Mandy WhitlockVice President Elect K-12 Board
As the drums of the marching band begin their cadence outside my door, I know the call has been sounded for the first pep rally of the year. I am reminded that time marches on and a new school year is truly in full swing. I marvel at the production that is a pep rally. A fully coordinated band of teenagers that braved the relentlessly dry and hot Texas summer to prepare for this very moment, the dance team, cheerleaders and pep squad that practiced every twirl, lift and yell, and the ROTC that precisely presents the colors, all to amp the team up to reach their goals and tackle the season ahead. After a long hard first week of school, I am ready for a pep rally. I always leave with a smile on my face and I am so proud of all the students. That kind of positive energy makes you feel like anything is possible.
A pep rally is a great motivator and in the wake of change in salaries, stipends, budgets and staffing at your campus, you may be looking for some motivation. Like many of you, I was concerned that the “new normal” of doing more with less would taint this year’s experience and then I got my “pep rally”.
I started the year by asking my Theatre I students to write goal setting haikus. They presented them tentatively on the second day of school and not all of them held to the standard syllable format but each one stirred something inside me.
“ Think, believe, dream, dare
Gain confidence in myself
Don’t care what people think”
“To lose my stage fright
Is what I hope I will do
And have some fun too”
“My mom made me join
Choaked at my first audition
Want to audition again”
“Make new friends in this class
Strive to be the best I can
Enjoy the experience”
“I just want to talk
And express myself with others
While feeling comfortable”
Watching the students perform in class for the first time and simply state their goals, I saw glimpses of their personalities but more importantly, I saw their need. Theatre was where they needed to be and no matter what, I was going to do everything I could to help them reach their goals- Instant pep rally!
Wherever you find your motivation this fall, I hope you know that what you bring to the classroom each and everyday is an answer to the needs of your students. Great teaching is not measured by the size of your budget but in the moments you make with each student. I hope you have a wonderful year! If you are in need of a pep rally for theatre where you can feel renewed and energized, look no further that TETA Theatrefest. We all need a little motivation sometimes and one of the best places to find it is at the sessions taught by your colleagues at TETA Theatrefest. I challenge you to bring your great ideas and motivational lessons to TETA Theatrefest by submitting a workshop proposal. The deadline is Oct. 15. Your friends and colleagues are anticipating the great sessions ahead so don’t delay. Submit your proposal today!