Early Career Theatre Educator Track
You’re excited to start your career as a theatre educator – and probably a little intimidated. You don’t have to do it alone! TEC 2025 will set you up for success: Participate in a track of expert-led workshops just for theatre educators early in their careers.
Workshops
This track covers all the essentials – think of it as the theatre-specific job onboarding your school doesn’t provide. Anyone attending TEC may take part in these workshops; they do not require additional registration.
Jade Maia Lambert
The Everyday Actor
Curating Valiant Space: How to Lead, Teach, and Thrive with Authenticity
In this active and introspective workshop, you'll explore ways to build an authentic, nurturing learning environment where both students and educators can thrive. By diving into your "given circumstances," you’ll discover practices that recharge your creative energy while fostering self-care and personal acceptance. Learn how to model inclusive methods, engage in healthy communication, and create a classroom space where students are empowered to express themselves and tackle difficult topics with compassion and grace.
WT McRae
Berkeley Carroll School
In the Thick of It: Hands-On Directing Strategies for New Teachers
Jump into the directing process with this interactive workshop designed for new directors. Explore rehearsal techniques, staging strategies, and how to shape compelling moments on stage. You’ll work through practical directing exercises that will help you build confidence in guiding young performers. Gain insight into collaborating with your cast, adapting to their needs, and developing a directing practice that fosters creativity and growth.
Dr. Amanda Pinkham Brown
East Carolina University
More than Just Effort: Assessment in the Theatre Classroom
Assessment in the arts can be a powerful tool for fostering student growth. In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of student-centered assessment in the theatre classroom. Learn how to create assessments that are engaging, relevant, and focused on building skill and rigor. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make assessment an integral part of your teaching practice and enhance the learning experience for your students.
Tyler Price Robinson
Theatre Director/Performer/Educator, 2023 EdTA Inspirational Theatre Educator Award Winner
Who's in the Room? Choosing A Show to Reflect and Empower Your Ensemble
You’ve just landed a job teaching theatre-now what? Before you pick your first production, it’s essential to take stock of the most important asset you have: your students. This session will guide new teachers through strategies for getting to know their students as performers, collaborators, and individuals. Learn how to select a show that celebrates the unique talents and identities in your classroom, with an emphasis on moving beyond colorblind casting toward intentional, inclusive, and empowering choices. Walk away with tools to build a production process rooted in representation, relevance, and respect.
Dr. Jenn Katona
Executive Director, Educational Theatre Association
Curriculum Mapping Your First Year
Jump-start your curriculum development with a hands-on approach to backward mapping. In this session, you'll learn how to build well-structured units of study that are skill-based, aligned to national standards, and focused on student growth. You’ll leave with a clear framework for writing lines of inquiry, creating formative and summative assessments, and designing a curriculum that keeps your students engaged and progressing throughout the year. ;
