(KSNI) — St. Cloud Apollo High School’s Mike Berndt has been honored with the American Psychological Association 2023 TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Award.
Berndt told KNSI News he feels fortunate to be recognized. “It was quite an honor to win it because there are some people that have won it that are mentors and role models of mine. So to be mentioned with some of those folks is great.”
He has taught psychology to juniors and seniors at the school for 25 years. In that time, he has had several students go on to have a career in psychology.
Principal Justin Skaalerud says Berndt’s passion for teaching the subject is infectious and shows. “Look at the data of his students. Apollo students who take the AP psych test with Mr. Berndt score higher than the national average year in and year out. Mike’s an amazing part of our school community. Kids are fortunate to have him for a teacher. They score high on the test, but they also build lifelong relationships when they’re in class with them.”
Teaching students in that age group is so enjoyable because “you’re really learning about yourself,” says Berndt. “You’re studying human behavior. Sometimes high school students question the relevancy of what they learn, and that’s never a problem with psychology.”
Berndt was nominated for the award by a fellow psychology teacher.
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