A Drama Teacher teaches the next generation of emerging theatre makers. The role of a Drama Teacher is to teach and support students through important stages of their time at secondary school including their GCSEs and A-Levels. 

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What are the main responsibilities of a Drama Teacher?

• Create lesson plans that are appropriate for each age group as Drama Teachers will teach students aged 11-18 (Year 7-Year 13)
• Teach students in accordance with standards
• Directing including school plays and productions
• Assign work and homework and mark all work completed by students
• Provide students with necessary feedback, critique, encouragement and support
• Prepare students for crucial exams
• Direct final student performances which are assessed by an external examiner for their final exam/their final grade
• Organise and take students on theatre trips to support their work and knowledge of theatre
• Attend staff meetings
• Attend parent and teacher meetings to discuss the progress of students
• Perform a duty of care to their students (especially as a Form Tutor)

What qualifications do I need to be a Drama Teacher?

To become a Drama Teacher, you will need to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales or a Teacher Qualification (TQ) in Scotland and there are a number of ways to do this:

• Undergraduate degree in education which automatically gives you QTS, such as a BA in Education

If your degree does not give you a QTS qualification, you can complete the following:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or
• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) if you study in Scotland

Alternatively you can complete one of the following postgraduate routes into teaching:

• School-centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
• School Direct Training Programme 
• Overseas Teacher Training Programme (OTTP)

Your degree must be related to drama if you want to become a Drama Teacher. All Drama Teachers will also have to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they can work in schools with children and young people to ensure the children’s safety. 

On-the-job training for Drama Teachers involves doing Initial Teacher Training (ITT) which is made up of 18 weeks of practical training within a school. 

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What skills do I need to be a Drama Teacher?

• Patience and understanding
• Creativity for class exercises and workshops
• Manage stressful situations
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment 

What does a career in teaching look like?

Newly-qualified Teachers (NQT) go through a probationary period in their first year as a Teacher which is assessed over three school terms. This assessment process involves individual professional development under supervision and evaluation against current national curriculum standards. Throughout your career you can progress to head of department, move into a senior management role, or gain recognition as an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST).

How much does a Drama Teacher earn?

Newly qualified teachers start their careers between £21k and £22k per year if they work outside of London. Newly qualified teachers who work in London can earn between £22k and £27k depending on where they’re located. Through your career your salary can increase to £31k per year outside of London or £36k per year in London. Some Teachers can eventually become Advanced Skills Teachers and these Teachers have the potential to earn between £38k and £64k in London and between £37k and £59k outside London.  

You can also search for teaching roles using The Stage Jobs website here.

References:

https://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/job-profile/drama-teacher

https://www.jobhero.com/how-to-become-drama-teacher/

Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 23 October 2019