One of Scituate High School’s most iconic math teachers is enjoying his last few weeks as a teacher before retiring at the end of the year. Although one of Scituate’s key teachers to the math department, Bernardi didn’t begin his career as a math teacher until later in his life after being inspired by his own experiences.

Bernardi grew up with five brothers and sisters, and was fortunate enough to receive a basketball scholarship to college. Bernardi said, “without that scholarship to begin college, I probably would have not been able to attend college, I was very fortunate…and lucky.” After earning his Master’s degree in engineering, Bernardi worked at General Dynamics in Connecticut for five years before moving to Braintree and working in various engineering and management positions for a foundry company. He would produce parts for items such as military tanks, nuclear submarines, and pump companies.

Overtime, Bernardi realized that his family was better-off than those of his siblings who did not have the same college education. By the time Barnardi was 40 years old, the realization that he had advantages and opportunities due to his education became very clear. That was the point when he knew he wanted to help young people see the importance of being an educated person.

At 52 years old, Bernardi began to seriously plan for a second career in teaching. A few years later, he took the state exams in English and Math for grades 8-12 and went to Bridgewater State for one year to earn his teaching license. 32 years later, after working for many different companies, he was hired by Scituate in 2004 as a math teacher.

Bernardi felt immediately welcomed by the people of SHS, and loved the day to day interaction with people. “Being with students everyday is invigorating. They bring special vitality to school that I get to share in my life. There are so many things happening to us during our time in high school. So when I get the opportunity to laugh with students it’s a great feeling. And I do get to laugh everyday,” Bernardi said.

Although he will miss the dedicated administration, interaction with students, and spirited culture of the high school, Bernardi is looking forward to spending more time in San Diego with his wife, visiting his daughter, son-in-law and their three children. He also hopes to travel more, read more books, and still be involved in math education in some fashion.

Over the years, Bernardi was offered advice that helped him through his career and hopes that young teachers and students feel the same way. “Remember when you wake up in the morning, you see the most important person in your life in the mirror. You are in charge of taking care of that person,” he said.

Department head, Dr. Ekstrom, has had the opportunity to work alongside Mr. Bernardi for the past 10 years. “I hired him, and it was a great decision. He is the perfect example of a gentleman, and for that, he is a great role model,” he said.

Although Mr. Bernardi has made a positive impact on the school throughout the years, we hope that he enjoys this new journey is his life.