Same Staff, New Roles
Updated: Oct 2
Teachers do more than just teach and this year two Mead staff members are proving just that. From leading student clubs to taking on new responsibilities, these staff members are stepping into bigger roles around the school.
Business teacher Amanda Lee said it was time for her to do more for the school. Knowing that art teacher Courtney Buelt, who had been in charge of Mead’s student council program for 13 years, had a lot on her plate, Lee took over the club.
“Mrs. Buelt has four little kiddos,” Lee said. “It would be helpful for her to spend more time with them and not have to do all of her school stuff.”
Lee wants to increase school spirit and Mead’s presence in the community. In the process of doing that, Lee is going to add community service opportunities like cleaning up elderly people’s yards.
“I want students to look back and see that not only did they make a difference on their school, but in the community and the people around them,” Lee said.
Another responsibility of student council is hosting homecoming. A couple of changes from previous years will be hiring a professional DJ as well as providing a 360-degree photo booth. The Mead Day’s committee provided the photo booth a couple of years ago.
“The Mead Day’s committee reached out about splitting the cost of the photo booth with us,” Lee said.
Another teacher who looked to improve her school was Spanish teacher and elementary guidance counselor Megan Engel. Engel joined the one-act program as an assistant coach to Lee and took charge of speech as head coach. She was involved in one act as a kid.
“I am thankful to have veteran Mrs. Lee to guide and walk alongside with me,” Engel said.
Engel said she knows the talent she has in her school and is looking forward to watching her students grow in something that isn’t just academics.
Having a memory of a good speech teacher encouraged Engel to follow in those footsteps. Engel said she had different speaking and leadership roles than her assistant coach, Valerie Reiman.
“Ms. Reiman is the expert on the coaching staff,” Engel said. “She was in theater, speech, debate and college plays.”
Not only does speech and one act help students with their speaking skills, but it also gives them the ability to try new things, according to Engel.
“Watching our students grow and succeed (is the most exciting part about teaching speech),” Engel said. “Seeing students overcome the fear and discomfort often associated with public speaking.”
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