Is it possible to be a passionate, focused, committed, effective and hard working teacher within an establishment that doesn't necessarily mirror these qualities?

It is sometimes difficult making the transition from free-lance teacher to being employed at a private dance school. When you are operating as a free-lance teacher, you are entirely responsible for yourself and your classes. If you embody all of the qualities listed above, then that is how you will be perceived and hopefully your classes will be a success. 

However, this all changes when becoming a member of staff at a school. There is so much outside of your control that can have a direct effect on how you're perceived as a teacher. For example, communication. If an important piece of information regarding your classes or your students does not get passed on to you, you could appear unprofessional or be blamed for the information not reaching the students/parents. Another example would be if the principle or another member of staff is distributing incorrect information to students/parents about your class; when that information turns out to be incorrect, it could be you who is accused of misleading. Also, your intentions and motivations as a teacher may be completely different to that of your principle, and the standards of the school itself may simply be lower than your own.

In this situation it's possible to become very uninspired, unmotivated and suppressed. However, what if you were to look at it as a challenge and an opportunity to learn? Sometimes learning what not to do is more effective than learning by good example. And if in this environment you manage to achieve great results in your classes and admiration from parents and other staff, then that would be a great achievement!

Working as an employed teacher has its advantages. It's more stable financially, and it's more regular which means you can build up a deeper relationship with your students. Obviously it is preferable to work at a fantastic school with impeccable standards and hard working, committed staff, but that's not always possible. 

I've learnt that there is a lot to be gained from any class room situation, whether it be discovering that your classroom technique needs tweaking, or simply getting through a class that had the potential of being a disaster. As long as I'm teaching, I'm learning to be a better teacher, and so I must grab any opportunity to teach, be it ideal or not.