From Classroom to Stage: Ted Bonman on the Power of Shared Stories

POCATELLO, Idaho––When you meet Ted Bonman, you're struck by his gentleness, his depth, and that quiet spark found in those who truly love to share their knowledge. An English and theater teacher at Century High School in Pocatello, Ted didn't simply choose a career: he answered a calling.

Married for 17 years and the father of two children, Lydia, 12, and Henry, 9, Bonman balances family life and a passion for teaching with touching simplicity. For over a decade, he has taught literature and theater to high school students while also being involved in the local arts scene. He is a board member of the Old Town Actors Studio and remains active as a director and actor in various community theaters in Pocatello.

But what few people know is that his path is anything but a blueprint. Originally from Delaware, Bonman experienced his first major move at the age of 5, leaving the Philippines with his family to settle in the United States. At 15, he underwent a second upheaval: he moved to Pocatello. The contrast between the East Coast and Idaho was striking, but Ted found it fertile ground for self-redefinition.

After high school, he took a gap year. Upon his return, thanks to a scholarship generously maintained by Idaho State University (ISU), he began studying theater and English. "I have always loved stories," he confides. He discovered in these disciplines a universal language, a way to explore the human condition.

His time at ISU was highlighted by significant encounters: English professors Jessica Winston, PhD., Professor Emerita Susan Swetnam, PhD., Curtis (Kurt) Whitaker, PhD., and Margaret Johnson, PhD., became intellectual and human reference points. He recalls Dr. Winston's Shakespeare classes with admiration: "She always pushed us to go deeper in our understanding." And with Swetnam, he learned that teaching, despite its complexity, can be a field of experimentation, continuous improvement, and self-kindness.

During his studies, Bonman worked in the university's IT support department, then obtained a position as a teaching assistant in the English major. After graduation, he taught for a few semesters as a lecturer. But he was looking for stability to start a family, so he opted for an alternative secondary teaching certificate in the state of Idaho.

He began his career at Highland High School, where he taught English, then moved to Century High School, where he now combines his two passions: language and theater. He works in tandem with a co-teacher, Shawn Ruth, which she deeply enjoys, "Running a theater department alone is a huge challenge. Being two is a blessing." 

What moves him most? Seeing his students succeed where they once doubted themselves. “It’s fascinating to see them overcome a challenge, a difficult role, a complex text, [ … ] and succeed.” For Bonman, teaching is not just about transmitting knowledge, but a human adventure. He celebrates effort, not just results.

He also shares a simple but powerful philosophy: “We learn best from others. We discover our meaning in life by reaching out.”

Through the dual enrollment (dual credit) program, Ted continues to collaborate with the ISU English Department. He also regularly runs into former mentors at local libraries or on the stages of community theaters. “I recently had the chance to perform again with one of my former professors. It’s a privilege to maintain those connections.”

Bonman encourages students to stay open-minded and to venture outside their comfort zones. “You rarely enter college knowing exactly what you want to do.” You have to explore, meet, and test." He also emphasizes the importance of telling others what you see as beautiful in them: "The feedback I received in my youth shaped me. That's what I try to convey today."

Throughout his career, Ted Bonman has taught us that education is much more than acquiring knowledge: it's a path toward others, toward oneself, and toward a more connected world. His commitment, his love of words, the stage, and people make him a discreet but essential pillar of the Pocatello educational community.

And in each of his classes, in each play he directs, he plants a little of this philosophy: the conviction that we grow, together, through the stories we share.

About our contributor: Edmond Sigui, born and raised in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is passionate about using administrative management and public policy to create lasting, equitable change. After working on agricultural technology and field management projects in Côte d'Ivoire, he came to Idaho State University to deepen his knowledge and broaden his perspective. As a research assistant for the MissionSquare Research Institute, he explored what motivates young people to pursue public service, reinforcing his belief in youth-driven transformation. Now a husband and father of four, Edmond is dedicated to advancing effective and fair public policies that improve lives across Africa and beyond. Bridging two continents and blending administration with humanity, he continues to build a meaningful path—faithful to his roots and focused on the future.

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Idaho State University was founded in 1901 and has grown to be one of the most comprehensive institutions in the country. The University is one of only six institutions in the US offering programs from technical certificates through graduate and professional degrees. As the state's designated lead institution in health professions, Idaho State is home to more than 75 percent of Idaho’s health degree programs. Idaho State attracts students from around the world to its campus locations in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. More information about Idaho State University is available at isu.edu/about.