Bethany Berghofer

Intermediate and Middle School Art Teacher

Bethany Berghofer is the Intermediate and Middle School Art teacher at Heritage. Her journey to this role is a story of faith, perseverance, and divine timing. After graduating from college, Bethany met a principal at a Christian school who invited her to interview for an art teacher position. She accepted the role and taught art for a year and a half, but despite her talent, she felt uncertain about her calling. "In college, I had a list of reasons I shouldn't be an art teacher," Bethany recalls, and for years, she ran from that call. However, in 2022, while working at a charter school in Indianapolis, Bethany received an unexpected email from Heritage Christian School, a place she had dreamed of being part of throughout her entire school career. "I almost cried," she says. "I told the principal and vice principal when I interviewed that it felt like I was interviewing at Google (the best of the best)." Bethany now reflects, "I have felt so blessed and proud to be part of this incredible school. I ran from God's call on my life for years, yet He still brought me to my dream job at my dream school."

Bethany holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University, where she focused on art, taking a variety of classes to broaden her skills. In her classroom at HCS, she strives to create a "safe, productive, and creative space for students to learn and grow their artistic expression." For her, art is not just about creativity; it’s about helping students express themselves, which she believes leads to personal growth, a positive school environment, and, eventually a better community.

Faith plays a central role in Bethany’s teaching. She has a classroom theme verse prominently displayed and incorporates a "Weekly I Am Challenge," encouraging students to reflect on their identity in Christ through their artwork. "I try to encourage Biblical themes in their discussion and expression of art," she says.

Bethany has always felt a strong connection to Heritage, having known alumni and dreaming of being part of the school herself as a student. Now, her favorite aspect of working at HCS is the supportive community of believers—staff, faculty, parents, and students—who all work together to create an environment rooted in Christian values.

One of the most rewarding experiences for Bethany has been seeing students who initially resist art or struggle in her class begin to open up, excel, and find value in their creative expression. Outside of school, Bethany enjoys spending time with her husband and dog on the west side of Indianapolis. She loves creating art, crafting, and immersing herself in music and books. A fun fact about Bethany? She can sing with her mouth closed—a quirky talent that never fails to entertain!