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Biographical Information

Alice S. Bertels is a gifted facilitator at Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka, where she currently works part-time leading small group instruction in writing, art and history through project based learning. Bertels has been active in facilitating students to enter the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Discovery Award, where four different groups of her students have been selected for this prestigious international award. Bertels is also the author of the highly acclaimed book, John Steuart Curry: The Road Home, about the Kansas artist. Previously, Bertels employed her expertise in Deaf Education to teach Deaf and Hard of Hearing students Grades K-6 and then shifted her focus to the general classroom, teaching  fourth graders at State Street Elementary School in Topeka.

Personal Message

During the Fall of 2017 I transitioned from working full time to part- time. I currently serve as mentor and support staff for the gifted program in a middle school setting. Presently, this program is carried out in a resource setting with approximately 45 identified students in 7th and 8th grade. Students receive enrichment via individual projects and competitions, as well as via small group instruction and discussion in various academic areas. I am always happy to collaborate/communicate on projects of interest with other educators.

Update (2016): I was named Kansas State History Day Teacher of the Year in 2014. I was selected as a Lowell Milken Fellow in 2015. My students received the Outstanding Middle School Award from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in the Fall of 2016 and, along with Lowell Milken Fellow Lindsey Dowell, facilitated students who received 2nd place in the 2018 Discovery Awards through the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.