DeForest educator named Wis. Special Services Teacher of Year - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) – State superintendent Tony Evers has named Linda Bergh, a school counselor at Eagle Point Elementary School in DeForest, Wisconsin's Special Services Teacher of the Year for the 2012-13 school year.

Evers made the surprise announcement during an all-school assembly. As part of the honor, Bergh will receive $3,000 from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction says Bergh's work with students focuses on building relationships that promote inclusion, accepting differences, and fostering a sense of belonging.  Bergh has also been successful with programs, like Playground Pals, a friendship building initiative for students through volunteer work, and Kindergarten Family-School Connections, an effort to bring families of kindergarten students into the school for social events.