Prepare students for the big stage and bright lights that may be in their future.
Secondary education drama classes are often the prerequisite for college level drama courses. Students in secondary education drama classes learn the fundamentals of acting, staging and production. In order to teach secondary education drama classes, instructors must have a least a Bachelor's degree in teaching with a theater endorsement. Secondary education drama classes cover all fundamentals and prepare students for performance competitions and college entrance auditions. Teach secondary education drama with knowledge of required content standards, by creating comprehensive course content and acquiring the appropriate training and certification.
Instructions
1. Acquire teaching certification. An appropriate teaching program should be part of a university, college or teacher-in-residence program. Most teaching certification programs offer student teaching hours and mentor opportunities for new teachers. Some programs, such as the teacher-in-residence program allow teachers to practice teaching before becoming certified. At the end of the program, participants should have either a bachelor's or master's degree in secondary education with an endorsement in theater. A bachelor's degree in theater with an equivalent teaching endorsement is another alternative route that is appropriate for prospective drama teachers.
2. Create lessons and instruction using state and district content standards. Your school should have course and content standards aligned with state standards that teachers must incorporate into their teaching units. For example, Colorado State Theater Standards state that, "Students understand and relate the role of theater arts to culture and history." This would necessitate instruction and lessons around the importance of theater as a mode of cultural and historical significance.
3. Create courses that separate drama content into various components and skill levels. Some examples might be "Introduction to Theater," "Intermediate Theater" and "Advanced Theater." Other examples of theater courses that focus on additional components of drama are "Stage Tech," "Costume Design" and "Theater Production and Stage Management." Each of these courses would build student skills and knowledge of a specific component of drama education.
4. Prepare students for dramatic competitions. Many dramatic competitions have scholarship and cash rewards for students. They are excellent opportunities for students to hone their craft and demonstrate excellence in dramatic performance. Many students compete throughout high school as preparation for college theater program entrance auditions. Educate your students and yourself on local opportunities for student performance, as well as nationwide competitions.
5. Select and produce stage productions that showcase student talent. Plays and musicals produced by and starring students are a wonderful way for students to display their talent to the community and practice their craft. Select school-appropriate dramatic pieces for students to perform that give them the opportunity to show what they have learned.
Tags: education drama, drama classes, education drama classes, content standards, secondary education