Teacher’s Toolkit
Nathanael Hatchett, Prince George’s County Drama Teacher and Coach
Nathanael Hatchett is a a middle school educator who is both drama teacher and soccer and basketball coach. “I coach multiple sports at school and beyond, and when students see that we share this common ground, they are more willing to take risks in the arts. They see their coach, or another “athletic artist,” stepping into this space, and it encourages them to do the same. I was hired by the theatre company Theater Alliance as a basketball consultant for their play American Fast, and I wouldn’t have had that opportunity without my coaching experience at Stephen Decatur Middle School.
Read on to see what makes Nathanael’s practice special:
HOW I CONNECT Outside of school, I’m a theatre artist, award-winning playwright, screenwriter, actor, director, filmmaker, and producer. These experiences help me connect with students, showing them that their dreams are achievable and there are many paths to success.
THE FREEDOM TO BE Growing up, sports were everything to me and my friends—”ball” was life. There was nothing more important than having the freedom to play and just be a kid. Then, I fell in love with art. A big shoutout to my parents for putting me in programs that helped me excel both as an athlete and an artist. Sports and theatre go hand in hand because both are performed on a stage and require vulnerability. To give your full self, whether as part of a team or a cast, is an act of trust and dedication to something greater than yourself.
THE ARTS AND OUR STUDENTS As a drama teacher, my goal is to expose students to the arts and help them recognize the beauty within themselves. I aim to teach my students that they’re worthy simply because of their own humanity, and they should embrace it confidently. As Toni Morrison said in her novel Paradise, “He wanted these kids to know that they did not have to beg for respect; it was already in them, and they needed only to display it.”
ART IS A SAFE SPACE As artists, it’s crucial that we have a safe space to create, knowing that there’s an audience out there eager to hear what we have to offer. This sense of safety and belonging encourages students to participate in theatre, as it becomes a space that not only nurtures their creative needs but also addresses their emotional needs, helping them feel secure and supported.
CHILLING THE ANXIOUS STUDENT When theatre is introduced to students in a way that removes the anxiety of performing in front of their peers, it becomes easier for them to collaborate and connect. The goal is to transform the classroom environment into more than just a space for learning—it’s about building a supportive community
where everyone feels valued as we grow together.
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS! I love working with middle school students because they are uniquely themselves, and their honesty shows me how I can adjust and improve as an adult. The kids are always watching, and when they feel comfortable enough to share how they really feel, it’s a sign that I’ve gained their trust and respect. Teaching is about being part of a child’s village, and I take that responsibility seriously. The least I can do is give my heart to these incredible kids.