Sarah Ream
THEATER AND DANCE
An alumna who returned to Exeter to "build a sense of ensemble" in all aspects of teaching, and life
B.A. Yale University. Appointed 1997.

Why Exeter:  "Exeter breeds in students a sense of confidence to try new things, regardless of whether they succeed. This is where kids are trying to figure out who they are, not just what they want to do. I was drawn back to Exeter to teach because this is where I had the most formative time in my own education. Exeter was more of a crucible than my graduate training programs in the U.S. or England. I can still remember the kind of energy and fervor that came from directing my first play in my lower year."

On Harkness:  "At Exeter, collaboration creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's all about building a sense of ensemble. I have used Harkness skills in every aspect of my life – from organizing a birthday party for 5-year-olds to directing an Off-Broadway play."

Favorite lesson:  "Frequently, the 'aha!' moments are not what you plan. If you create a safe environment for kids, they will have all sorts of 'aha!' moments. I like to see students exploring new ways of learning and working together."

Advice:  "The kids who do best at Exeter are the ones who stay curious and find ways to feed that curiosity. That's the great thing about Exeter – questions are what it's all about. I have yet to meet a faculty member who does not relish questions."

Why she loves teaching:  "I like to bring a playful approach to teaching a text. I often use theater tools, regardless of what I'm teaching, because they're all about communication. The many skills I learned in English and History classes here at Exeter as a student trained me in close observation of the text and textual analysis."

Other hats:  "I'm an alumna and parent of an Exeter student. I teach in three departments – junior studies, English, theater and dance. I advise several clubs, including Dramat, and live in a dorm. I see Exeter through a variety of different lenses. I love watching how kids become engaged in the life of the community here."

Learn more about English and theater and dance at Exeter...