Teaching and Coaching Theatre
An Exploration of Craft

University of Wisconsin Green Bay |  Intro to Theatre; Public Speaking; World Theatre; Intro to Communications
Intro to Theatre is a one semester class with an emphasis on theatre history.  Outcomes include an understanding of theatre history, genre, style and performance elements.  Public Speaking is an introduction to fundamentals of public speaking with one section in Fall, and two sections in Spring.

Minnesota State University Mankato  |  Acting I; Play Analysis
During my three years at MNSU I was able to teach two classes - five sections of an introductory acting class and one section of Play Analysis.  In my acting class I was able to experiment with some assessment and strategies of differentiation using a credit accumulation based on gaming models of the valuation of learning.  Play analysis was a discovery process for both the students and myself.  The purpose and process of play analysis is so personal and idiosyncratic to each singular application and building a course that leverages that reality was challenging and rewarding.

Roseville Area Schools  |  English 9, English 10, Drama Workshop; Advanced Drama Workshop; Technical Independent Study; Dramatic Literature; Speech in Performance; Video Production; Interpersonal Communications
In my six years in the classroom at Roseville Area Schools I worked with grades 7-12 in a wide range of courses.  I discovered a real passion for teaching writing that I continue to infuse in my courses elsewhere.  Naturally, teaching my theatre courses was always a highlight in any day.  I discovered a strong affinity for constructivist teaching models and enjoyed changing and adapting my courses continuously.

MN Thespians  |  Directing Workshop; Audition Workshop; Rasabox Workshop
As the Chapter Director of MN Thespians, I led training activities for our leadership retreats as well as a number of student workshops at our annual conference.  

Plymouth Theatre Playshop  |  Artistic Director; Acting Coach
Theatre Playshop provided an opportunity to work with a mixed age group of energetic youth with a wide range of backgrounds.  The workshop days are filled with acting exercises and scene work.  I was an acting coach in the early years of Playshop and have returned after a break as its Artistic Director.

Pedagogy and Mentoring Teachers
Exploring Balance in the Teacher/Student Relationship

Roseville Area Schools  |  New Teacher and Mentor Program Coordinator, Staff Development
During my six years in the Educational Development Center for Roseville Schools I had opportunity to dig more deeply into a number of important topics in education.  I was particularly interested in alternative approaches to grading and assessment.  

Roseville Area High School  |  Curriculum Assistant, Dept of English
While working in the high school classroom, I served as the curricular lead for the department and helped to engage colleagues in collaboration and learning around pedagogical issues of interest and importance.

Teaching Writing and English
It's All About the Words

Writing Instruction  |  Methods and Standards
There is a beauty in the balance between creativity and structure in academic writing.  While there is a clear difference between creative and academic writing, there are also important elements of the creative process that live within the academic voice.  In my work in the high school classroom as well as with the writing intensive Play Analysis course at MNSU I have developed a strong approach to guiding young writers through process.

Literary Analysis |  The Why and the What
Critical thinking is at the heart of good academic work and having worked in the English classroom as well as in script analysis at MNSU has provided a wonderful context to develop my practice in this area.  It's not enough to just love a text if you plan to communicate about it: learn to communicate the why and the what.