The Minnesota Wild is dedicated to helping teachers, students, and parents continue to focus on education during these uncertain times. During the month of May, the Wild will unroll various educational initiatives focused on assisting with distance learning for students of all ages. These projects will allow students at home to stay engaged and excited about learning.
Wild University is an online high school level curriculum created to teach high school students about the various business components of live sports and entertainment. Presented by employees of the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy Center, students will learn about the variety of occupations and skills needed for a career in the sports and entertainment industry. Each month, leaders representing different departments from throughout the organization discuss their respective areas of expertise with students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
The Minnesota Wild, in partnership with EVERFI and the NHL's Future Goals Program, honored the following Minnesota teachers as our Teachers of the Month during the 2021-2022 academic year:
New Code Academy
Bloomington, MN
Sheila Berg is a Health and Physical Education teacher at New Code Academy Middle School, a Computer Science focused online school available to Minnesota students. She is a certified teacher for over 20 years which includes 12 years of virtual teaching, learning, and educator training. As an Adjunct Professor, she taught Health and Physical Education classes for a private Minnesota university and has a B.S.Ed. in Physical Education from Minot State (ND) and a M.Ed. from Bemidji State with a focus on Health Education and I also earned a Certificate in Online Teaching. A few of her caring and fun teachers instilled a love of learning in learning and that love for learning led Sheila to become a teacher...and a continual learner! Her belief that education is the most powerful tool we can possess and her goal to instill a love of learning in her students. Her favorite teaching moments are all the little "a-ha's" that happen when a students grasp a new concept! Outside of teaching, she serves as a Community Board Member for YMCA Camp Warren, and has been a volunteer at Dress for Success Twin Cities working with women who are striving for economic independence, and keep the Bloomington Alpine Ski team website updated as a parent volunteer.
Who is your favorite NHL player and why?
My favorite current WILD player is Jared Spurgeon. I watched a "Becoming Wild" episode featuring him this past winter and the words spoken by the coach and teammates were so positive and heartfelt. That is the type of player I want my students to look up to and that everyone should admire; the one that leads by example both on and off the ice.
What is your favorite part of the Future Goals program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?
At New Code Academy, we integrate Computer Science into our curriculum so Future Goals is a perfect fit! Computer Science a blend of the STEM subjects and connecting the sport of hockey with the CS concepts while engaging my online students in interactive learning games is an ideal combination.
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
If I was a hockey player, I see myself playing defense. I would be the one motivated to keep the opponents out of our net while NOT being the one at whom all the shots are aimed.
October 2021
St. Clair Elementary
St. Clair, MN
November 2021
Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School
Hopkins, MN
December 2021
Frazee Elementary School
Frazee, MN
January 2022
New Code Academy
Bloomington, MN
February 2022
Lake Middle School
Woodbury, MN
March 2022
Century Middle School
Lakeville, MN
April 2022
Shakopee Area Catholic School
Shakopee, MN
The Minnesota Wild, in partnership with Junior Achievement, participated in a one-of-a-kind online career fair which provided middle and high school students with equitable access to exploring future career pathways they never knew were possible. Nearly 20,000 students from Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin participated in the expo. Students gained real insight on aligning their interests with career industries, job opportunities and post-secondary education options. You can explore your career path by clicking here.
