Drama Teacher Life

Motivated students are much more likely to achieve their potential and find success. As educators, there is nothing we desire more than to see our students highly engaged and feeling inspired to learn.   Motivation is an essential component in highly effective teaching. It promotes positive behavior in students, while also providing a greater sense of purpose and well-being.  In this infographic, I address four primary  theoretical  perspectives that have shaped research in the way student's are  influenced and motivated to learn. I hope that it inspires you to create a creative learning environment that fosters motivation in your students. In the 21st Century, it is vital to think creatively. "Among other ideas and beliefs that today’s students will need to explore is an understanding of the place and value of creativity in the workplace and other institutions that impact life. This is a new focus for schools and students."(Gura, Mark. Make, Learn, Succeed, 201...

As educators, we know there is not a one size fits all with providing classroom instruction because not all students learn the same way. That's where incorporating Authentic Intellectual Instruction is key. As teachers, we naturally want to offer our students the best education, therefore, incorporating various teaching styles, along with the standard rigorous curriculum, allows the teacher to meet the unique needs of every student. So, what is Authentic Intellectual Instruction? As a drama teacher, you have probably been incorporating it naturally into your lessons without knowing it. You see, as theatre educators, we teach transferable life skills by utilizing highly creative, and sometimes, unconventional methods.  Authentic Intellectual Instruction provides real-world (transferable life skills which are Authentic) while also implementing challenging and rigorous activities (memorization, theatre games, public speaking, scene study, character analysis, which are Intellectual). I...

Greetings to all who have stumbled upon my very first Drama Teacher Life blog. I am looking forward to developing this blog into an educational and inspirational resource for drama teachers worldwide.  But first, let me introduce myself to you! Hi! I'm Ivette Viñas, a high school drama teacher. Theatre and the performing arts have been my passion since I was a child. I've been a professional actress and singer for about 20 years. I am the mother of two dashingly handsome boys, Dante and Brando. I've taught private voice and acting classes out of my home studio since 2009.  Two years ago, I decided to take the advice from a great friend, who happens to be a highly respected educator and leader in our school district here in Florida, to finally take the plunge and become a public school drama teacher. So here I am, two years into my high school teaching journey, feeling like it was probably the best decision I ever made. Am I stressed out most days? Sure? What drama teache...