Become a Drama TeacherDiscover the dramatic influence theater teachers can have on the lives of their students Choose a Teaching Specialty | All Education Articles & Resources | Find Education Schools | More Arts Teaching Careers Drama teachers enjoy the best of both worlds. If you decide to become one, you'll have the benefits of a solid, well-paid job and the opportunity to see the spark of creativity in your students' lives. You will get to challenge your students and see them bloom socially and academically. Many students in drama classes are happy to be there, so the atmosphere tends to be focused and supportive, and the team work and long hours of theater productions tend to bond students together, creating memorable growth experiences for students and teachers alike. Theater Teacher Job Description
Life is a Stage for Drama TeachersIf you become a secondary school drama teacher, you might begin your day teaching a dramatic literature class, spend lunch time auditioning students, and end the school day with a tech and lighting class before after-school play rehearsal begins. Elementary schools have much smaller versions of drama departments, usually offering only extracurricular play acting opportunities or special one-time programs to its students. However, some elementary drama teachers can find full-time work traveling to different schools within a district. Most of a drama teacher's work is done in the classroom or on-stage and involves many different aspects of performing arts, from behind-the-scenes to on-stage work. Rehearsals may be held during school hours, but after-school rehearsals are more common, and drama teachers spend many evening hours at rehearsals. All classes, including those completed after-school, are compensated for. Drama Teacher SalariesTheater teachers generally receive about the same pay rate as other elementary and secondary teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the median salary coming in somewhere between $43,194 and $57,731 a year. The range can depend on several factors, including location, education level, experience and the size of the drama program. Also, full-time teachers receive competitive health benefits and pension plans. Drama programs can be something like football programs, with drama directors at well-known or celebrated high schools demanding far more lucrative paychecks than their counterparts. Because of the fact that good productions can bring in money for the school and awards, grants and certificates can boost a school's reputation and productivity, there is monetary incentive for drama teachers to perform well. Degrees and CertificationLike other teachers, drama teachers must have at least bachelor's degree and teacher's certificate to be considered for a job teaching drama. Requirements vary by state, so contact the Department of Education in your state for applicable information. Since the No Child Left Behind Act mandated teachers to prove they are "highly qualified" to teach their subjects as of 2006, many teachers have opted to major in theater or production and complete teacher certification separately in order to prove comprehensive understanding of their subject matter. Holding a bachelor's or master's degree with a performing arts major will be helpful for you as a high school drama director because of the many aspects of production for which you will be responsible. The job of a drama teacher is often more than just teaching acting. It is a core position in the school community that brings many types of students together, and offers them education in literature, public speaking, time management and social development that can be very rewarding for theater teachers as well as their students. For information on other artistic positions, such as art and music teaching, see our arts teacher careers page. Commonly Performed High School Plays
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