Madeline Michel, Theater Director, Monticello High School
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The hours are exhausting, especially as I get older. Sometimes I work seven days a week for 12 hour days.
What’s the most common misconception about your job?
That somehow theater is for a stereotypical select few students. Theater should be, can be and is for everyone across all socio-economic groups. At Monticello, our drama crew is a diverse, vibrant and ever-expanding pastiche of multiculturalism.
Where do you see the teaching field in 5 years?
Unfortunately, unless things turn around, I see more packets and PowerPoints and less creativity. But there are some folks out there trying to change policy, so I remain hopeful.
What outside experience prepared you best to become a teacher?
I used to do stand up comedy in my youth. Subjecting myself to possible humiliation on a weekly basis taught me to take risks, have confidence and make my delivery quick and funny!
