Add Row 
Add 
Embracing Risk: Lessons from Wicked
In the heart of a chilly January day, the transformative power of theater came alive as I sat enthralled by the musical "Wicked." This production, which revisits the familiar narrative of The Wizard of Oz through the lens of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, resonated deeply with me. The iconic song "Defying Gravity" was particularly poignant, encapsulating my inner turmoil and excitement as I prepared for my first student teaching experience abroad in Australia.
As Elphaba soared on stage, her journey from societal rejection to self-acceptance mirrored the struggles I anticipated facing in my own teaching career. The musical underscored the importance of finding one's voice amidst chaos, a lesson I was eager to explore as I ventured into a classroom. In that moment, I was reminded that education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring others to imagine new possibilities.
The Classroom as a Performance Stage
Stepping into my role as a student teacher in Queensland, I quickly realized that teaching was indeed a performance—a balancing act of engagement and authority. My cooperating teacher exemplified this with her captivating delivery, pushing me to confront my own teaching style. Could I embrace my uniqueness and challenge the expectations set upon me?
This introspection was not merely about pedagogical strategies but about embracing vulnerability and discomfort in educational spaces. Lessons in defiance emerged. I grappled with the question: did I want to reflect the norms of the educational system, or could I push against them? My journey as an educator began to reflect Elphaba’s ideology—not as mere rebellion but as a conscious choice to advocate for impactful, inclusive education.
Redefining Courage: The Path of the Educator
Each lesson, each classroom moment, became an opportunity to redefine courage. Unlike Elphaba, whose defiance was bold and conspicuous, my moments of bravery often felt quotidian and unclear. The privilege I hold as a white, queer educator in a predominantly white institution offered me a safety net that was absent for many. This awareness heightened my struggle with complicity versus defiance. I began to understand that every choice I made was part of a larger narrative, influencing how systemic barriers could be challenged or maintained.
As I navigated through these complexities, an epiphany emerged: courage is not linear. It is fraught with messiness, often leading to missteps and moments of discomfort. Yet, it is in these vulnerable spaces where true growth occurs—just as in Elphaba’s journey, where each note lifted her closer to her true self.
Fueling Future Educators
Ultimately, theatre has an incredible capacity to connect, inspire, and challenge. The journey through "Wicked" illuminated my pathway as an educator, compelling me to invite my students to dream boldly—much like Elphaba did. The lessons I learned transcended the stage and entered the classroom, encouraging me and others to foster environments where dialogue thrives and creativity flourishes.
Write A Comment