How to Become a Drama Teacher in Ireland
If you have a passion for performing arts and the theatre, or maybe you’ve attended drama classes since you can remember, you might already be considering a diploma in Drama Education. So what does it mean to be a drama teacher? And how you can embrace your passion and turn it into a career?
Why teach drama in primary school?
As well as acting as a creative outlet for both teachers and learners, teaching drama in primary school, and secondary school, has been known to have many advantages. Common benefits associated with participating in drama from a young age include:
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Better concentration
- Strong language and communication skills
- Improved numeracy and literacy teaching from other subjects
- Teamwork skills
- A better understanding of the surrounding world
- Advanced emotional intelligence
- Strong friendships
What does being a drama teacher involve?
Through a combination of practical, skills-based activities and theoretical teaching, drama focuses on exploring important social, emotional and intellectual themes with students. Drama teachers can expect to use lots of practical techniques in their teaching through play readings, demonstrations, role-play, performances and interactive discussions. They generally act as a facilitator during classes and aim to encourage self-expression through a range of activities and assignments. They may be required to produce or write plays, assist with recordings and use a range of audio-visual aids to encourage pupils to develop their skills.
What is good about being a drama teacher?
Teaching drama involves lots of time spent directly with students which allows teachers to build close bonds with students. It can act as a creative outlet for those on both the teaching and learning sides. Although it’s not uncommon that drama is treated as an elective or secondary subject, this means that the majority of students enrolled participate out of interest making for a pleasant teaching experience.
How can I become a drama teacher in Ireland?
The Leinster School of Music and Drama (LSMD), based a Griffith College, offers a series of part-time postgraduate courses that bridge the gap for those looking to transition from drama student to teacher. Our courses, such as the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education, are suitable for those who wish to teach drama either in schools, as after-school clubs, or as a private offering in an independent theatre school. Our graduates have gone on to work in primary and secondary schools and performing arts around the country. Many have set up their own private classes, drama schools and performing arts schools.
Can you teach drama without a degree?
In order to be eligible for one of our Drama Education programmes, you are required to have either a primary degree in a related field or a degree in an unrelated area and a Grade 10 in Speech and Drama from the LSMD (or an approved substitute). Candidates who do not have a degree, but have significant prior experience in drama education or performance may be considered based on this. Such cases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and candidates will be required to submit various pieces of supporting documentation to be reviewed by the College’s academic and professional council. They may also be required to present for an interview and/or audition.