Graduate program for Exceptional Education, with a Graduate Certification in working with children with Autism and Transition for Students with Disabilities.
I am incredibly excited to build upon an already very successful program. I am a firm believer that all students can and have the right to learn. I want to focus the program, curriculum and students learning on the Common Core Essential Elements, with daily instruction designed to foster independence, life skills, vocational skills and help all students integrate within their school/community. Within the first year, I also plan to start up a Best Buddy program within the school, as well as, bring in more outside resources to help with vocational and daily living skills training.
Please feel free to e-mail me at lbernfe@sfsd.k12.wi.us for any additional comments or questions!
