Bighearted Chandler teacher wins KTAR’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher award
Oct 24, 2019, 4:00 PM | Updated: Oct 28, 2019, 12:12 pm
PHOENIX – A bighearted Chandler special education teacher is the latest winner of KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher award.
Larry Gaydos of KTAR News’ Gaydos in the Afternoon recently delivered a $2,500 check courtesy of Valley Toyota Dealers to Christina Bergstrom at Conley Elementary School.
Bergstrom’s students have severe disabilities and are nonverbal, according to the nominating letter from a music teacher at the school. Her students at times mainstream into classrooms alongside typical students.
“She is such a good person with a big heart for students with disabilities who really deserve a teacher who advocates for them and loves them no matter what their challenges are,” the letter said.
Bergstrom, who works a second full-time job at a respite care facility, is a single mom with grandchildren. She said the prize will go toward medical equipment for her diabetic son.
“Christina could definitely use this honor, not only to help her with finances and medical expenses, but just to let her know that she is seen and that she is cared for tremendously,” the nominating letter said.
“She always put her students and her own children ahead her own needs.”
