I'm a theatre major/playwright--if I teach, where and what grade level? Can I teach drama in the US?

Question

I'm an American studying in the UK and I'm seriously thinking about teaching A level (high school) drama. I think it would be a great challenge and I know I have a lot to offer students. I need to go back to school to get a teaching certificate (I have a BA in theatre and an MA in writing for performance). My question is: should I go for a PGCE in England or try for a teaching certificate in the US? I know I can get work teaching drama in the UK, but it is more difficult getting visas, etc. I would like to teach in the US, but I don't know where I could teach just drama--I don't want to be the English teacher who does the after school plays! Any advice?

Answer 1

I'm studying to become a teacher in North Carolina, and I've had the opportunity to visit several different school systems across the state. If you want to teach nothing but drama, look into charter schools. In a public school, at least in my state, teachers are scarce and you may have to teach an English class in addition to theater. I visited a charter school that had just about taken out the core cirriculum and focused on drama, visual arts, music, chorus, etc. Charter schools don't have to follow the state-mandated cirriculum, so they have a bit more freedom to explore the arts. Look up charter schools in the area of the U.S. where you might want to teach, and you might find what you're looking for.

Answer 2

I too studied theatre (and film/TV) abroad. Actually I was in New Zealand, and graduated with BA's in those studies there. I also, graduated in the states with a MA degree in English lit. (without a teaching concentration and no certification.) HOWEVER, I have found it incredibly difficult to teach anything here in the states now because of all the extra Education courses I'm missing, as well as PRAXIS and other misc. tests. I have a lot of experience and thought that I would have a lot to offer too, but with all the hoops that I would need to go back through, I found that it was better for me to stay in the realm of professional theatre instead.

I guess my advice for you is: Take the specific and approved courses you need that will with out a question allow you to teach in the specific state that you are looking to live and teach in. (for example, NY has much higher standards, which sadly doesn't always make them better. But, they are very strict.) Find out what the teaching cert. requirements are for the part of the country you'd like to teach, and then find a school that will transfer in your degrees and credit so far and finish up what education classes you need. When you start applying for jobs, be sure to make your teaching intentions clear, as to not fall into the "English only" jobs. Although, I know a few theatre teachers that have fallen into that trap. (because of not standing up for and promoting the arts programs.)

good luck, or should I say... break a leg!

Answer 3

I'm not quite sure what your asking but if it helps any my english teacher teaches drama and english classes.