Most teachers at McCallum stick to one main role on campus, but Amy Brodbeck is different. Brodbeck is the head volleyball coach, the head of the English department and also the head of student council. Balancing all three jobs can be overwhelming, but students and teachers believe Brodbeck makes it work through encouragement, communication and teamwork.
Faculty in the English department describe Brodbeck as a leader who makes sure everyone feels supported. Fellow English teacher Amy Smith said Brodbeck communicates well and makes things easier for her coworkers.
“She is a very good communicator such as texting the teachers when we need to know things and getting us together,” Smith said. “She is always just super sweet and one of my very good friends.”
Smith also explained that Brodbeck’s leadership style gives teachers the freedom to make choices for their classrooms while also helping them when needed.
“Brodbeck lets us decide what to do in our classrooms, she just helps facilitate it,” Smith said.
Although Brodbeck is new to being the head of the department, the transition has been smooth. Colleagues have noted that Brodbeck has quickly adapted to the new role, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging open communication among team members. Smith maintains that Brodbeck’s style is very team-oriented, emphasizing collaboration and valuing input from all staff. This approach has helped to build trust and maintain morale during the leadership change, ensuring that the department continues to function effectively.
“It’s collaborative,” Smith said. “She always wants to work together or what is something extra we can work on.”
Brodbeck went above and beyond to help new English teachers during the summer according to Smith.
“We have a lot of new teachers so during the past summer she was here at McCallum helping the new teachers a lot of the time,” Smith said. “She has proven herself to everyone that she is willing to go the extra mile to help everyone.”
Brodbeck’s leadership doesn’t stop in the classroom. As head of the student council, Brodbeck also plays a huge role in making sure the different grade-level councils are organized and successful.
Sophomore class president Bella Blanco believes Brodbeck is one of the main reasons things run smoothly. She helps keep students organized and makes sure everyone knows what they need to do, which makes it easier for projects and events to succeed. Brodbeck is always available to answer questions or point students in the right direction, helping them feel confident in their responsibilities. By staying involved, she creates an environment where students can work on their own while still having support when they need it, which helps the student council succeed.
“The primary role that Ms. Brodbeck plays is just organizing everybody, making sure we’re on the same page,” Blanco said.
Blanco’s main goal as class president this year is to make sure fundraisers go well so the class can save up for big events like prom and homecoming. Broadbeck has been very helpful in making that happen.
“Her and our sponsor Ms. Stewart have both been really helpful because they give us outlines on what fundraisers we’re allowed to do and can help us get announcements or supplies ready,” Blanco said. “That’s really helped us reach our goals of making profit.”
Blanco added that students get a real say in their projects, which makes the fundraisers feel more student-led. By allowing students to take the lead in decision-making, they have a greater sense of ownership. This encourages creativity and collaboration, as students are more invested in coming up with ideas and seeing them through, making the events not only more successful but also more meaningful for everyone involved.
“I would say for our class we work with our sponsor and other members. We get to mostly decide what is gonna work for our fundraiser,” Blanco said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a conflict or disagreement.”
Along with English and student council, Brodbeck is also the volleyball coach at McCallum. Her role on the court is just as important as her leadership in other areas.
“It’s tough sometimes because I also have student council, the English department, and teaching, but I’m really proud of the volleyball program,” Brodbeck said. “We’ve got four teams, and I have to be super organized to keep it all together.”
Brodbeck believes her coaching style has changed since she first started. She used to be more tough on her players but has now softened over time.
Balancing three big leadership roles might seem impossible, but Brodbeck has shown it can be done.
“The fact that I have so many responsibilities and I want my program to be successful and it has been successful, you have to be organized, that’s the biggest thing,” Brodbeck said.
