Mirror: What is your role at DHS?

Berry: I am a Multilingual Learner Teacher.  

M: How long have you been teaching?

B: I have been teaching in Dedham for 10 years. I started at Avery. I worked at Greenlodge for the past two years. Now I’m excited to be at the high school. Before coming to Dedham, I taught for many years at schools in Boston and Brookline. 

M: Where did you go to college?

B: Suffolk University and Emmanuel College.  

M: What do you like most about teaching?

B: I like witnessing resilience and growth: students show incredible determination and creativity as they develop skills while learning content. As a teacher, I get to see students accomplish remarkable things. I love the moments when concepts click.

M: Where are you from?

B: I was born and raised in the Roslindale section of Boston and still live in Roslindale. 

M: What are your hobbies?

B: I love reading, walking, playing with my mini-bernedoodle, Piper, and hanging out with my daughter’s cat, Toast. One of my favorite ways to relax is scrolling through TikTok, watching Disney influencers. I love seeing them try new foods, ride the rides, and explore the parks—especially when they cover new rides or seasonal parties like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It's a blast, and it lets me live vicariously through their experiences. 

M: What are your pet peeves in the classroom?

B: The clunking of falling Stanley’s is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

M: What inspired you to become a teacher?   

B: Education was literally the dinner table conversation in our house. With my dad teaching in Boston and my mom as a guidance counselor in Newton, I grew up hearing about the impact teachers have on students' lives every day.

M: What is your favorite movie?

B: Gladiator is one of my favorite movies. Maximus is strong, but also deeply loyal and driven by love and justice. I love the mix of action, history, and emotion. What really makes it my favorite is the comeuppance. Watching the villain finally get what he deserves is just so satisfying.

M: What is your favorite book?

B: I have many favorites. Among them are A Wrinkle in Time and the Harry Potter series. I love how both A Wrinkle in Time and Harry Potter celebrate characters who feel different or out of place, then show them discovering their unique strengths.

M: Favorite song? 

B: I have many favorites depending on my mood. Two of my favorites are Losing My Religion by R.E.M. and Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, because my husband is from West Virginia.

M: Favorite apps on your phone?

B: Spotify, NYT Games, Facebook.

M: Favorite food/favorite restaurant? 

B: I love The Capital Grille for filet mignon and Yamato in Norwood for hibachi.

M: Favorite sports team?

B: I love Boston sports! The Patriots and Bruins are my favorite Boston teams because I love football and hockey.