Teaching Philosophy
My mission as a theater and English teacher is to expand and evolve the theatre craft through the use of experimental practices in unconventional locations. I foster cross-generational communication to help share stories of identity, history, and everyday life. I breach uncomfortable subjects to create students who are open-minded and knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects. In my classroom, students are to see their most traumatic experiences with a sense of humor and teach others through their own experiences.
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I feel that the best teaching environment begins with the students. I encourage students to take risks every day, whether they are large or small, and feel comfortable because of the support from their peers and teacher. I often find that students, regardless of whether they attend an urban or suburban school, need their teachers and fellow students to be a support system for any problems that they might have in their lives outside of class. I find that using humor and having a genuine interest in my students creates an atmosphere that allows students to both share or forget their problems. I hold my students to high standards, and I will always advocate for a student’s right to achieve more than what other people think. School is not only about teaching subjects like English and theater, but also about learning morality and etiquette. I run quite a tight ship when it comes to behavior in my classroom. By creating a high standard that is appropriate and achievable for my students, I help students raise their own expectations of themselves.
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I teach theater and English because I believe that these subjects can truly help students function in their own world outside of school. I specifically teach theater because I believe that American theater is currently at a creative standstill, with not much innovation. Theater is mostly taught with an emphasis on acting and older theater practices, with technical and modern techniques not being introduced until students are at university. I teach theater because I believe that students should receive a well-rounded theater education beginning in elementary school, resulting in a new generation of artists who are more adept at experimentation and progressing the art of theater. I teach English because not only is literature and writing a foundation of theater, but a foundation of our everyday lives. It is how we communicate to one another. I want all students, regardless of race, nationality, or social background, to feel like they can adequately express themselves. Accurate and adept communication, whether at a job or as a means of emotional expression, fosters community and respect.
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Most importantly, I believe that with education there must be action. Students should feel that their education empowers them to work or write or vote. My students often work within the community to create bonds so that the information that they are learning has a personal impact on their everyday lives. For example, my students do not just create theatrical performances for their peers and family, but often create pieces geared towards a larger public audience; performances about social inequality, environmental issues, and racial discourse that are meant to effect change. I don’t believe that every student will do grandiose or incredible acts, but I do believe that students can make small, positive changes with a good education.