My Background: This is my 26th year of teaching and my 15th at Navarro High School. I received a B.F.A. in education from Southwest Texas State University and was certified to teach English and Theatre Arts. I returned to SWT after three years of teaching to earn a Masters degree with an emphasis in directing. I returned to public
education added speech communication to my certifications. My other interests include reading, traveling and art. As a teacher of communications, I hope to encourage students to develop skills which allow them to converse, negotiate and build relationships in their personal lives and in their careers. Strong communication skills are a critical foundation to success in any area an individual chooses to explore. Teaching theatre gives me the opportunity to enhance childrens lives with experience in the fine arts. There has been some controversy over the importance of art in education, but my belief in it has never faltered.
Studies have proven that students involved in the arts do better in other academic areas. It is also theorized that the "new" jobs are more design based, relying on creativity and ingenuity. My program offers a place for the creative individual or perhaps a place for that individual who has not found his niche. More importantly it is a place to expand the mind, tap into creativity, work with others as well as develop independent skills. The theatre classes may or may not train future movie stars, but they give students a safe place to explore their imaginations, to problem solve, and to develop an understanding of society, human nature, and themselves. I feel truly blessed to play a part in educating our youth and to do so in the Navarro School District.
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