Hammers, Drills, and Other Disruptive Learning Tools

Original Worthington Hall on the left with the addition attached on the right

Teaching at Brownell Talbot, a distinguished private college preparatory school grounded in Christian and Judeo principles, was an enriching and transformative experience that deeply shaped my perspective on education and community. The school’s commitment to academic excellence was seamlessly intertwined with a strong emphasis on ethical values, integrity, and compassion, fostering an environment where students were encouraged not only to excel intellectually but also to grow spiritually and morally. Collaborating with passionate educators who prioritized holistic development, I witnessed firsthand how the integration of faith-based principles nurtured a supportive and respectful community. This unique blend of rigorous academics and principled guidance prepared students to become thoughtful leaders and responsible global citizens, instilling in them a profound sense of purpose and a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

Each week, like clockwork, students donned their crisp dress uniforms—polished shoes, neatly pressed shirts, and ties perfectly knotted—as a symbol of respect and unity. With a sense of anticipation in the air, we teachers took on the cherished role of escorting them down the tidy school paths to St. Mathias Chapel. The walk itself acted as a quiet transition from the bustle of the classroom to the serene, timeless space of the chapel. Inside, the soft light filtering through stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the aisles, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection. The weekly service was more than just a routine; it was a moment for students to pause, gather their thoughts, and connect with their community and values in a shared, meaningful experience that enriched their school life beyond academics.

I taught in Brownell Talbot’s oldest building, Worthington Hall, which was a unique experience filled with both charm and challenge. This historic building, marked by its weathered wooden floors and faded walls, carried the traces of many decades, telling tales of numerous students and teachers who had traversed its corridors. Although the vintage ambiance evoked a strong sense of tradition and history, it was evident that Worthington Hall was weary and desperately required modernization. The outdated heating system, squeaky doors, and insufficient lighting created a less-than-optimal educational setting, often challenging the patience of educators and pupils alike. Despite these obstacles, teaching inside those walls offered a distinct warmth—a testament to the school’s enduring heritage. In 2000, efforts began to construct a replica of Worthington Hall adjacent to the original structure. Following the completion of this new building, the dividing walls would be removed, allowing for renovations to the old hall to align it with the new addition.

During construction, the persistent clatter of power tools from the connected site often drowned out my voice, turning what should have been an engaging lesson into a frustrating challenge. Despite the hammering, drilling, and buzzing reverberating through the walls, I playfully continued to speak, moving my mouth and gesturing passionately as if my words were still reaching every student in the room. When the cacophony of construction noise suddenly ceased, I couldn't resist stating, "And that's going to be on the test!" Instantly, a wave of panic washed over the students’ faces, their eyes darting around as if searching for an escape route. Some frantically scribbled notes, while others whispered anxiously to their neighbors, wondering if anyone had heard what they had missed. The tension was palpable, but then, I would give them a cheeky smirk and laughter broke out as they realized I was joking, easing the tension and reminding everyone that amidst the chaos, learning could still be fun and unpredictable.

At the same time Worthington Hall was revamped, Brownell Talbot constructed a new theater, presenting an exhilarating opportunity for me as the drama teacher. Not only was I involved in advising on architectural design, but I also engaged directly in the hands-on process of equipping the theater with crucial set-building tools. With a generous budget at my disposal, I explored Menards’ aisles, selecting table saws, drills, and hammers, and as I recorded each item on the requisition form, my inner tomboy danced with excitement. The prospect of assembling our inaugural set in the new space filled me with blissful anticipation.

In addition to the set-building implements, I also purchased microphones, cords, and headsets, which were essential to bringing my creative vision to life within the practical aspects of theater production. Being so integrally involved in furnishing the theater deepened my understanding of the multitude of details necessary to create an effective and inspiring performance environment. This role allowed me to tailor the venue and its equipment to precisely meet the requirements of our drama program, ensuring that every rehearsal and production was executed with both creativity and professionalism. The integration of teaching, construction, and technology in this project has been a pivotal and influential experience in my career as an educator and in the development of Brownell Talbot's artistic community.

Once the construction on the addition was complete, teaching in the expansive new Worthington Hall classroom was an inspiring experience that blended modern innovation with an inviting atmosphere. The wide carpeted halls echoed softly with the footsteps of eager learners and educators alike. Numerous eight-foot-tall windows flooded the room with natural sunlight, creating a vibrant and energizing environment that enhanced focus and creativity. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an interactive smart board, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a state-of-the-art audio system, my new classroom offered endless possibilities for dynamic lessons and collaborative projects. This harmonious blend of spacious design and advanced technology not only fostered effective teaching but also ignited a passion for learning, making every day in the new building a unique and enriching adventure.

Directing the inaugural production in the brand-new Swanson Theater was an exhilarating experience, particularly because the show was the classic musical, The Music Man. With the help of my high school theater students, I crafted and constructed the sets using a variety of new tools procured from Menards. Equipment ranging from power saws to electric drills enabled us to create the enchanting world of River City in ways I had never anticipated. Once the physical sets were complete, our art teacher, Mrs. Duda, provided beautifully designed paint-by-number backdrops for my fifth and sixth grade drama students to paint. This entire undertaking merged imagination with accuracy, transforming plain wood and fabric into lively and vivid backdrops that reflected the early 1900s ambiance. Seeing my middle school actors performing in front of these sets was profoundly satisfying, as each hammer blow and careful brushstroke seemed to contribute directly to the magic that unfolded onstage.

Besides the new tools and workshop, the theater itself was an impressive showcase of cutting-edge technology, featuring a state-of-the-art soundboard along with a computerized lighting system designed to elevate every show into an immersive sensory event. Intrigued by these advancements, I took it upon myself to learn how to operate these complex devices, immersing myself in manuals, video tutorials, and extensive hands-on practice. Gaining mastery over the soundboard enabled me to adjust audio levels with great finesse, making sure that every soft whisper and powerful crescendo was perfectly transmitted to the audience. At the same time, the computerized lighting system offered creative freedom to develop dynamic lighting sequences and effects that heightened the atmosphere and narrative of each scene. After becoming proficient with these sophisticated systems, I instructed my students on running the sound and lighting for The Music Man. When the night of the performance arrived, the young technicians executed a seamless and impressive production.

Although teaching throughout the construction period tested my patience and perseverance, witnessing the transformation of the outdated buildings into modern, state-of-the-art facilities made every challenge worthwhile. Balancing lesson plans amid the noise, dust, and constant disruptions was undoubtedly difficult, often requiring creative adjustments and a flexible mindset. Yet, as the weeks passed and the scaffolding came down, the sense of accomplishment grew along with the new structures. These updated buildings not only provided a more inspiring and comfortable environment for both students and teachers but also symbolized progress and resilience. The experience reinforced my belief that growth often comes through adversity, and the temporary inconveniences were a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of Brownell Talbot's revitalized learning space.

Swanson Theater