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Detailed Biography for Tullio 'Til' Bertini |
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This information is provided by the candidate | ||
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Detailed Biography for Tullio 'Til' Bertini |
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This information is provided by the candidate | ||
I have been a proud resident of San Mateo County since 1946. I have been continuously involved in education since then as a student, teacher, administrator and Trustee, for a total of 51 years.
I graduated from South San Francisco High School in 1948, then attended San Mateo Junior College (now College of San Mateo), San Jose State University and finally San Francisco State University. As the only child of a widow, I had to work to support the family from age 16, when I was a junior in high school. While working as a dishwasher and a grocery clerk to support my mother and me, I ultimately graduated from San Francisco State University in 1955 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts and subsequently earned a General Secondary teaching credential and a Master's Degree in Industrial Technology. In 1956, I began my 34-year teaching career, teaching Industrial Arts at Capuchino High School in San Bruno. A few years later I received a General Administrative Credential.
As a member of the Capuchino faculty, I taught a variety of subjects, such as Metal Shop, Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Photography, Electronics, Italian, and Cooking. I was also involved in coaching football and golf throughout those years. I was active in the California Industrial Education Association and became President of the San Mateo County Chapter in 1960.
I specialized in electronics and taught electronics part-time in the evening program at the College of San Mateo (CSM). As an instructor, it was very satisfying to return to the Community College system that had provided me with such valuable educational opportunities as a student many years before. Eventually, I taught full-time in the Electronics Technology program at CSM, from 1980 to 1984, filling in for faculty that been assigned to a special State of California project. In 1984 I became a part-time Assistant Principal at San Mateo High School, then in 1985 became a full-time Assistant Principal at Burlingame High School. I retired from that position in June of 1990.
I also became active in the City of Millbrae. In 1974 I founded the Second Fire Station Bond Committee, attempting to complete construction of a second fire station in the city. At the same time I also ran for the City Council. I was elected to the City Council and was successful in passing the bond issue by a 70% majority. I was re-elected to the Council in 1978, and served as Mayor during that year.
In 1982 I decided not to run again in order to devote more time to my wife Jeanne and my sons Robert and Bill. In 1984 I was appointed to the Planning Commission and remained a member until I was elected to the San Mateo County Community College Board of Trustees in 1989. As a Trustee, I have had the pleasure of building strong relationships with students, faculty, administration and staff. Having been a student and an instructor in the San Mateo County Community College District, I have gained a unique perspective as a Trustee.
I have been married for 42 years and have two sons. My wife Jeanne has been an elementary school teacher, and most recently has been active as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor. Our son Robert graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a civil engineer and is currently at U.C. Berkeley working on a Ph.D. degree in transportation engineering. Our son Bill graduated from UCLA with a degree in theater, film and television and is working for Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
I had the unusual experience of spending World War II in Italy as a child. My mother and father immigrated to the United States from Lucca, Italy, in 1920 and settled in Boston. My father became a chef and my mother was a seamstress. In 1939, when I was 9 years old, we went to Italy during the summer for a vacation. Two weeks after we arrived in Italy, my father had a life-threatening heart attack. Because of my father's fragile condition, we had to remain in his native village until 1946. While in Italy, I attended elementary school, learned Italian, lived under the Fascist regime and under occupation by Nazi troops. Eventually we were liberated by the U.S. Army's all Black 92nd Infantry Division, the Buffalo Division, in September 1944. We returned to the United States in February 1946 on a refugee ship, came to South San Francisco with three suitcases, very little money, and were very happy to be back in America. My father died in August 1947, leaving my mother and I to fend for ourselves. I am now writing a book, titled "Trapped In Tuscany," recounting my experiences in Italy during World War II. These experiences have shaped my belief that this is the land of opportunity. I am proud to be a Trustee in a District made up of countless people that work hard to provide educational opportunities to a diverse community of students.
I have dedicated my life to education, as a teacher, administrator and as a member of the Board of Trustees. I continue to believe that education is the most important issue in our society. We must strengthen our commitment to quality education that is accessible for all of our citizens. With my experience and knowledge, and with your vote, I can continue to be a leader in our community.
