Berenson's condition improved so markedly that Homans sent her to the elementary school in Andover to teach the headmaster and faculty about the Swedish theory of gymnastics. Berenson made twice-weekly visits to the school. This first attempt at teaching proved so successful that, when Homans learned of a temporary opening due to the illness of a teacher at Smith College, she recommended that Berenson consider it, even though she had not completed her second year. The previous gymnastics instructor had been Grace Watson, another Boston Normal School of Gymnastics alumna who had started there in 1891 to head the Swedish gymnastics program. Miss Watson left Smith in January 1892 as a result of an illness, and died November 24, 1892. Berenson would later be described as a "missionary" referring to her strong support for the inclusion of physical education in the lives of the students. This characterization was intriguing for two reasons: