Paradise Valley preschool educator wins Gaydos and Chad’s teacher tribute
Oct 21, 2022, 5:00 PM | Updated: Dec 15, 2022, 12:02 pm
(Photo courtesy of Carole Berkowitz)
(Photo courtesy of Carole Berkowitz)
PHOENIX — A Paradise Valley teacher was named KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad Show’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher winner for September, presented by Your Valley Toyota Dealers.
Carole Berkowitz teaches preschool at Paradise Valley United Methodist Preschool. She has been teaching for over 42 years and shows relentless effort to teach three-year-old kids led to a friend in her complex to nominate her for the $2,500 prize.
“Miss Carole,” as her students call her, postponed knee surgery so she could be in her classroom when the school year started.
“You either love it or you don’t, but it is part of who I am, it’s my life,” Berkowitz said.
“The kids become part of your family. Is your behavior perfect all the time? No. But neither are grown ups. You learn how to talk to them, how to engage with them and how to play with them.”
Berkowitz once gently persuaded a parent that the child needed developmental screening. She was correct and with help, the student is doing well.
During the pandemic when other teachers left the school, Berkowitz stayed because she wanted to be with the children.
When asked what she would theoretically do with the money, Berkowitz immediately talked about how she could help her students and other people with the money. Ultimately she said she wants to go to San Diego.
