When walking into room 2122, it is hard to feel blue. With vibrant LEGO flowers bursting from vases, motivational posters dotting the brick walls, and colorful Polaroids dancing across the classroom, the room has an undeniably lively ambiance. The room belongs to a first-year teacher: Coach Amber Brooks. Although Brooks is relatively new to the Ranger family, her school spirit and enthusiasm shines through the bright atmosphere in her room. Her imprint on the school hasn’t stopped there, as Brooks has also been very active and involved on campus.
“I was surprised at how quickly Coach Brooks integrated herself into the Clements community,” head cheer coach and chemistry teacher Katherine White said. “Rather than waiting to get her bearings as a new teacher, she jumped in head first, volunteering herself for everything she could to try to improve our campus community.”
Brooks teaches both AAC Chemistry and Environmental Systems. Additionally, she leads several extracurricular activities at Clements. She is the liaison for the FBISD Student VOICES Advisory Network and coaches both softball and flag football.
“I do believe in taking risks,” Brooks said. “I decided to begin coaching flag football and Student VOICES without knowing much about either program. Taking on those risks lets you be more of a leader on campus. It shows kids that it’s okay to not know what you’re doing but to step into something and give it your all.”
Coach Brooks plays volleyball both in Clements and outside of school. It is one of her passions, and her guidance as a coach has greatly contributed to the team’s success.
“I remember one challenge we faced last season was when we played Ridgepoint,” setter and right side hitter on the volleyball team Natalia Bucasas said. “Their team was very strong and much taller than us. However, this did not stop Coach Brooks from motivating us to do our best. I remember her saying how even though we are smaller, we still can play our game of volleyball and be strong on defense. She told us to play smart and it truly motivated us to shift our perspective of the game. Even though we did not win, we still played very well and saw a different way of succeeding.”
Students in AAC Chemistry are also able to attest to her effective leadership and compassionate attitude.
“Coach Brooks is really patient, empathetic, and compassionate, but she can also be strict and authoritative,” sophomore Eva Matthews said. “This year, Coach Brooks introduced unique and fun labs to the curriculum, like the exploding pumpkin lab and s’mores lab. She makes sure students are always able to understand content.”
Brooks focuses on building meaningful connections with teachers and students alike.
“Coach Brooks places a big emphasis on relationships,” Mrs. White said. “She works hard to make sure she gets to know her athletes and students, and it shows in how they speak to and trust her. She has invited multiple sports, including cheer, to come have a game day with her volleyball team this semester so that our athletes learn to show up for one another.”
As both a coach and teacher, Brooks is extremely spirited. Be it College Wednesdays or Beauty Week, Brooks enjoys sporting fun outfits to support the school.
“I think the biggest thing is that school spirit boosts morale,” Brooks said. “I know when I went to high school, it was very spirit-ingrained. I had a good mentor and coach who participated in all the spirit days, teaching us that it is the duty of a teacher and professional. Participating lets the kids know that I care about what they’re doing.”
Having taught for nine years and finishing her first year at Clements, Brooks loves both teaching and coaching. However, her leadership, influence, and lively personality doesn’t stop there.
“I am first and foremost a mom, and I do a lot outside of school,” Coach Brooks said. “I enjoy cooking and baking. I am all about family. From taking grandma to gardens to building LEGO creations with the kids, I love spending time with the family.”
As Brooks wraps up her first year at Clements, she has already left her mark on the school. Her influence stems from her ability to balance being a good leader and friend.
“Coach Brooks is the kind of friend who is down for anything,” White said. “She is one of the most supportive and thoughtful people I have known. If Coach Brooks was an organic molecule, I think that she would be oxytocin. Oxytocin is the chemical in our brain that is associated with human bonds – friendships, trust, loyalty, etc. Building relationships is what Coach Brooks is all about, so I think this molecule is perfect for her.”
