Dramamommaspeaks

Hi there! Here’s some info. about me: • Retired award winning drama educator having taught for forty years in both the public and private sector. • More about me at DeborahBaldwin.net or my blog at Dramamommaspeaks.com • 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. • Created curriculum for grades 2-12–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. • Developed seven youth theater companies which continue today in various parts of the mid-west • Administrated and served as producer of productions for thirty-eight years • Developed a national play writing contest for youth theater scripts, still in existence • Developed an ESL Drama Club—the first of its kind in the nation • Award-winning director having directed over 300 plays and musicals, radio plays and improvisation with children and adults alike. • Teaching is in my blood--sister was an elementary teacher for many years as were my aunts. In the late 1800's, my fraternal grandmother was known for her prowess in teaching math in the wilds of Kansas. My maternal grandmother established the first kindergarten in Osaka, Japan in the 1890's

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.

• Author of We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 • Author of award winning middle school book, Bumbling Bea • Outstanding Drama teacher (Longmont, CO Superintendent's Excellence in Educator Award), • Twice nominated for Outstanding Specialist through the Columbia, MO school district • Thrice nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year. • Teacher of the Month with the Columbia, Missouri Downtown Rotary. • 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. Finalist United Resident Theater Artist, Acting National Middle Association Workshop Leader, ELL Drama Club • Award-winning author for middle school book, Bumbling Bea

• BFA from Stephens College in Columbia, MO • MED from the Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. • Additional hours in education and language arts-University of Missouri-Columbia and Lindenwood College. • Studied beginning and advanced writing for children and teens Institute for Children's Literature

I am a happily married wife of 42 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 grandparents (!!!!) to three of the most precious grandchildren in the world. My hobbies include reading, seeing movies and traveling. My cat wants me to mention I am his butler which is undeniably true. Contact me anytime if you need help or mentoring! DhcBaldwin@gmail.comY