How to become a drama teacher

How to become a Drama Teacher

Becoming a drama teacher involves a combination of education, practical experience, and sometimes certification. Here’s a general pathway to entering the career:

Bachelor’s Degree
Most drama teachers begin by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, or a related field. This degree typically includes coursework in acting, directing, theatre history, script analysis, stagecraft, and performance.

Some universities offer distinct programs in drama education, the curriculum of which combines a strong foundation in drama and theatre arts with the pedagogical practices needed to effectively teach these subjects. Students majoring in drama education may often select a concentration in an area like acting, directing, stagecraft, or theatre history, while also developing their teaching abilities.

Teacher Preparation Program
In many countries, if you plan to teach in public schools, you will need to complete a teacher preparation program comprised of both coursework and student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher. This will cover educational theory, teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and subject-specific training (in this case, drama). Depending on the school, the program may be part of your degree curriculum or completed after graduation.

Practical Experience
To teach drama, it’s important to have experience in the field. While completing your undergraduate education and training, participate in local theatre productions, acting workshops, or community theatre. This will enhance your understanding of performance and give you practical skills to share with students.

Gain experience by directing or assisting with school or community productions. Understanding how to organize and manage a theatre production is an essential skill for a drama teacher.

Certification / Licensing
After earning a bachelor's degree and completing a teacher preparation program, you must obtain state certification (in the US) or equivalent in your country. Certification requirements vary, but commonly include passing standardized exams, such as the Praxis Theatre Test, the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), or state-specific tests; providing proof of student teaching experience; and completing a background check.

Teaching Experience
Newly qualified drama teachers do not exclusively begin their careers working in public or private elementary, middle, or high schools. Some choose to hone their skills outside the traditional school setting, in community and after-school programs or local theatre companies. This kind of experience is frequently viewed as a very valuable prelude to working in a formal classroom.

Specialization (Optional)
Once you gain teaching experience, you might choose to specialize in areas like musical theatre, playwriting, improvisation, or drama therapy. These specializations can open additional career paths and give you the opportunity to teach more advanced or niche topics.

Master’s Degree (for Higher Education Positions)
If you aim to teach drama at the college or university level, a master’s degree is typically required. Many drama professors hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre or a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Drama Education. These degrees focus on advanced theatre techniques, directing, production, and pedagogy.

Ongoing Professional Development
Drama teachers should continuously develop their craft, both as performers and educators. Attending workshops and conferences and completing continuing education courses will help you stay updated on teaching methods, performance techniques, and drama education best practices.

Voluntary Certifications
There are various certifications available for drama teachers, which help establish expertise and ensure teaching quality. These are some notable ones:

• National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) – Offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) - USA, this is a voluntary, advanced certification that demonstrates a teacher’s expertise and commitment to professional growth. National Board Certification is available for Early Adolescence (ages 11–15) or Adolescence and Young Adulthood (ages 14–18) levels. The process involves portfolios of student work, assessments, and teaching reflections.
• AP/IB Teaching Certifications – Teachers who wish to teach Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may need to complete specific training or certification for those programs. Typically, these certifications, which involve coursework and exams, are available as a part of a university program at an AP-qualified or IB-qualified institution. Many universities offer credit for AP and IB courses and exams, allowing students to potentially skip introductory courses and move into more advanced studies.
• Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) – Offered by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA), this certification is targeted at teachers or practitioners using drama for therapeutic purposes.

Professional Organizations
Several professional organizations support drama teachers, focusing on the promotion of theatre arts and the teaching of drama in various educational and community settings. Here’s an overview:

• American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) – AATE is one of the leading organizations for theatre educators in the US. It serves as a resource for drama teachers at all levels, providing workshops, conferences, and publications. It also advocates for the importance of theatre in education and offers a variety of professional development opportunities.
• National Drama – This is the UK's leading association for drama teachers and theatre educators.
• International Drama/Theatre and Education Association (IDEA) – IDEA is a global network for drama and theatre educators. It promotes the value of drama as an educational tool and fosters international collaboration among educators. The association organizes conferences and offers resources for drama teachers around the world, advocating for the integration of drama in education.
• Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) – EdTA is a US-based organization that supports theatre educators in secondary and post-secondary institutions. It provides resources for teachers, including curriculum guides, teaching tools, and a national network of theatre educators. EdTA also oversees the International Thespian Society, a high school honor society for students involved in theatre arts.
• American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) – While primarily focused on academic research in theatre, ASTR provides a network for theatre educators and scholars. The organization hosts conferences, publishes scholarly journals, and provides resources for those teaching theatre at the college or university level.
• Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) – ATHE is an organization for theatre educators at the post-secondary level, offering resources for professional development, networking, and scholarly research. It promotes the advancement of theatre as an academic discipline and offers various conferences, publications, and awards for excellence in theatre education.