IUS principal makes third time a charm

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Incirlik Unit School students can expect to see a new face in the principal's office.

Alice Berard, an Air Force brat, has first-hand experience with attending Department of Defense Dependents Schools and hopes to continue the legacy of providing a quality education to students.

"I was in Ramstein Elementary School as a student way back when," Berard said. "I remember those days fondly."

Berard began her journey to becoming a teacher after her father retired from the Air Force in California. She began pursuing a degree in marine biology, but after getting married she decided she wanted a career that could take her anywhere.

"My husband at the time was working overseas and doing a lot of traveling for his job," Berard said. "I thought teaching would probably fit the billet better if I wanted to travel with him."

Berard decided to go into DoDDS for travel opportunities and as a way to follow the family tradition of military service. Both her parents and seven out of nine siblings either joined the Armed Forces or married a service member.

"[The military] has been a great opportunity for my family members," Berard said.

Five countries and 21 years later, Berard is excited to come back for her third stay in Turkey, and her second time at IUS, but this time as a principal. Her first time in Turkey was as a second grade teacher in IUS. Four years later she was back in the country as assistant principal in Ankara.

"I've spent six years previously in Turkey. I like the culture. I like the people," Berard said. "I've been at Incirlik Air Base, it's a great community."

Ms. Berard says she plans to continue offering students a challenging curriculum and providing activities and services to help make them well-rounded individuals and enjoy their time at Incirlik.

"I'm just glad to be back," Berard said. "I have an open door policy. I'm ready to listen to people. I'm just glad to be able to have the opportunity to lead a school."