To back up the issue,
Last year, I had a sort of professional breakdown. After 14 years in the classroom, I was feeling stuck and at a crossroads. I sincerely want to grow and learn as an educator, but was struggling (and continue to struggle) with finding a path that not only allows for that but also a path that my district will recognize.
It seems that professional advancement for theatre teachers is not as black and white as other subjects. I looked into National Board, but was discouraged to find that theatre was embedded in the CTE strain. In my district, Theatre is a "fine art", so why would I spend the time and energy to be a NBCT in CTE and not Theatre? I looked into getting a masters in directing or dramaturgy (I already hold a masters in curriculum and instruction), but my district doesn't offer dual enrollment courses in theatre (yet, I'm working on it!). So, why would I invest in a second masters degree and not get to use it?
To compound the issue, there is no curriculum specialist for theatre in my district. There is someone for music and someone for art, but theatre falls under English. As sensible as those intentions may have been, when most theatre teachers taught English in addition to their theatre classes, that is no longer the case. Not only do all the high schools in our district have theatre teachers, but all middle schools in the district now offer some kind of theatre program as well!
We are in serious need of a theatre specialist in our district, but there's no clear path to get there. Or, a plan to get one.
Being halfway thorough my career, I continue to REVEL in my role in the classroom and as the director of my school's theatre program, but I feel like I've hit a wall professionally. I would love to have someone to advocate for theatre at the district level; legitimize the work we do in the classroom; recognize the multiple hats we wear as teachers, directors, designers, mentors, producers, and managers.
Watching so many of my peers get pay raises, bonuses, and incentives for NBCT or for teaching dual-enrollment courses is disheartening and frustrating.
I would be VERY interested in a program that provided some kind of certification/degree that gave credit/documented the advanced educational and theatre skills and techniques that so many of us demonstrate, and model for others on a daily basis.
There is a dire need for leadership on the district level in regards to theatre education. Finding the path to get us there is too difficult/arduous for many of us to pursue. I ask institutions and the NBCT program to think about how to make professional recognition and advancement in theatre education more accessible and worthwhile for us.
I know this got kind of "preachy". Thanks for reading :)
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Lisa Dyer
Henrico VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2018 07:58
From: Melissa Mintzer
Subject: Graduate Degree/Masters in Theatre
While the topic is at hand, how about programs specific to Production Management, Arts Administration or along those lines?
I am a Spanish teacher by day, and have served in many different capacities for our theatre program over the years... but my current responsibilities are more in line with the role of Producer. (We do not have a Fine Arts Coordinator for the district - we have a Music Dept Coordinator, Art Dept Coordinator... Theatre doesn't even have a department!) . My official title is "Assistant Director" for both our fall and spring productions - but I end up doing more paperwork than directing.
I have taken a few graduate courses in theatre topics (which were approved) - but I am not interested in a degree in Directing.
I know that this is a newer concept for a masters degree program... but so far, the only one I know of is Arts Administration through Drexel University. My superintendent did not approve of that program "because there's no job with that title" for me to assume upon completion. This means that there is no chance of reimbursement or help to cover the costs, unfortunately, making Drexel inaccessible. Bonus points if there is an online component to the program!
Thanks,
Missy
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Melissa Mintzer
Willow Street PA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-21-2018 12:28
From: Anita Manderfield
Subject: Graduate Degree/Masters in Theatre
Hi everyone,
We will publish a Theatre Graduate Directory in the November issue of Teaching Theatre magazine. Check your mailboxes for that resource late next month.
(Also, please feel free to reach out to me at amanderfield@schooltheatre.org to let us know if we miss any!)
Thanks,
Anita
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Anita Martin Manderfield
Managing Editor of Publications
Educational Theatre Association
Cincinnati, OH
Original Message:
Sent: 09-21-2018 09:11
From: Teresa McGrath
Subject: Graduate Degree/Masters in Theatre
Jeffrey,
I would highly recommend the Summer MA program through the University of Houston. The classes are on the UH campus for one month over three summers with a trip during the last week workshoppinging with professional Theatre companies in NYC, Chicago, and London (it rotates each summer so that you would visit each over the course of your three summers). The curriculum is built with the student as educator in mind and semester portfolios assigned between summer sessions apply the coursework from the previous summer into the work you do with your students. I graduated this program in 2011 and would be happy to answer any questions if you were to explore this option.
- Teresa McGrath
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Teresa McGrath
Theatre Director and Fine Arts Department Chair
SJCS - Greenville SC
Original Message:
Sent: 09-20-2018 09:12
From: Jeffrey Hudkins
Subject: Graduate Degree/Masters in Theatre
I am looking for recommendation, from my fellow theatre teachers (as we seem to always be the busy ones); I really am interested in pursuing my masters degree in theatre and would appreciate input into what and where the best programs might be for "the working" teacher/student. I teach daily, direct several shows a year and still think I want one more thing to do. It would need to be a program that I could complete and still keep my teaching schedule going. Thanks!
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Jeffrey Hudkins
Falling Waters WV
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