Project Description
Drama & Theatre Teacher
Director of the Arts
Arts Curriculum Leader
pbergin@morganparkacademy.org
B.F.A., New York University
M.Ed., University of Illinois at Chicago
Peggy Bergin teaches Middle School and Upper School drama classes, directs school plays, and moderates our student Arts Council. She is our Director of the Arts and Curriculum Leader for the Fine Arts department.
She holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Q&A
What is the most important life lesson you want students to learn in your class?
MPA fifth-graders often read a novel called Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. In it there is a precept (or a “rule about a really important thing”) that states: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” This idea, attributed to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, is a lesson I hope students take away from all of my classes.
What are your favorite moments with a student?
Without a doubt, my favorite moments are watching student theatrical performances after weeks of rehearsals. I find myself very moved by the commitment, creativity, and talents of the students here at Morgan Park Academy, such that by the end of our final performance, I’m wishing that I could watch it again.
How do you keep current with the subject areas you cover?
I try to see as much theatre and art as possible — and I will truly see anything. We are fortunate that we live in a world-class theatrical city, and I enjoy venturing downtown to the major theaters to see what they’re doing. But I also enjoy watching other schools’ productions and community theatre as well. For me, there is inspiration everywhere.
What traits do you look for in your “ideal” student?
My ideal student possesses a fierce sense of integrity, a willingness to try new things, and willingness to succeed and to fail at those things. My ideal student is supportive of the ideas, successes, and failures of his or her peers and — perhaps most important — has a sense of humor.