Chapter 9: Expecting the Unexpected: Improvisational Theater as a Pedagogical Tool

Teacher education programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level focus on pedagogy and curriculum and all of the ancillary subjects that go into teacher preparation. There are courses in assessment, management, teaching strategies, data-driven decision making, multicultural education, special education, differentiation, and in some cases, test preparation. Teacher educators create a boilerplate for the successful teacher in the time of No Child Left Behind or whatever new law is in effect. The essential skills to survive are inculcated so that a career can begin or continue.

What we don’t teach, is teaching. Don’t get us wrong. We are preparing people for that first day the door swings open and students pour into the room. We are giving them research and time-tested techniques for disseminating information. But, teaching lasts much beyond day one, week one, month one, and year one.