Major: Drama and Dance Teacher Education
When you see an incredible drama or dance performance, you might get the feeling that the performer was just born to be onstage. The fact is that many stars had wonderful teachers who encouraged and motivated them.
Tom Hanks, for example, credits his high school acting teacher for inspiring him. And gifted performers often complete the cycle by themselves becoming teachers. If you love being onstage and enjoy teaching others what you know, consider majoring in drama or dance education.
If you choose this major, you’ll learn how to teach drama and/or dance to students of various ages (usually kindergarten through twelfth grade).
Did You Know?
- A few programs offer a major combining the two, but usually drama education and dance education are separate majors.
Are You Ready To...?
- Perform in classes and campus productions
- Practice teaching in front of your classmates
- Volunteer with community groups
- Visit the website of the National Association of Schools of Dance
- Visit the website of the National Association of Schools of Theater
It Helps to Be...
Excited about teaching students with various skill levels and interests. Most of your students won't pursue professional performance careers. But the skills and qualities you'll bring out in them -- including teamwork, discipline, and creativity -- will be great preparation for whatever path they choose.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the state board of education?
- Is it accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance or the National Association of Schools of Theater?
- Does the program cover different approaches to performance and education?
- What grades will you be certified to teach?
- Do you have to audition for admission?
- Do the professors still perform?
- Do well-known performers and educators visit?
Did You Know?
- Most dance or drama education majors teach young people, but it's possible to pursue a career working with other groups, such as the elderly.
Course Spotlight
As a drama or dance education major, your education will consist of much more than lecture classes. Not only will you be performing in class and onstage, but you'll be visiting schools to see performance education programs in action.
Before you graduate, you'll spend a semester student teaching. Whether you're teaching tap dance to teens or playing theater games with third-graders, you'll learn how to manage a class, meet the needs of a variety of students, and keep classroom energy high but focused.
