Instructor: Sara Berghoff

Hi! My name is Sara Matisse Berghoff, and I go by Ms. Berghoff—or Ms. B for short. I was born in Southern California and discovered my passion for teaching early on, working as a teacher’s aide in elementary school while still in middle school myself. I went on to begin my career in elementary education and have been a teacher in one form or another ever since—whether it was leading ballet classes for aspiring gymnasts, teaching swimming, guiding students through outdoor education programs, or working as a mountain guide. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Emotional Learning, which deeply informs my approach to teaching. My goal is to support the whole student—fostering not just academic growth, but also empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. My background as a mountain guide and outdoor educator has sharpened my ability to teach with patience, clarity, and adaptability. I pride myself on meeting students where they are—whether they’re just beginning or ready to take things to the next level. This philosophy carries into the classroom as well. As a former elementary school teacher and current ELA instructor, I aim to foster curiosity, confidence, and independence in my students through engaging lessons, thoughtful discussion, and a safe space to grow. I'm excited to bring both my academic and real-world teaching experiences to 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts, helping students not only master the material but find their own voice in the process