English
Through a close reading of culturally
sensitive and humanizing literature,
students will develop tolerance and compassion for others. De Smet graduates will be able to think, speak, and write clearly, cogently, and effectively as they enter the world as mature and responsible young men for others. The De Smet Jesuit High School English Department provides a college preparatory curriculum that creates an understanding of the human condition by fostering Ignatian values and ideals through the study of various literary genres.
| Quick Links to Departments | |
|---|---|
| English | Social Studies |
| Mathematics | Theology |
| Physical Education | World Languages |
| Science | Band/Choir/Studio Arts/Theatre |
English Teacher Blog
![Black and white photo of station wagon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1696445024/desmet/zvtkl6dqkeohiz8gwoon/stationwagon12556.jpg","width":2200}])
Locker partners, station wagons, and the courage to forgive and forget -- English teacher Robert Bergman '93 reminds us to cherish lifelong friends.
![Photograph of a furry blue puppet named Grover, from the TV show Sesame Street]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1681403159/desmet/ofwpkageqb8zflxsffks/Screenshot2023-04-13at112416AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1681403159/desmet/ofwpkageqb8zflxsffks/Screenshot2023-04-13at112416AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1681403159/desmet/ofwpkageqb8zflxsffks/Screenshot2023-04-13at112416AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1681403159/desmet/ofwpkageqb8zflxsffks/Screenshot2023-04-13at112416AM.png","width":1140}])
Furry blue monsters, a journey of self-discovery, and overcoming our fear of turning the next page -- Robert Bergman '93 has it all in his latest blog.
![students in De Smet Jesuit Spartan gear take tests in classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1676656275/desmet/lgfxd1gcf12gktlsvglj/testingDayCBecher2022-03-081.jpg","width":2200}])
Young men are tested constantly in today's world. Robert Bergman '93—recent exam proctor for future Spartans—reflects on his high school placement test as well as how young men today pass the larger test of life in his latest blog post.
![white spoon and bowl of soup with broth, carrots and onions; burlap tablecloth]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1669065846/desmet/ff8zv4tf2syqkalar6lt/matzoballsoup2022-11-21.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1669065846/desmet/ff8zv4tf2syqkalar6lt/matzoballsoup2022-11-21.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1669065846/desmet/ff8zv4tf2syqkalar6lt/matzoballsoup2022-11-21.png","width":600}])
Robert Bergman '93 is a lucky man. Check out his latest blog post just in time for a day centered on thankfulness.
![black and white photo from 1990s group of students holding Cliff notes in hallway]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1662134225/desmet/aycunhvvcbmpdw1dnzw0/IMG_2018Cliffnotesinhallway.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1662134225/desmet/aycunhvvcbmpdw1dnzw0/IMG_2018Cliffnotesinhallway.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1662134225/desmet/aycunhvvcbmpdw1dnzw0/IMG_2018Cliffnotesinhallway.jpg","width":768}])
It's high school reunion time and 30 years post graduation for Rob Bergman, Star Wars fan and former punk know-it-all. He has a few bits of wisdom to share.
![Photo of man in wearing a black suit and deacon's collar, speaking into a microphone outside.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1653421518/desmet/et0eumrgda2rypmrvlny/charlesallen.jpg","width":2200}])
In this moving tribute to his dear friend, Robert Bergman '93 reminds us that a smile and a kind word can touch people forever.
![black and white photo, close up of finger pointing toward viewer, blurred person in background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1647892440/desmet/fpl20rhpzg8xz5swy8du/bergmanblogyou2022-03-21.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1647892440/desmet/fpl20rhpzg8xz5swy8du/bergmanblogyou2022-03-21.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1647892440/desmet/fpl20rhpzg8xz5swy8du/bergmanblogyou2022-03-21.png","width":600}])
With one quarter left for this year's seniors, Mr. Bergman looks back over the last few years with profound gratitude.
![black and white photo, dad holds son's hand, blurred market in background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1637615244/desmet/ms95qfvfvfzjnyz6mwjx/062021holdhands.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1637615244/desmet/ms95qfvfvfzjnyz6mwjx/062021holdhands.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1637615244/desmet/ms95qfvfvfzjnyz6mwjx/062021holdhands.png","width":600}])
Teacher and dad Robert Bergman '93 reminisces about parental hand holding and notes the importance of a student's space in a classroom.
