From Language Immersion to Theatre in Education: Wake Forest’s Innovative Collaborations in Dual Language Learning and Teacher Education”.

As a second-grade dual language immersion teacher at Speas, Blanca Basurto believes that the program not only helps kids grow their vocabulary but also encourages all students to participate. She hopes the partnership continues as she has seen many benefits for her students. By incorporating more movement and allowing children to learn through art, Basurto sees a positive impact on her students and their engagement in the classroom.

Kristen O’Sullivan, a Wake Forest student studying education, finds the Theatre in Education collaboration rewarding as she learns from the children she teaches. Seeing how happy the students are to see them and the group hugs they receive at the end of class is a highlight of the program for Paris. The strong education department at Wake Forest has promoted innovation and supported her career goals. In preparation for each 45-minute class, O’Sullivan meets weekly with her peers to reflect on the previous lesson, plan for the following week, and practice their science-related activities.

The Theatre in Education collaboration is serving as a model for the new Wake Forest Center for Literacy Education, set to launch later this year. Program leaders are also partnering with other public schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County to incorporate performing arts into various curriculum subjects like math, social studies, and literacy. Education student Sidney Paris finds this experience fulfilling as she gains valuable insights into teaching from working with children in different settings.