By ADELLE ACOSTA
Staff Writer
This year is Mrs. Steed’s first year teaching drama at El Diamante High School. She is delighted to begin teaching at El Diamante and teach students how to be confident with their public performances and life skills. Here are some questions gathered for you to get to know Mrs. Steed a little closer.
What made you decide to become a teacher?
“I was super shy in Elementary and Middle School. It was so hard for me to get up in front of other people to talk or present. I chose Drama as an elective as a Freshman in High School because nothing else would fit in my schedule, and I cried for three days afterwards out of anxiety and fear. So how did I get from there to hear? That class did- and the teacher that believed in me when I didn’t have the confidence to believe in myself. That’s why I teach, and why I teach Drama- because I hope to help other kids develop that confidence in themselves that I had lacked for years.”
How long have you been teaching?
“This is my 8th year teaching- 7 years in California and 1 in Idaho. Most of those years have been in High School, though I did teach one year at the Middle School level. I’ve taught many different courses in Theatre: Acting 1 & 2, Play Production, Stagecraft and History of Theatre. I’ve also taught Speech and Film Studies.”
What do you love most about teaching Drama?
“Drama can be a lot of fun, but it’s also critical in helping students build important life skills like perseverance, hard work, teamwork, empathy and understanding. I love how Drama encourages us to look at the world from a different perspective- to try and understand life from another person’s view. I love people and stories, and Drama is the perfect combination of those things.”
What do you think about distance learning?
“It’s really difficult for everyone! It’s definitely something we’re all going to be adjusting to for awhile, and especially with a subject like mine, we have to get creative to make sure we’re all having valuable learning experiences. I’m pretty good with technology so I haven’t had too many challenges getting set up, but it’s hard for me to not be with my students in person- to meet them face to face and be a part of the exciting chatter that would normally fill a Drama room. That’s especially true since I’m new to EDHS- it will be bizarre to meet all my students in person for the first time after months of Zoom classes! I always try to stay positive though, and there are some some things I’m excited about- like spending time focusing on content in my area we normally wouldn’t have time for- things like detailed expression, film acting, and even Radio Dramas. I think that in spite of everything, it’ll be a memorable year for everyone, and hopefully some of those memories can be positive ones!”
What do you do in your free time?
“I love to read and have a large collection of books in various topics. I also love spending time with my family- They’re only a few hours away so I go out to see them whenever I can. I recently got married, and my husband and I have been enjoying watching movies, cooking and playing games together as well. Lately much of my free time has been spent getting unpacked and settled in since we just moved to Visalia- and we’re so happy to be here!”