For at least forty years, the small but distinctive field of drama-in-education has pushed the boundaries of education with a methodology that provides an impetus for learning across the curriculum, from language arts to history, math and science. Drama-in-education puts students at the center of their own learning. Its emphasis is on empowerment through participation and its aim is discovery rather than assimilation. Students are required to question, research, negotiate, compromise, take responsibility, and collaborate. Educational drama is a particularly powerful tool for literacy instruction, sharpening the essential skills of speaking, listening and viewing, as well as motivating reading and writing activity.

This certificate program is designed specifically to enhance the skills of New York City public school teachers at the elementary and secondary levels and teaching artists working in public school settings. The literacy components are compatible with the balanced literacy curriculum and whole language instruction.

The program is also appropriate for teachers in higher education seeking to develop more interactive and student-centered strategies for their own classrooms. All courses are rooted in a constructivist educational perspective and incorporate the pedagogy of Paulo Freire. The program focuses on the core curriculum rather than on peripheral enrichment programs.

This certificate is offered in association with the Paul A. Kaplan Center for Educational Drama of the CUNY Creative Arts Team.