Teachers Telling Stories
Posted by Sylvia Ewing on 5/29/2008
I was laughing aloud at my desk, reading a script from Robbie Telfer – who candidly shares his story of losing his cool, while trying to be waaay too cool – as a student teacher in Central Illinois. On June 1st at 3pm, we’ll hear from Robbie and other teachers as part the Traffic show Teacher Tales : Stories from the Frontlines. The show is the brainchild of Dr. Robert Boone, a respected educator, writer and founder of Young Chicago Authors.
Many of our strongest memories come from the classroom, and some of our best storytellers are educators. Robert says he wants to remind us of teaching’s human side. Stories come from many different perspectives and life stages: we’ll hear from teachers at a prestigious private school; a juvenile detention center, and much more. The show also includes work created by my young friends at Curie Youth Radio.
Robert says that teachers are performers who work for a very tough audience. He adds that teachers have “Too much work, too little time, and bad bathrooms.” But it is a calling heard by many, including my daughter Eve, who is about to graduate from the University of Chicago. Why on earth would anyone want to do it? I understand a little better thanks to these stories.
The Traffic season and the school year are coming to a close at the same time, and this seems a perfect end to a season dedicated to examining what it means to be an American.
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
Teacher Tales was an extraordinary event. All thirteen storytellers kept our rapt attention with strong narratives that were either hilarious or profound (and oftentimes, both). The event was beautifully organized and paced. All praise to Bob Boone, Sylvia Ewing and their collection of passionate educators.
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
It was a terrific show: great stories, perfect mix of laughter and tears, interesting combination of storytelling personalities, tightly done, just the right amount of
time, clever bells and music, lovely extra stories in the book.
My personal favorites: Idris Goodwin — wow. I am his newest greatest fan, and “I Am Not a Homosexual” funny and emotionally precise.
Wonderful direction from Sylvia Ewing. Thank you for the great afternoon.