I meant to write all summer, but time has a way of escaping
you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about creating meaning in my life
and how that applies to teaching. What
does it mean? And is it applicable at all?
Teachers as students.
I spent this summer – not really teaching, but
learning.
First taking classes with Tectonic Theater and really
allowing myself to breathe moment work.
It was fantastic and working with Moises Kaufman and his team was an
experience that made such an impact on me. It was wonderful to be challenged to
be creative and to think with my talent, my heart and my gut! I was being asked
to think outside the box and create art.
It had nothing to do with pedagogy, but with the development of my
artistic soul.
Then taking a class at the Brecht Forum with Julian
Boal. It was during the heat wave in NYC
and well, I was feeling very oppressed by the heat. But it was inspiring to
hear from Julian how this work was being used around the world-a true reminder
of Boal’s work as an international language of activism.
This year I attended so many fantastic sessions at AATE in
Washington, DC. Inspired by colleagues, new and old, speakers and performances. Inspired to be an artist an educator, and a
participant.
And then I took a few guitar lessons. Nothing fancy, with a
friend who strums. My fingers and I have a long way to go. But I often
wondered, why I didn’t do this sooner. Time?
I am so looking forward to bringing this back to the work
that I do at CCNY – to implant this inspiration in my courses and to share
content with candidates in our program.
But I wonder too, along this journey of inspiration – where is the
meaning? Is it in the work I do, is it in the success of students I teach, is
in the success of collaboration with colleagues, or is it in my heart? As I
begin a new semester it will be interesting to see which way the semester takes
me!
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