Markham Bertron knows the demands of the education field. His role as one of SCHS’s current vice principals – the newest member of the team – includes responsibilities that range from disciplinary actions, being an instructional coach and organizing school wide assessments.
With fifteen years of experience in education, Bertron initially began his career in the hopes of being able to mentor students. His interest in mentorship, specifically coaching, was largely due to his past with wrestling.
“When I first got out of college, I wanted to be a firefighter, but I really wanted to coach. I have a passion for coaching wrestling,” Bertron said. “I thought education was the best field so I can coach and teach at the same time. That was part of my motivation to become an educator.”
Bertron earned his teaching credential from San Francisco State University and masters at both National and Arkansas State University. Notably, Bertron holds an undergraduate degree in kinesiology from SFSU.
“I’ve always had a passion for movement, and I’ve always wanted to learn more about that field – biomechanics of movement and all that kind of stuff,” Bertron said.
Prior to arriving at SCHS, Bertron had taught at various public and private schools, including St. Simon Parish and Haman Elementary School. Regardless of where he works, Bertron finds his education career rewarding due to the opportunity to assist students.
“I love helping students achieve their goals, and my goal is to try to build this strong connection, relationship with them,” Bertron said. “I can assist them in achieving their academic or non academic, their extracurricular goals… I’ve always had a passion for just helping people, and that’s why I’ve stayed in this field.”
Bertron credits his career and success mainly due to the influence of his family and his college coach. Bertron developed his self-discipline because of them.
“My mom was a teacher. She retired. And I have a lot of family members that were teachers. But one of the bigger influences was one of my college coaches… he directed me in a great place,” Bertron said. “And he was (a person) that drove me to be persistent, work hard and just grind your way through things.”
Outside of school, Bertron enjoys hobbies that keep him in motion and allow him to spend time with his two sons.
“I exercise a lot. I like to run, I mountain bike, I play golf,” Bertron said. “I have two boys, so my time is spent in their extracurriculars, helping them out at school, so that’s also where my time is directed.”
When not in motion, Bertron also finds joy in being wrapped up in a good read or show. Similarly to his hobbies, Bertron loves to partake in genres that are filled with action.
“I love murder mystery, detective. I would say for TV shows, I (like) a wide variety,” Bertron said. “I love comedies, sitcoms, but I also like action TV shows, or drama.”
Whether it is inside or outside the classroom, success plays out differently for each individual, but for Bertron, he believes in the three B’s.
“First B: Be there – 80, 90% of success is just showing up. Second B: Be on time. And that’s not showing up right on time,” Bertron said. “My third B, and this is the one I always told people is most important: Be ready to work. Three Bs of success: be there, be on time, be ready to work.”
Bertron is a person who is dedicated to his role at school, and he hopes to form meaningful connections with students and staff.
“My main goal, and it kind of goes back to why I’ve got an education, is to try to make as much connections and impact with students,” Bertron said. “My job is not only to support students, but it’s also to support staff members. If I can make connections with people, support them and their needs, then I truly believe I’m doing my job.”