Please give a warm welcome to the newest staff addition to the math department, Tex Bertolino! Known by some as Mr. Wonderful, Bertolino has had a history in the classroom. Although his main job was on the river, he was welcomed into substitute teaching several years ago. 

Before becoming a sub, Bertolino was a raft guide for 22 years, owned a wedding cake stand business, and worked in several restaurants. He earned a degree in recreational leadership and christian ministries, which provided him with helpful insight into teaching and supporting his students. 

Bertolino thinks that although teaching can be more work then being a sub, he enjoys forming relationships with his students. After working with Young Life for several years, Bertolino realized he had a passion for helping students grow into young adults. 

His main goal is to, “just work with the kids who are struggling and really try to help them conceptually understand algebra using different methods,” and hopefully create a good learning environment.

It all started in Mr. Goetz’s 7th grade Eastern Hemisphere classroom, where Bertolino had a long-term plan. From there, he worked in 7th grade math, 8th grade science, and then finally settled in as the math interventionist at the middle school for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. 

Bertolino really appreciates the “a-ha” moments, and the progress and growth of his students. Some of his goals include having all of his students understand and pass the class, and getting to know the kids better. He enjoys the challenges that come with teaching, like when a student doesn’t understand a topic, and how he can help them. 

When Bertolino is faced with a lot of grading and lesson planning, he likes to reflect on the things teaching has helped him with and how much happiness it brings him to see his students’ faces shine when they step into his classroom every day.

Salida High School is proud to announce Tex Bertolino as a new staff member and teacher in the community.