|
Speech and Theatre (BSE)
 |
SPEECH COMMUNICATION EDUCATION
What is involved in a teaching degree that includes speech communication?
Speech Communication and Theatre are two disciplines combined from a long tradition at the secondary level in Missouri. The curriculum gives equal balance to prepare prospective teachers to instruct, coach, direct and administer curricular and co-curricular drama, speech communication, media, debate and forensic classes and activities. Many Missouri high schools participate in competitive events throughout the year. They also present plays and musicals for the local community. College students selecting this program often participate in collegiate activities to develop skills which prepare them to qualify to teach and direct activities.
What opportunities exist with a degree in Speech-Theatre Education?
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Speech-Theatre major, a qualified teacher has the certification to teach either or both speech communication and theatre 9 - 12. In a small school, the teacher usually teaches both areas, has a competitive debate, drama and forensics program and directs plays and musicals. In larger schools, specialization is possible with occasional positions in which, for example, one teacher may only do plays locally, another teacher may direct the individual events competition and a third teacher may coach the debate program. Most co-curricular activities which occur beyond the regular school day receive extra compensation via the teacher's contract and job description.
Speech-Theatre teachers usually have many opportunities to work together and contribute to the work of running competitive events. They form collegial associations and do much coordination of schedules and events. They have richness in their professional life because of so many opportunities to model the skills and competencies that they teach. While it is highly demanding, teachers are very much supported by the students they teach and the parents and community they serve.
Speech-Theatre educators from the Missouri Southern program have a sterling reputation throughout the state and nation. Southwest Missouri is one of the most recognized areas of the country for its highly successful competitive programs. This translates into many teaching opportunities for graduates of the program.
What is the curriculum like at Missouri Southern?
There are three areas of study and focus for a student seeking a degree in Speech-Theatre. In the Speech Communication area, students begin with a basic overview of the discipline in Introduction to Human Communication. The theory relates to communication as a human behavioral science and beyond communication as a presentational skill only. Everyday life and relationships are the focus of study in many of the required classes such as Interpersonal and Small Group. All students in this program in Missouri are required to take Argumentation and Debate, since teaching debate and directing the activity is expected. There are eight hours of electives for communication because the wide range of classes allows some flexibility in the curriculum. A media class is usually suggested by advisement. Partricipation in forensics is encouraged.
Next, the Theatre program has requirements prospective teachers need because of the variety of skills to master and develop. Prospective teachers must learn acting, directing, costuming, building sets, lighting and much more from novice to advanced levels. In addition they study some history of drama and oral interpretation. Participation in the main stage productions is encouraged.
There are several scholarships available for participation in both forensics and debate and theatre activities.
Third, in the Education curriculum, teacher candidates are introduced to professional education courses and psychology. They develop competencies in such things as use of computer programs and micro teaching. The culmination of the program is methods of teaching in the content areas and student teaching. The Education Department places teacher candidates in area schools and supervises and evaluates them. The specialty areas, such as the Speech-Theatre program, also supervise, observe and assess the teacher candidates. All certification areas must meet standards and are evaluated by NCATE. The Speech-Theatre area was ranked excellent in the latest visit by the certification team. The Teacher Education program at Missouri Southern is noted for outstanding ratings on the certification visits in the past. This adds to a high level of employability.
|
|