Blaire Brinkman: A Teacher of Our Hearts
by Maddison Day
November 12, 2024With growing concerns of the impacts of depression and anxiety on today's youth, parents are equally concerned about their kids' overall safety and comfortability when they step foot onto school grounds for six to seven hours a day. Luckily, MBHS has many amazing and willing teachers to listen to kids about their concerns and struggles, as well act as a guide to them. Blaire Brinkman is certainly a teacher who makes everyone feel welcomed. Even if you've never been taught by Brinkman, you feel right at home the minute you step into her classroom.
Brinkman lived in Spain for her first few years of life. She describes the beautiful country as “home” and said, “It’s a part of who I am.” She even recounts the fact that Spanish was her native language, and she only learned English after learning Spanish. When she was around six years old, she moved back to California where she spent the rest of her adolescence and adulthood.
Sports were an important factor in her family's lives growing up. “I enjoyed school, but I feel like I was there to play sports. Water polo, soccer, and ski racing in the winter,” said Brinkman. She also brought up the fact that her household never felt lonely, as there was always a sibling to play with. “I was also one of four kids so it was never quiet in my home. I always had someone to hangout with. My dad was one of seven and my mom was one of five. Family get-togethers were always very loud and big.”
Brinkman has always adored teaching and the idea of it. “I used to be the kid who lined up stuffed animals and pretended for them to be students. When I got to high school, I had an English teacher who really understood me. She made us feel very comfortable and seen, that's when I wanted to be an English teacher,” said Brinkman. This highlights her understanding of how truly important it is for students, especially younger students, to have someone crucial in their academic life. It allows for a guide and structure that not all kids have at home or in their private lives.
After high school, Brinkman attended UC Davis and earned her degrees in English and psychology; she then transferred to Cal Poly to obtain her teaching credentials. Brinkman often talks about her love for psychology in her classes. Many of her students view her as excellent at teaching.
Brinkman is also the senior class AVID teacher. When asked about why she wanted to teach AVID, she said, “When I used to teach at AGHS, I never taught AVID but they always asked me to go on field trips with them. I had a lot of AVID students. When I came here our AVID classes were pretty small, but in my second year I was asked to teach freshmen AVID classes.” Brinkman is a prime example of being an understanding AVID teacher, ensuring to close up any opportunity gaps and making sure every kid, no matter their financial or familial background, gets a thorough education.
Another key aspect of MBHS is the everyday fight to make sure that people on campus feel safe and cared for. When Brinkman came to our school, she noticed that we didn't have a GSA, or Gender Sexaulity Alliance, which allows students to run their own safe space and welcome anyone regardless of gender, sex, or sexuality. Brinkman said, “When asked if I would be the club advisor for SAGA, I of course said yes. I feel like creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ and allies is mandatory.” The club now meets every Wednesday in her room, 502. The club is a friendly space for anyone who is wanting to check it out.
Many students know of Brinkman as the 12th grade AVID teacher, or one of Ms. Cherry’s best friends. Some view her as a role model, who exhibits kindness and empathy for all of her students. Or the person who you can come to if you're having problems with your grades. Or maybe even that one teacher who truly makes you feel seen and heard. Mrs. Brinkman is truly a teacher of our hearts.