Teaching Is My Art: How Teaching Makes Me a Better Artist by Madison Finney

“Those who can, do; those who can't, teach."  

I’ve always hated that quote.

In addition to George Bernard Shaw who originated this quote in the play Man and

Superman, I’ve heard people throw this sentiment around for as long as I can remember. No

matter how they said it, the message was always clear: If you cannot be successful as (insert

profession here), you can always teach it instead. Dont, worry! Teaching can be your back up!

Oh, they don’t do that anymore, they teach now. You’re teaching? So you’re no longer chasing

the dream? Why do we assume teaching is the antithesis of following the dream? Why do we

assume teaching is a form of giving up? Why do we see teaching as an alternative for those who

cannot “make it” in their chosen career? Why don’t we see teaching as an extension of the art

and profession we love so much, or the ultimate showcasing of expertise and ability in a chosen

field? As someone who finds freedom and a truer understanding of my artistry through teaching,

I have to strongly disagree.

Throughout history, scientists, philosophers, artists, and researchers have used their

work to educate and inspire others. Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates were all teachers who used

their philosophies as tools for education. Lee Strausburg, Stella Adler, and Uta Hagen were all

actors and directors who used their knowledge and expertise to teach others how to create

honest work. Even Albert Einstein was a passionate advocate for independent thought in

classrooms and used his research to teach and educate young scientists. Einstein didn’t go into

teaching because he was ready to give up on his dreams. He knew, as an expert in his field, he

had a responsibility to share his knowledge with younger aspiring scientists who would continue

the work he started. And while I never personally got to ask Einstein his thoughts on teaching, I

think he would agree that his impact as a scientist was commensurate with his impact as an

educator.

As a theatre educator and teaching artist, my teaching and my artistry have always

informed one another. I cannot be an educator without my artistry. Were it not for my real

world experiences as a professional performer, I would not be able to provide my students with

the same kind of informed musical and play experiences. I deeply understand the creative

process due to my own process as an actor, therefore I can bestow that same level of dedication

and curiosity to my students. I cannot make art without the experiences and values I have

gained as an educator. I can lead with patience and compassion while facilitating an efficient

and person-centered rehearsal space. I have also cultivated the skills to effectively communicate

and adapt to change. The more I do this work, the less rehearsal spaces and classrooms seem to

differ.Every time I step into a classroom and create art with students, I see so clearly how my

artistic work feeds into my pedagogical work. Perhaps that is why the Teaching Artist profession

is rapidly growing– artists are seeing the importance and benefits of sharing their virtuosity with

young people. We wouldn’t be the performers, artists, musicians, dancers, or visionaries we are

today if it weren’t for the educators that helped us along the way. I have never once felt like I was

giving up my dreams by becoming a teacher. If anything, it has felt like I have found the missing

piece in my artistry that now makes everything work together. I feel more inspired to explore

creatively, more energized to go and invest time in my art. I have become the fullest version of

myself artistically because of my work in educational spaces.

So maybe the phrase should be “Those who can do, should teach.” 

That way those who are passionate about their dreams also find space to share that with students in classrooms. Then, students see that they never have to sacrifice their passions to choose an alternative– they can be everything and more. And, most importantly, people will no longer question the impact, validity, and passion of educators.