Author’s Note​

Take a moment to reflect on the teachers you have had in your high school career. Are there any educators that stood out to you?

For many students, it is the teachers who go beyond simply teaching the subject—the ones who listen, genuinely care, and help you view the world with fresh eyes. One of these teachers for me was Mrs. Stacy Kolbeck, who teaches Honors English 9 and Journalism courses at BVHS. With 23 years of experience, she makes every student feel welcome in her classroom, no matter who they are or where they come from. Her approach to teaching, whether it's guiding students through novels or helping to improve writing, combined with her down-to-earth demeanor, easily makes her one of my “Top 5” teachers.

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Personal Life and Interests

Born in 1967 in Worthington, Minnesota, Mrs. Kolbeck grew up in a family of five siblings, often playing the role of peacekeeper among her brothers. She cherished her Raggedy Ann doll and Barbies in childhood, finding joy in simple pleasures. High school was a well-rounded experience for her, though English was not always her favorite subject. Her participation in many activities, from basketball and marching band to editing the school newspaper and lifeguarding, made her teenage years busy.

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Music has always been a significant part of her life, and her taste has evolved. From the 1980s tunes of Huey Lewis and the News to the pop sounds of Post Malone, she loves the connection that music provides across generations. “I was first chair trumpet in my high school band,” she adds with a smile. 

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A Career in Teaching

After graduating from SDSU, Mrs. Kolbeck spent several years at Brandon Valley before moving to Washington High School in Sioux Falls for eight years. She also spent time as a stay-at-home mom. Returning to Brandon in 2019, she now reflects on how different her experiences were between the two high schools. The diversity and opportunities at Washington seemed vast compared to the smaller, more intimate setting of BVHS. The change in environment broadened her perspective, but her passion for teaching (and an aversion to school ranch dressing) stood firm.

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When asked why she chose to be a teacher, Mrs. Kolbeck explained that teaching runs in her family, so it initially seemed like a default career choice. However, over time, her love for teaching quickly became evident. Teaching became more than just a job; it became a passion that sustained her through challenges. “I knew that a teacher was the right career for me when I loved going to work each morning,” she shared. 

 

Challenges of the Profession

Despite the rewards, being a teacher also comes with significant challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of her job is her frustration with the social perception of teacher work hours. While teaching may seem like a 9-to-5 job, the reality is the bulk of the work is outside of typical work hours. She often reflects on her past and present students long after the school day ends and how she can be the best human possible for her students. "It is exhausting," Mrs. Kolbeck admits. 

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Decisions, responsibilities, and the emotional baggage that being in charge brings can be overwhelming. Kolbeck practices deep breathing, prayer, and meditation to help cope with the stresses of her life.

 

A Unique Metaphor for Teaching

When jokingly asked what condiment she would be if she had the choice, Mrs. Kolbeck responded with an unexpected but meaningful answer: salt. She explained that salt tenderizes, softens animosity, adds flavor, and preserves. Laughing, she adds: “A little bit of me can go a long way!” 

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This metaphor perfectly encapsulates her approach to teaching—helping to soften tensions, add value, and preserve lessons students need as they grow into adults.

 

Favorite Literary Works to Teach

When it comes to literature, one of her favorite works to teach is To Kill a Mockingbird. She believes the classic novel teaches an important lesson about treating people how they want to be treated and encourages students to keep an open mind. Teaching such classic literature allows her to foster discussions about empathy, justice, and moral integrity—values she hopes her students carry with them far beyond the walls of her classroom. 

 

Closing Words

For Mrs. Kolbeck, education is more than teaching classes at BVHS. She emphasizes the importance of realizing the big picture, encouraging her students to learn from their mistakes, do their jobs well, and enjoy life to the fullest. “It is not my place to tell students how to live their life, but it is my job to support them along the way,” she voiced.

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Mrs. Kolbeck advocates for her students to love who they want to love and be who they want to be, stressing the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity.

 

As a mother of four children, her life is filled with family responsibilities and the joys of watching her adult children spread their wings. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, Denver, playing golf, working out, and spending time with her husband, Steve. Additionally, she is an advisor for the National Honors Society. Although she confesses to not being much of a cook, she loves shopping and exploring new young adult mystery novels.