Title: Retired Science and Music Educator
Company: Salish Kootenai College
Location: Polson, Montana, United States
Charles Bertsch, Retired Science and Music Teacher at Salish Kootenai College, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Science and Music Teaching.
A career that spanned more than four decades, Mr. Bertsch demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in various capacities in Montana. Most recently, he served as a science and music educator at Salish Kootenai College from 2013 to 2020. In this capacity, he taught music methods and theory for teachers at the college level, while also teaching physics classes for elementary educators. Additionally, Mr. Bertsch played an instrumental role in developing integrated curricula across subject areas and collaborated with the Lawrence Hall of Science on curriculum development. Apart from his classroom responsibilities, he advocated for wildlife and public lands conservation throughout his tenure.
Before his work at Salish Kootenai College, Mr. Bertsch spent over 20 years as a fifth-grade teacher at Polson Middle School within the Polson School District in Polson, Montana, from 1990 to 2013. There, he was responsible for teaching elementary science and music in self-contained classrooms and organizing classroom band performances. Mr. Bertsch’s approach emphasized the integration of multiple disciplines to create a cohesive learning experience for students.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Bertsch dedicated just over a decade as a science teacher at Thompson Falls Elementary School in Thompson Falls, Montana, after initially refining his expertise as a sixth-grade science teacher at Hardin Elementary School in Hardin, Montana. Across every position, his ability to develop engaging curricula and foster meaningful connections with students distinguished him among his peers.
Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Bertsch faced significant challenges due to limited resources resulting from budget constraints in public education. Notably, he encountered students with diverse needs and successfully developed innovative strategies to engage them effectively. One notable example involved supporting a student with autism by using creative role-play based on popular culture references to facilitate communication and social growth.
A defining aspect of Mr. Bertsch’s career was his partnership with the Salish and Kootenai tribes in Montana. Through their Real Initiative Systemic Program, he participated in monthly meetings with other educators to develop curricula that addressed current issues while honoring Native American traditions and tribal law. The tribes’ sponsorship of science programs and funding for professional development transformed Mr. Bertsch’s approach to culturally responsive teaching and deepened his understanding of the importance of inclusivity in education.
Mr. Bertsch holds both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and general science, with honors, and a master’s degree in elementary education and general science from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, in 1977 and 1993, respectively. These academic accomplishments provided him with a strong foundation for his teaching career and enabled him to develop innovative curricula that bridged scientific concepts with practical classroom applications. Beyond his degrees, Mr. Bertsch received K-8 teaching certifications, which allowed him to teach across multiple grade levels throughout his career.
Memberships in organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace International and the Sierra Club reflect Mr. Bertsch’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship alongside his educational endeavors. In retirement, he also engages in other initiatives, such as attending public land hearings and maintaining membership in the Polson Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Mr. Bertsch continues to contribute as a board member of Mission Valley of the Arts, where he maintains grounds and mentors local youth through hands-on projects, such as landscaping work.
Mr. Bertsch’s contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades. Among these honors was the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching presented by United States President Barack Obama in 2008, a distinction awarded after a rigorous selection process that began with winning the Montana Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching at the state level. Additional recognitions included Excellence in Montana Mathematics Education from MCTM in 1988, Teacher of the Year from the Polson Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and Educator of the Year from Salish Kootenai College in 2016.
Mr. Bertsch’s greatest professional achievement, however, lies in a mentoring program he established during one summer. Through outdoor activities like backpacking and camping with close to a dozen youth, they explored natural wonders while producing educational videos about wildflowers and geology.
Now fully retired after decades in education, Mr. Bertsch remains committed to maintaining quality of life through personal growth while staying closely connected with family members. He also intends to further develop his property with unique trees that bring him fulfillment. Residing on a reservation in Montana has provided Mr. Bertsch with a deeper perspective on humanity and historical events, allowing him to move beyond unconscious prejudices and develop a better appreciation for diverse experiences and cultures.
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