I'm a drama teaching artist interested in transitioning to a full-time teaching role after several years of TA work I've done while living in NY as a performing artist (acting / directing.)
Don't have folks in my network ATM with knowledge of this world -- many of my friends are knocking down the adjunct door, which is probably the only job market worse than acting ... -- so I hope this sub can help.
I taught undergrad for a year on a fellowship at a CUNY college during grad school, have worked consistently with one youth arts organizations as a teaching artist for school residencies, after-school and camp programs, as well as directing projects. Through my work in schools, I really fell in love with teaching, and I've been excited by cross-curricular projects I've gotten to take on, and I could see myself working beyond my subject expertise in theater.
On paper: I have an MFA, ~ 4 years of teaching artist experience, and some strong potential references from classroom teachers who I've collaborated with.
In my toolkit: truly strong classroom management skills, a foundation in creating my own curriculum, and a genuine pursuit of theory / practice that can improve my skills as an educator.
To be clear, my work has been much less "here's how you song / dance / act" and far more "drama as a tool to activate X literature to increase comprehension, etc ... " or "drama as a laboratory for social / emotional learning, collaboration, etc."
I'm primarily interested in drama teaching positions in NY, and have sent some applications w/ little movement. I may have an interview with a charter school network, but feel worried about the long term of such a position (one reads the reviews...)
In a perfect world, I might be interested in somewhere a little funkier and where there's room for more artistic rigor; long term I might have a view towards a private school for that reason (this is complicated, I understand ... )
But for now:
Should I take any available classroom role? the charter school one, if it works out? I don't understand the path from getting a charter role -> certification; I'm worried about getting trapped in a system with less $$$ and long-term prospects.
For DOE (and many others) I'd obviously need cert. I don't necessarily understand the path when I already have a Master's Degree -- I've seen some continuing education options that seem relatively quick, maybe 21 credits, but is it necessary or helpful to pursue that PRIOR to getting a job?
I've gotten connected sub agency but not worked w/ them consistently yet; I have other work that's more lucrative. Should I invest more in that, and would it be of a benefit in applying to FT teaching roles?
Is there life in sticking to my subject matter? How would I set about something different, if needed?
I've been a practicing artist and pheeew I know about networking. I'm personable and thrive making face-to-face connections; are there opportunities to network / meet folks that I should explore at this juncture?
I understand the city is flooded with artists-turned-educators vying for desirable positions; pls be positive and if you have insight (especially if you made this same jump, teaching artist -> classroom) please share! I've got life-sustaining work available in other arenas and can take my time in this transition.
thanks!!!