To kick off the year strong, we have Mr. Kyle Berger answering some burning questions regarding his choice to pursue his career at North Penn.

What is your background? 

I’m a 2003 graduate of the University of Miami. I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism and American Studies. After graduating from Miami, I worked for a few years as a minor league baseball broadcaster before shifting careers to education. I started working at North Penn in 2006 and earned my Masters degree in Secondary Education in 2009. I am currently taking courses through Delaware Valley University to become certified as an administrator.

When you were a student, did you think you’d come back?

Absolutely not! I definitely was not planning on being a teacher, but when the opportunity arose to change careers I don’t think I would have done it unless it was at North Penn. It was one thing to change directions entirely for my work, but knowing the ins and outs of the building since I went here helped my transition enormously.

Main differences between your time as a student & a staffer?

Besides being paid to be here (which is certainly nice), I find myself hoping the day is longer, rather than shorter. What I mean by that is as a student, I remember watching the clock in 8th period waiting for the end of the day so I could get to a sports practice or an event I’d be covering for NPTV. As a teacher, adviser and director of student activities, it seems there’s not enough time in the day. I’m working at my desk in my office after school and all of a sudden it’s 4:00!

When starting your job at NP, were any aspects easier because of your experience there as a student?

As mentioned before, the adjustment was much easier for me with regards to knowing the bell schedule, the geography and layout of the building, emergency procedures, and the names of most people who worked here. That was such a big help in getting comfortable here.

When starting at NP, was anything more difficult or unexpected because of your experience there as a student?

I think the most difficult thing was making sure I made deadlines for submitting grades, paperwork, and so on. As a student, you might be able to take advantage of a “North Penn Deadline” for purchasing prom tickets or turning in an assignment, but as a professional, you don’t have that option.

Biggest change since you were a student?

K-Pod was built during my senior year (1998-99), so I never got a chance to experience that, or the wrestling room. The wrestling room used to be where the weight room is now located – it was a much larger space which meant it was very difficult to get that room hot and lose weight during practice.

Main thing that’s stayed the same since you were a student?

The tremendous amount of success that this school enjoys, whether it’s academic, athletic or extracurricular. This building offered so much to me and my classmates when I went here, and continues to do so today.