What you will study
Enjoy a well-rounded curriculum when you learn how to become a theatre and speech
teacher at UCM. Youâll dive deep into each discipline, receiving training in your
content areas, as well as that specific to teaching high school students:
- Professional education: Courses such as Methods for Teaching Speech and Theatre, as well as Secondary Teaching
and Behavioral Management, set the stage for effective classroom leadership.
- Theatre: From Acting to Design Fundamentals to Directing, youâll gain a thorough understanding
of all the aspects of the theatre to become an indispensable member of the theatrical,
academic and public communities â not only at UCM but also throughout the region.
- Speech communications: Classes such as Public Speaking, Media Literacy and Teaching High School Speech and
Debate will help you guide your students in all areas of communication. Youâll also
compete in speech and debate tournaments â while earning course credit â as a member
of our award-winning Talking Mules team.
Be confident as you prepare for your future as a speech or theatre teacher
UCM faculty are highly educated and trained in their respective areas. Every step
of the program, theyâre dedicated to your success and focused on preparing you for
student teaching in your last semester. Starting your junior year, weâll begin work
on your placement â with the goal of getting you into your desired school.
Most students complete their BSE degree â learning how to become a theatre teacher
as well as a speech teacher and being ready to lead a classroom on day one â in four
years.
Excellence in Secondary Education
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Theatre program
is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Theatre. These achievements
and others demonstrate our commitment to providing you high-quality teacher training
and a top-notch education.
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Popular College for Teacher Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in speech communications and theatre education
At the University of Central Missouri, youâll grow into a capable speech and theatre
teacher by participating in hands-on learning opportunities:
- Speech and debate: Learn multiple facets of speech and debate tournaments â from competing to planning
and managing events â with the potential to travel overseas.
- UCM mainstage productions: Join your classmates on stage while you learn how to become a theatre teacher. Youâll
contribute to UCMâs five-show mainstage production season, including two musicals,
in our 440-seat Highlander Theatre. In the spirit of inclusivity, your participation
will be based on your skills rather than your major, year in school or other factors.
- Richard Herman Black Box Theatre program: Youâll participate in original or published plays or musicals in UCMâs 100-seat Black
Box Theatre. This "by students, for students" program is led entirely by students
who produce 10 - 15 productions per semester. Join the leadership team, produce your
own work or direct your favorite show for hands-on experience while you learn how
to become a theatre teacher.
- Studio one-acts: Youâll serve as designer and technical director for a one-act play, and then direct
your own, for your capstone.
- UCM student associations: Meet other Secondary Education majors when you join the Dr. Ed See Student Teachersâ
Association and make professional connections for the future. You may also join UCMâs
United States Institute of Theatre Technology chapter or the UCM Shenanigans improv
troupe, as examples, for experience thatâll benefit you as you learn how to become
a theatre teacher.
- Conferences and events: Take part in on-campus guest artist workshops and make the annual trip with UCMâs
Theatre and Dance department to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Youâll also attend the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Fall Conference
to network and learn. Like other UCM students earning a Theatre and Speech Communications
degree in Secondary Education, you can even present your own workshops to enhance
your resume.
What can you do with a Theatre and Speech Communications degree in Education from
UCM?
With your UCM Theatre and Speech Communications degree specific to Secondary Education,
youâll qualify to take the Missouri State Board of Education assessments. After you
pass, youâll be ready to serve as a speech and theatre teacher in Missouri high schools.
Where UCM graduates go to work as theatre and speech teachers
Employers often tell us that UCM Education graduates begin their careers well-rounded
in their content areas and prepared to teach, lead, direct and coach. Weâve been able
to maintain a 100% job placement rate for our students, who go on to work in the Kansas
City area and surrounding towns. Some even accept positions in other states after
transferring their teaching license.
Plan your career as a speech and theatre teacher using the interactive tool below
to view the opportunities that await you.
Financial assistance options for your Theatre and Speech Communications degree in
Secondary Education
As you research how to become a theatre teacher or speech teacher, know that UCM offers
ways to help finance your education. Explore your options for loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.
What scholarships are available to me?
UCM and our alumni and supporters make available tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships
every year for Secondary Education majors in Speech Communications and Theatre. These
are just some of the possibilities:
- James L. Highlander Theatre Scholarship
- McKean Family Scholarship
- Harold and Sherralyn Craven Scholarship
- Speech & Debate Service Awards
Other scholarships, including those specific to theatre and speech and debate, are
also available. Use the to search for opportunities.
Meet Matthew Briggs
BSE Speech Communication and Theatre â20, Development Associate at The Folly Theater
"My time at UCM Theater and Dance challenged me to expand my artistic aesthetic and
broaden my understanding of the performing arts. The top-notch professors offer an
engaging and inclusive learning environment that teaches you how to be a well-rounded
artist, educator, technician, administrator and human being. Plus, the faculty truly
care about you and your dreams for the future. UCM Theater and Dance helps fine-tune
your craft and allows creativity to soar."
Be Confident in Your Academic Path
Get exceptional faculty support
As you earn your Secondary Education BSE in Theatre and Speech Communications degree
from UCM, youâll have two dedicated advisors â one from each content area. Theyâll
ensure that your participation in speech and debate and theatre productions aligns
with your goals. Theyâll also help keep you on track toward your planned graduation
date for academic success.
Strengthen Your Speech Communications Skills
Join UCMâs Talking Mules
Prepare to lead a future speech and debate team by participating in UCMâs Talking
Mules team â Missouriâs 2021 state champions. Together, weâll compete in tournaments
such as the International Forensics Association tournament (typically held outside
of the U.S.) for real-world experience that will help you become a better speech teacher.
Meet Dr. Aaron Scully
Program co-advisor
UCMâs Theatre instructor, Dr. Scully, is an award-winning educator with advanced degrees
and tremendous experience in producing, acting and directing. On top of teaching,
performing and advising student organizations, Dr. Scully serves as a BSE in Speech
and Theatre program co-advisor. Find your own path in how to become a theatre teacher
and artist with his expert guidance.
Read Dr. Scullyâs Bio
Meet Dr. Nicole Freeman
Program co-advisor
Dr. Nicole Freeman wants to help you find your ââvoice.ââ As program co-advisor of
UCMâs BSE in Speech and Theatre program, Dr. Freeman also serves as assistant director
of the UCM Talking Mules. Sheâs been honored by the National Forensics Association
for exemplary service, and sheâll guide you to become a capable speech teacher.
Read Dr. Freemanâs Bio
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