Lisa Berg, an educator with an illustrious career spanning 30 years, has left her mark on the field of education. Originally from Missouri, Lisa worked as an elementary teacher and part-time instructional coach, dedicating her efforts to shaping the minds of students in three different school districts—Ozark, Bolivar, and Nixa.

Her journey extended beyond traditional classrooms as she also contributed to the academic growth of aspiring teachers, providing adjunct teaching for those pursuing master’s degrees at Southwest Baptist University. Lisa’s dedication to education and her wealth of experience eventually led her to a new chapter in Abaco, Bahamas.

Lisa’s journey to Abaco started after she and her husband, both retired educators, felt a calling to Haiti, where they served for 2 years together. After multiple trips and divine guidance, they were eventually led to Abaco, where they became involved in the ARK Program. Lisa’s commitment to education transcended borders, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact on students’ lives.

In Abaco, Lisa’s daily routine revolves around providing crucial support to students. Mornings begin with helping students select books based on their reading levels, a vital step in fostering a love for reading. Classes are conducted in a library setting, creating an engaging and interactive environment.

The ARK Program focuses on essential phonics and reading skills for identified students, ensuring they receive personalized attention to close learning gaps. Lisa’s afternoons extend to assisting high school students with their homework by leveraging technology and resources to enhance their learning experience.

Addressing the challenges faced by students who missed extensive school time, Lisa emphasizes the critical role of foundational knowledge in math and reading. The ARK Program, through targeted interventions, aims to rebuild these foundations, enabling students to progress confidently in their academic journey.

Lisa recognizes the broader issues affecting students in Abaco, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from hurricanes, English as a second language (ESL) considerations, and the unique circumstances of undocumented Haitian students. She emphasizes the need for holistic support to address not only academic gaps but also the social and emotional aspects of learning.

Lisa’s dedication to the ARK Program is rooted in the belief that every student can succeed. Witnessing students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and experience success in reading and math brings immeasurable joy. The program has received approval and support from Abaco’s educational authorities, raising hopes for expansion to other schools and furthering its positive impact.

Beyond academic achievements, Lisa hopes that the ARK Program instills in students the belief that there’s nothing wrong with them, fostering a sense of confidence and a love for learning. She envisions a future where the program’s success becomes a catalyst for improved professional development for teachers and increased access to technology in Bahamian schools.

As Lisa reflects on her journey from Missouri to Abaco, she envisions the ARK Program growing and reaching more schools. Her dreams extend to a united effort to provide quality professional development for teachers and equip classrooms with essential technology.

The ARK Program stands as a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of students and contributing to the broader goal of elevating education standards in Abaco. Lisa Berg’s unwavering commitment to nurturing minds and hearts exemplifies the profound impact that a dedicated educator can have on a community and its future.