TETA K-12 Committee
High School Interest Chair
It is time to start another year of school. That usually means a lot of changes. For me, there has been a very big change. The wonderful lady I have worked with for my whole career has left for greener pastures, and gone to another school district. She helped me get started teaching and helped mentor me through the hard first years of teaching. I could never thank her enough for all of her help, guidance and wisdom over the years. We had a wonderful working relationship, and that got me to thinking about other schools with multiple theatre teachers. I have heard the horror stories from people about how thing did not work out, how there was so much fighting and back stabbing. I do not wish any of my fellow teachers to have to teach in that kind of situation, so here are my personal thoughts about how to work with other professionals.
First, there has to be mutual respect of one another. Nothing will work out if you do not value one another as professionals and people. The other person has a degree just like you, and their opinion counts also.
Second, there needs to be open communication. Everything needs to be talked out, and issues resolved right away. Do not harbor resentments, and do not assume that the other person knows what you are thinking or feeling. That is why you need to talk. Really get to know each other, have lunch together from time to time.
Third, divide up the work load according to the talents that you have. Make sure both of you feel comfortable with the jobs you have taken on. Also, be willing to help the other with what they have to do. A job sometimes seems small at the start, but can balloon into something much bigger; in this case, be willing to help out. Always remember that we are doing this for the students, and they must always be our priority. Are they learning from this experience? Are they having fun? Are you and your co-teacher being good examples for them of how to work things out? You may be the only example of compromise they have.
Next, you do not always have to be right or get your way. There are always multiple ways a show can be directed, so be willing to let go and see the other persons point of view. You will both grow from this.
Fifth, try to be forgiving. This goes a long way to keeping harmony in the department. Just like they say in marriage, do not fight and disagree in front of the students. This just causes tension with the students, encouraging them to “take sides”. You really should have all the big decisions made before the rehearsal process gets started.
In conclusion, my most important piece of advice to you is to be flexible; this will always be your number one tool to maintaining good working relationships with others in your department. Always keep the students in mind when it comes time to make major decisions, and whether to say something that will not help the show. Keep negative thoughts out of the process, and you will find that the process will go a lot smoother.