Dramamommaspeaks

Hi there! I am a retired drama educator having taught for forty years in both the public and private sector. I started my store because I lost half of my teaching pension by staying home with our daughters when they were very young. I never thought I'd find a way to chip into our budget, but thanks to TPT I have. Among many other things, I created curriculum for creative dramatics, creative movement, introduction to musical theatre, musical theatre, film making, technical theatre, introduction to Shakespeare, introduction to theatre as well speech and debate. I created seven youth theater companies which continue today in various parts of the mid west, oversaw productions for thirty-eight years and developed a national play writing contest for youth theater scripts. In addition, I am award winning director have directed over 250 plays and musicals with children and adults alike. To learn more about me, check out www.DeborahBaldwin.net. My sister was an elementary teacher for many years as were my aunts. In the late 1800's, my fraternal grandmother was known for her strength in teaching math in the wilds of Kansas. My maternal grandmother established the first kindergarten in Osaka, Japan in the 1890's. In short, teaching is in my blood and comes to me joyfully and naturally.

Drama is a hands-on class. To this end, I'm always on my feet, modeling for my students while teaching them a host of concepts. It is not unusual to hear my classroom in chortles of laughter because humor is an outstanding way to gain a student's attention. I empower students at an early age. Although I am always mindful of my learning objectives, I think it's vital for students to experiment within the confines of my instruction. I encourage students to be independent and creative thinkers. Many less confident or reluctant students benefit from my teaching methods as together we hit the challenges they encounter. I am creative, intense, driven and brave--these are qualities I nurture in all my students and generally receive outstanding results.

I've received awards as an outstanding drama teacher (Longmont, CO Superintendent's Excellence in Educator Award), twice nominated for Outstanding Specialist through the Columbia, MO school district and thrice nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year. I was Teacher of the Month with the Columbia, Missouri Downtown Rotary. Also, I directed the Martin Luther King Diversity Celebration which was honored for excellence by the National League of Cities and National Black Caucus of Elected Officials.

I received a BFA from Stephens College in Columbia, MO and a MED from the Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. I have additional hours in education and language arts from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Lindenwood College. Through the Institute for Children's Literature I studied beginning and advanced writing for children and teens which is my newest passion.

I am a happily married wife of thirty-nine years (who'd ever put up with me that long, I'll never know...) and mother of two grown daughters and a wonderful step son. Recently, we became a grandparents (!!!!) to three of the most precious grandchildren in the world. My hobbies include seeing movies and traveling. My cat wants me to mention I am her hand maiden which is undeniably true. You can find out more about me at DeborahBaldwin.net or my blog at Dramamommaspeaks.com