Why Train to Be a Drama Teacher?

If you have a passion for performing arts, then this is your opportunity to inspire the next generation! You will help them learn to use their creativity and imagination as they collaborate on their own productions. You will also help them understand the different aspects and skills of theatre production, as well as appreciate scripts and live performances.

A key part of your work will be helping students build confidence, preparing them for life as you help them develop important life skills, such as public speaking. It can be hugely rewarding, and also keeps you engaged with the world of theatre.

What is Life Like as a Drama Teacher?

As a drama teacher you will work with students to develop their performance skills, as well as their critical thinking and analytic skills. They will learn how to understand and interpret a script, as well as the practical aspects of putting on a performance. Some of your students will go on to have careers in the arts, while for others you will have provided the with practical life skills, as well as an appreciation of storytelling and performance. Many drama teachers manage the process for staging school productions, showcasing the talents of their students and shining a spotlight on their achievements.

Life as a teacher of any subject always involved preparing lessons and teaching materials, as well setting and assessing students’ work. You will need to be able to communicate clearly with parents about the students’ progress, as well as work with colleagues within your department and the wider school. Many drama teachers organise trips and extra-curricular activities too.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Drama Teacher?

Communication skills are vital, particularly in this subject area as you are effectively teaching these skills to your students! You must have patience and empathy and, of course, a love of scripts, drama and the theatre. Being organised is a big asset, as well as the ability to problem solve – putting on a school production means drawing on all of your resources! Above all else, you must be committed to helping your students achieve their full potential.

What Do We Cover in Drama Teacher Training?

You will be trained to teach Drama at key stages 3, 4 and 5.

This includes training in university, via STSA’s professional learning courses, and as part of your school placements, as detailed below:

At University

Our academic partner is Sheffield Hallam University, whose course is rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. At university, you will have the opportunity to hone your drama skills via seminars, workshops, lectures, group work, directed tasks, written assessments and practical work. You are assessed through supportive, collaborative means, helping you to grow and improve.

In STSA Professional Learning Courses

We run a number of STSA professional learning sessions throughout the year. These days are a great opportunity for our trainees to come together, catch up and share their experiences. Our trainees tell us this is a highly valued part of our course.

Examples of topics covered include:

• The Professional Teacher
• Safeguarding
• Lesson/scheme design
• Assessment: marking and feedback
• Data collection and analysis
• Barriers to learning
• Organisation of self
• Knowledge of consecutive key stages
• Role of SENCO
• Behaviour management
• Building resilience
• Child development
• SEND and inclusion
• EAL and new arrivals
• Collaborative team teaching
• Communication with parents
• Planning for transition
• Careers

The STSA team are on hand throughout the course to help you with any issues or questions you may have.

During your School Placements

Our course includes high-quality placements in two of our partner schools, providing experience in contrasting settings – which is part of the Department for Education (DfE) regulations for Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Your main placement is approximately 24 weeks over the academic year, whilst your complementary placement is approximately 6 weeks. You also have a 2-day experience in a primary setting.

You will have your own mentor in each school, who will meet with you regularly and provide support and advice. They will also assess your teaching in school.

You can find out more about what to expect on our course here.

Career Development

You will always be developing as a teacher and could progress to a head of subject role, or even head of a department or faculty. Some teachers decide to specialise in pastoral work, taking on a head of key stage/year group role. From middle management, you could then progress into senior leadership as an assistant, deputy or head teacher. With multi-academy trusts growing in number, there are also new opportunities working across a number of schools, taking on responsibility for your particular subject.