Feelings Forecast: Social and Emotional Learning In-Practice for the K-8 Drama Classroom Presenter: Victoria Yordt This session focuses on integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) practices in K-8 drama classrooms. Participants will explore how theater educators can foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness through drama activities, supporting students’ social and emotional development alongside their artistic growth. The 2025 Courageous Cadence: Performing Justice Through Spoken Word Poetry Presenter: Annase Raji This session explores the Courageous Cadence project, which uses spoken word poetry, devised theater, and personal storytelling to empower youth to address social injustices, including racial, gender, and climate justice. Attendees will learn how youth-led arts-based research can promote justice-centered dialogue, activism, and leadership through performance. The session will include best practices for integrating justice-oriented performance into educational and community settings, and strategies for empowering young people as leaders in advocacy and social change. The Pandemic, Precarity, and a Pedagogy of Hope: Learning from Public High School Theatre Teachers’ Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic Presenter: Devin Klugh This research-based session presents findings from interviews with public high school theater teachers about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion focuses on how teachers adapted their practices, curriculum, and performances to continue providing theater education in virtual, hybrid, and socially-distanced formats. Attendees will reflect on the resilience of teachers and discuss how these adaptations can inspire future theater education practices in an ever-changing educational landscape.