![Clear Sight]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1636477382/desmet/de9sfarrefh4po2rtdvy/Bifocalsartwork.png","width":1846}])
![lightning strikes onto mountains in distance, desert landscape in foreground, grey purply sky]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1630340938/desmet/rqix6hbyum6ehb7k9arg/03stormindesertserenity.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1630340938/desmet/rqix6hbyum6ehb7k9arg/03stormindesertserenity.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1630340938/desmet/rqix6hbyum6ehb7k9arg/03stormindesertserenity.png","width":600}])
Inspired by an Arizona monsoon, Rob Bergman '93 grasps the meaning of courage and wisdom and the well-known prayer.
![A young boy and young girl in silhouette, holding hands and jumping at sunset.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1629387369/desmet/exwwxucfsuhspqcu4o93/playsilhouetter.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1629387369/desmet/exwwxucfsuhspqcu4o93/playsilhouetter.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1629387369/desmet/exwwxucfsuhspqcu4o93/playsilhouetter.jpg","width":550}])
"Adulting is difficult, and we often forget the joy of abandoning our uptightness to be free for a few moments and wholly enjoy who we are and who we were." As we adjust to the busier routine of a new school year, Robert Bergman '93 shares an important reminder to allow ourselves moments to just play.
![Ace of Spades held by man's hand, other cards float nearby, dark hooded figure in backgroun]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1621352474/desmet/ixjscntg2hk4yag1j1iy/BergmanGamblerAce.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1621352474/desmet/ixjscntg2hk4yag1j1iy/BergmanGamblerAce.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1621352474/desmet/ixjscntg2hk4yag1j1iy/BergmanGamblerAce.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1621352474/desmet/ixjscntg2hk4yag1j1iy/BergmanGamblerAce.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1621352474/desmet/ixjscntg2hk4yag1j1iy/BergmanGamblerAce.png","width":1600}])
"What have we learned from the past year of struggle and learning if not 'That the secret to survivin’/Is knowin’ what to throw away/And knowin’ what to keep…'” Robert Bergman '93 posts his latest reflection on the right way to play the game of life and what is NEVER a gamble.
![black baseball mitt wrapped in rubber bands next to brown mitt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1617823425/desmet/wykp0y9csbmpncx87t8n/baseballglovemittbergman.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1617823425/desmet/wykp0y9csbmpncx87t8n/baseballglovemittbergman.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1617823425/desmet/wykp0y9csbmpncx87t8n/baseballglovemittbergman.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1617823425/desmet/wykp0y9csbmpncx87t8n/baseballglovemittbergman.jpg","width":872}])
English teacher and Class of 1993 alumnus Robert Bergman breaks in a new baseball glove and reflects on the human connections that occur while playing catch.
![dark photo of crowd with bright orange red glow in upper right corner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1610648968/desmet/xsvdpf6fw0xhmwbzstyn/08peopleCROPcrowdhumanpresence.jpg","width":2200}])
Cleared of COVID but feeling sick, Mr. Bergman worked from home on January 6, 2021. Two things happened that day.
![Two red ping pong paddles with a ball, in front of a net on a table.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1605731900/desmet/ckh25fwxucycrhplhlb2/ping-pong-paddles-net.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1605731900/desmet/ckh25fwxucycrhplhlb2/ping-pong-paddles-net.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1605731900/desmet/ckh25fwxucycrhplhlb2/ping-pong-paddles-net.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1605731900/desmet/ckh25fwxucycrhplhlb2/ping-pong-paddles-net.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1605731900/desmet/ckh25fwxucycrhplhlb2/ping-pong-paddles-net.png","width":1387}])
Robert Bergman '93 invites us to find joy in the memories we hold dear.
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English Faculty
Rob Bergman
Class of 1993
Teacher, Writing Lab Supervisor
MLA, Language Arts, Washington University
BA, English, Rockhurst University
BA, Education, Rockhurst University
BA, English, Rockhurst University
BA, Education, Rockhurst University
Kevin Berns
Class of 1987
Teacher, Mirror & Yearbook Moderator
BA, Media Communications, Webster University
Rob Hutchison
Teacher/LaCrosse Coach/Freshman Soccer Coach/NHS Moderator
MA, English, St. Louis University
MS, Biology, St. Louis University
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
BS, Pre-Med, University of Notre Dame
MS, Biology, St. Louis University
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
BS, Pre-Med, University of Notre Dame
Mike Russo
Teacher/Director of Student Activities/Head Track Coach
MEd, Education, University of Notre Dame
BA, English, University of Notre Dame
BA, History, University of Notre Dame
BA, English, University of Notre Dame
BA, History, University of Notre Dame
Henry Samson
Teacher, Department Chair, Liturgy Coordinator
MEd, Learning and Technology, Western Governors University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
BA, English, St. Louis University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
BA, English, St. Louis University