Q&A: Ms. Flaherty

by Noah Delgado
Ms. Lauren Flaherty is an English teacher who began her teaching career at Nottingham High School in 2006. She attended Nottingham High School, Rowan University for her undergraduate degree, and the University of Glasgow in Scotland for her Masters Degree.  She was voted “Teacher of the Year” at Nottingham in 2017, graduated with her Masters with Honors. She began directing the school play in 2007/2008. Overall an all-time all-rounder.
NOAH DELGADO, HOST: I heard you spent a year studying in Scotland. What do you believe studying abroad did for you?
MS. FLAHERTY, English; Drama teacher at Nottingham High School: Studying abroad exposed me to different cultures and perspectives. Whether it was through the graduate classes or traveling to different countries, I probably learned more in one year than I did in the five years leading up to my trip — I learned a lot personally and academically. I grew a lot as a writer; I had never written at that level. I also immersed myself in history. It was just an amazing experience – making new friends, learning, traveling, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I would HIGHLY recommend studying abroad and traveling to anyone that has the opportunity to do it. It definitely made me want to travel more. The world is so big and so beautiful – there are so many stories. My bucket list keeps growing.

DELGADO: Was it much different from the US college experience?
FLAHERTY: Incredibly. But I graduated college a while ago, so it might have changed since then. One thing that was different, besides academics and rigor, was the way students and professors treat academia. We were not allowed to wear sweats or pjs to class; we had to dress appropriately — treating class like a meeting or event. It was a sign of respect to look polished, be prepared, and carry ourselves in a professional manner.

​DELGADO: Did studying abroad help you lead towards the things you love today?
FLAHERTY:  For sure. I spent the final semester researching and writing my dissertation. I explored the relationship between theatre programs and student behavior and performance, both academically and socially. I focused on using hip hop as a teaching tool - as both content and a pedagogical approach. I love theatre, hip hop, teaching — so it was interesting exploring the relationship between them. I also got to see productions in cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Berlin, and London. I came home itching to go to NYC to see a show, ready to begin Catch Me if You Can, and excited to teach the drama class.

​DELGADO: What truly led you to become the play director at Nottingham High School (expect having a passion for theatre)?
FLAHERTY: I actually didn’t have a passion for theatre until I started directing the play. My passion was dance - still is, but I have grown to love theatre. When I was hired here, in 2006, I initially served as co-choreographer for one year and then I took on the roles of director and choreographer in 2007.

​DELGADO: What do you, as the play director, take away from doing it every year? 
FLAHERTY: The most rewarding take away are the relationships I am able to form with the students involved and furthermore, watching them form friendships with each other. It is a wonderful feat to create something together - to collaborate and create. To take words on a page and turn them into a full-blown musical with the help of the other staff members and their crews. There are many alumni who I am still in touch with because we shared chapters of our lives with one another through the creation of our plays.  It is very rewarding.
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​DELGADO:  What’s the most difficult part of being a director for a high school play?
​FLAHERTY:  Keeping a balance. A balance between school, play, and my own life. Or between the work I need to do for my academic classes and the work and prep that needs to be done for the show. I think everyone struggles with finding balance in their lives, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities.