The Truth About Summer

Melissa McMillian-Cunningham
TETA BOD
CEO/President

Ah, summer! I remember an old joke about the three greatest things about teaching being June, July and August. Of course, those of us who love the art of teaching know that isn't the case; we know our work with students in the classroom and in production are the greatest rewards of our profession. Still, most of us are quite joyful and childlike when summer arrives. We throw off the trappings of the regular academic year and embrace the casual, more relaxed pace of summer.

While summer does have its moments of relaxation, the truth is that this is the season when most of us recharge our creative batteries or even take the time to revise or reinvent aspects of our programs. For us lucky teachers (and students) of theatre in the great state of Texas, opportunities abound for the intellectual and creative infusion that is necessary for our continued development as artists and teachers. Throughout the state, colleges and universities are offering courses for us, camps for our students, and abundant summer productions. The UIL Capital Conference is another opportunity for learning. Then there is the big summer event for our membership--TETA's SummerFest 2012, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at San Antonio College on July 13-15, 2012.


I'm always proud of the quality of TETA's K-12 SummerFest: the programming, the networking, the celebration of our art; it's truly a beautiful thing! Here K-12 teachers will find workshops that will enhance their curriculum and their methodologies. Here pedagogy meets both creativity and practicality. I have three words of advice for you: Don't miss it!

Suddenly, summer seems very full and very busy! I hope that you embrace the opportunities for professional and creative growth that abound in Texas educational theatre. Have a super summer!