Speech and Theatre Education

As a speech and theatre teacher, you’ll have a unique opportunity to help young people express their ideas, explore their emotions and communicate more effectively. Speech teachers work in public and private schools, private practice, corporate settings, intervention programs and more. They might work with children, teenagers or adults, individuals with speech disorders or impediments, or those who simply want to express themselves more clearly. Theatre teachers work at schools, community recreation centers and more, others experience the joy of theater through improvisational theater, acting lessons and dramatic productions.

The Speech and Theatre Education program at MNU includes coursework in public speaking, mass media and society, interpersonal communication, persuasion, theatre, acting and directing. You’ll also take courses in professional education, mastering issues like classroom management, curriculum development, educational media, cultural diversity, and working with exceptional learners.

MidAmerica’s Teacher Education Program meets requirements established by the state of Kansas and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

With more than 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities, the new Bell Cutural Events Center brings culture to campus in a dramatic way. The 540-seat Mabee Performing Arts hall offers an exceptionally high-tech sound environment with the best in audiovisual equipment. The center also houses a Black Box theatre, scene shop, green room, makeup and costume room, and more exciting resources for theatre majors.

Participate in student products with the MNU Theatre Department, which holds open auditions for mainstage and one-act plays. Over the past 20 years we’ve produced more than 45 shows. Our productions last year included Dear Emma, Greater Tuna and 3 one-act plays, performed for a total audience of 1,400. Advanced computer-assisted light and sound design provide opportunities for theatre techs, too.

MidAmerica’s location near metropolitan Kansas City means that students have access to professional theatre productions, musical performances and tons of other cultural attractions.

The Teacher Education Resource Center on the second floor of MNU’s Mabee Library puts resources and reference materials at your fingertips. The center houses textbooks, trade books, curriculum guides, instructional materials and more, for use by students and faculty.

Pi Lambda Theta

Pi Lambda Theta, our Education Honors Club, is an international professional association for educators. Join to help promote academic excellence, develop your leadership skills and access professional opportunities.

Professional Teacher Candidate Organization

This local umbrella organizations is devoted to helping teacher candidates become professional leaders. The organization works to facilitate communication and collaboration between various educational organizations and learning communities. As a member, you’ll be able to participate in fundraisers, special events and community service; you’ll also be eligible for unique scholarships.

KMNU Radio

Streaming on Channel 18, KMNU is MidAmerica’s campus radio station, providing both entertainment and information. Student DJ’s, play their favorite music and have a great time! Sign up for your own slot and help shape the voice of MNU.

TV2

TV2 is MidAmerica’s on-campus television network, and anyone can get involved. It’s a fantastic avenue for hands-on experience with shooting, directing, producing, editing and all the work that goes into running a successful media outlet. TV2 features several weekly shows plus periodic special features.

Students gain experience through field work – teaching practice in actual classrooms. Many students log up to 100 practice hours before their first formal teaching assignment. We place students throughout local school districts, such as:

As school districts continue to grow, teachers are always in demand, making education a stable and rewarding profession. Your degree in Speech and Theatre Education will prepare you for teaching jobs in school districts throughout Kansas. Other job options for Speech and Theatre Education majors include:

MNU’s Career Development Center assists education graduates in finding professional placement, with job search guidance, interview coaching and resume preparation.