We talk all the time about how the skills you learn in our classes can benefit you in your every day life and work. Today I wanted to highlight teachers specifically and how improv can help in the classroom and in their careers. This will be the first in a series where we highlight various professions and situations in which improv skills – or those of our other courses – are useful if not vital.
Improv skills play a crucial role in enhancing a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom and can significantly contribute to their overall professional development. One of the primary benefits is the ability to adapt to unexpected situations that frequently arise in educational settings. Teachers with strong improv skills can quickly adjust their lesson plans, address unexpected questions, and navigate unforeseen challenges with confidence. This adaptability fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where educators can respond creatively to the wide variety of student needs.
Additionally, improv skills contribute to effective communication. Teachers who are adept at thinking on their feet can establish better rapport with students, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. The ability to listen actively, think quickly, and respond appropriately enhances the teacher-student relationship, promoting a more collaborative and open learning environment. These communication skills extend beyond the classroom, benefiting teachers in their interactions with colleagues, parents, and administrators, ultimately strengthening their professional networks.
Furthermore, in terms of career development, improv skills can set teachers apart in a competitive field. Educators who can handle unexpected challenges with grace and creativity are often viewed as valuable assets within their institutions. Whether during parent-teacher conferences, professional development sessions, or collaborative projects, teachers with improv skills are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to discussions and adapt to the evolving landscape of education.
Crossroads has several educators in our company including among our instructors. Here’s Sarah Clemency (Study Hall / Instructor) talking about how improv has benefited her in the classroom:
Just last night student in one of my Indianapolis classes who is also a teacher, shared how improv helped him earlier in the day. He arrived to do a presentation for other teachers. He had prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the group complete with animated slides and clicker in hand. Unfortunately for him, the tech set-up was not cooperating. After a couple minutes of the a/v staff trying to get things sorted, he took control of the situation and improvised his way through it. He knew the material well enough and had the confidence to make it work on his feet. He specifically said that taking our classes helped turn this potentially disastrous situation around and gave him even more confidence going forward.
Overall, there are many ways in which improv skills can benefit teachers in the classroom, in their careers, and in life. You can check out our upcoming improv workshops and courses in Indianapolis linked here and in Philadelphia linked here. It’s worth noting we also have an EDU discount for our core program classes food for $100 off a regular priced course. If you have any questions or would like to talk about a private workshop for your school, use the form below to reach out and we will get back to you soon.
Indiana teachers are required to reach 90 professional growth points (PGPs) every five years according to the Indiana Department of Education. Our courses would fit under the professional conference / workshop / institute activity. All attendees that successfully attend and participate will receive a personalized Certificate of Completion.
Lastly, Crossroads is also available to come to your school to provide private, on-site training. Our workshops for educators are designed with cooperation from working teachers and our curricula are written to align with various Indiana Department of Education . This means you can rest assured you will get practical skills for the classroom and not simply a few rounds of zip, zap, zop. Plus you’ll have fun!
UPCOMING INDY IMPROV COURSES
Below are some of our upcoming improv courses with Crossroads Indy. Click each class to see full details. To view other classes or read our Student FAQ click here.
