Unsung Heroes


Lead teachers are the gatekeepers to these potent arts experiences for young people.


by


CHRISTINA WEAKLAND, Director of Education


If you’ve ever attended a student matinee or seen the school buses lined up outside the Flynn, you may have wondered how schools connect with these magical live performance experiences. The key is a network of committed liaisons that the Flynn calls “lead teachers.” Over 150 teachers a year commit to the role, serving as the main point of contact between the Flynn’s educational programs and their schools. As such, they pass information in both directions: providing input to the education department on how we can best meet their schools’ curricular and logistical needs, and spreading the word at their schools about the various educational opportunities. They are true partners in maximizing the reach and power of arts education to the greatest number of children.


Each May, all lead teachers attend a special season kickoff, wherein we announce upcoming student matinee productions with video clips, curricular connections, and an overall insider’s scoop. Lead teachers also learn about school programs like Words Come Alive! (professional development for teachers), companion workshops (matinee prep for students), and the Vermont Young Playwrights Program. Then, armed with the latest news and matinee brochures, lead teachers head back to school. Within two weeks, hundreds of teachers from over 170 schools have sent in their orders for the next school year’s shows to the ticket lottery, and the student matinee season is off and running!


School teachers are the gatekeepers to these potent arts experiences for young people. We’ve seen schools absolutely surge in attendance when a passionate new lead teacher takes on the position, which has long-lasting effects on the children of their school. The life of a teacher is busy and demanding; we salute our lead teachers for recognizing live performance as a vital and inspiring educational tool, and giving generously of their time and energy to forge connections and pathways to powerful arts experiences.


Frédéric Silberman


New Face at the Flynn


This December, the education department welcomed a new student matinee coordinator, Kianna Jensen. Kianna came to the Flynn from BFA St. Albans High School where she was a Spanish and drama teacher, co-chair of the Spanish department, and head of the drama program. This educator background gives her a familiarity with teachers’ needs and perspectives, as well as with the new Common Core standards, which serves her well in creating matinee study guides. Kianna’s passion for the performing arts is also borne out in her off-work activity; in fact, you can see her on the Flynn stage this April as Eponine in Lyric Theater Company’s production of Les Misérables. Kianna replaces Frances Binder, who is now pursuing a related career and a master’s in library science—if you visit Essex High School’s library, be sure to say hello.


Frédéric Silberman


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