Dr. bob Berk
Dr. Bob Berk has earned the reputation for navigating complex systems with kindness, efficiency, and deep understanding. This interest began early on as his Ph.D. dissertation explored the gap in achievement between black and white students in high poverty schools. Upon founding Cypress Academy, he led a team dedicated to creating a school that exemplified the best educational practices of a child-centered school, inclusive of a variety of learning styles and needs.
Cypress - and Dr. Berk - quickly gained a strong reputation for their work with students with special needs. Indeed, families of students with special needs who transferred to the school frequently commented as to how they had finally found a home within public education in New Orleans. Additionally, with Dr. Berk’s approach to meeting the needs of every student with excellence, Cypress quickly became one of only 16 schools in New Orleans that beat the statewide average on LEAP tests, as measured by the percentage of students at mastery or higher.
Due to the quick success that Cypress Academy achieved, Dr. Berk has been asked to serve on a variety of different working groups in the city. These include:
Bob has a tireless devotion to assure all students - no matter their background - have access to high quality public education. His work exemplifies that getting to high quality requires the dedication of team of adults focused on getting it right - one student at a time. Regardless of the exceptionality, Dr. Berk’s presence on a collaborative team leads to better outcomes for students.
Dr. Bob Berk received his BS from the University of California at San Diego, his M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. Bob served as Head of School at Akiva Community Day School in Nashville for five years. He has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt, teaching quantitative research methods. Following his time at Akiva, Bob spent five years leading Community Day School prior to founding Cypress Academy.
In his work, Dr. Berk has focused on the quality of instructional programs, as well as on creating a vibrant school community for students, teachers, and parents alike. In addition, he is passionate about creating programs in social action and continuing education for both parents and alumni. Before beginning his career in educational leadership, Bob taught for 4 years in both private schools and public schools in the Cincinnati area. During his last year of teaching his students were honored as Hometown Heroes by Fox News for their ongoing work in social action.
Cypress - and Dr. Berk - quickly gained a strong reputation for their work with students with special needs. Indeed, families of students with special needs who transferred to the school frequently commented as to how they had finally found a home within public education in New Orleans. Additionally, with Dr. Berk’s approach to meeting the needs of every student with excellence, Cypress quickly became one of only 16 schools in New Orleans that beat the statewide average on LEAP tests, as measured by the percentage of students at mastery or higher.
Due to the quick success that Cypress Academy achieved, Dr. Berk has been asked to serve on a variety of different working groups in the city. These include:
- Loyola University Quality Enhancement Plan Community Advisory Board for Collaborative Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities
- Xavier University of Louisiana, Division of Education and Counseling, Advisory Council Member
- Orleans Parish School Board Special Education Working Group Member
- EnrollNOLA Advisory Committee
- Citywide Exceptional Needs Fund Working Group Member
Bob has a tireless devotion to assure all students - no matter their background - have access to high quality public education. His work exemplifies that getting to high quality requires the dedication of team of adults focused on getting it right - one student at a time. Regardless of the exceptionality, Dr. Berk’s presence on a collaborative team leads to better outcomes for students.
Dr. Bob Berk received his BS from the University of California at San Diego, his M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. Bob served as Head of School at Akiva Community Day School in Nashville for five years. He has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt, teaching quantitative research methods. Following his time at Akiva, Bob spent five years leading Community Day School prior to founding Cypress Academy.
In his work, Dr. Berk has focused on the quality of instructional programs, as well as on creating a vibrant school community for students, teachers, and parents alike. In addition, he is passionate about creating programs in social action and continuing education for both parents and alumni. Before beginning his career in educational leadership, Bob taught for 4 years in both private schools and public schools in the Cincinnati area. During his last year of teaching his students were honored as Hometown Heroes by Fox News for their ongoing work in social action.