Drama teachers teach subjects such as acting, directing, playwriting, physical
theater, musical theater and improvisation (known as improv).
In addition to teaching classes, drama teachers develop assignments, assist
in curriculum development, correct papers and assess students. They also participate
in out-of-classroom activities, attend staff meetings, meet with parents and
serve on committees. Many drama teachers produce live theater productions.
Tami Dowler-Coltman is the principal of an arts school. She says good
drama teachers must participate in professional development and keep themselves
current on theater trends. "It's important to keep learning the craft and
to keep asking questions and to connect with people in the community," she
says.
Drama teachers network within the community, she adds. "No teacher knows
everything there is to know about all aspects of theater," she says. "So it's
important to build a network of experts you can call upon to visit your class
or help in some way."
Michael McGarty is the drama director at Bromfield School in Massachusetts.
He says a person with a physical disability could work as a drama teacher,
provided the school is accessible.
However, McGarty doesn't believe a person with a severe sight impairment
could teach drama. Drama teachers have to be able to see what the students
are doing.