Good morrow to my fellow actors, writers, and literary scholars! I'm Ms. Drea (she/her) aka "Director of Chaos" and I'm obsessed with literary and performing arts! They are my absolute passions and I love to share them with everyone I meet. 

My classrooms are inclusive and all learners are welcome. I do my best to foster spaces where everyone present feels like they belong. An atmosphere of kindness and respect is what I strive for every day. I am more interested in building relationships with learner than having a schedule full of packed classes. Because of this philosophy, I focus mostly on multi-week and ongoing classes, so I can get to know the young people I'm working with on a personal level. 

I know it can be a little nerve-wracking to try a new class with a new teacher. Will we get along? Will you enjoy the experience? Because of that I always offer new learners interested in trying a class a code for $20 off your first class. Use the code LEETRY20 if you want to give it a chance!

Experience: I've been teaching middle school and high school students to fall in love with words on the stage and on the page since 2009. I've taught in private and public schools as well as with youth theatre organizations and literary nonprofits. I've directed numerous youth theatre productions and have loved every minute of it. I'm currently the Programs Director for a literary nonprofit where I have run the youth fiction contest since 2017. 

My education: Degrees don't mean everything, but I happen to really love learning in a collegiate environment and majored in things I am passionate about. I have a bachelor's degree in literature and writing from California State University, San Marcos, and a master's in Educational Technology. I completed courses in young adult novel writing through Arizona State University's Your Novel Year Program. All of my theatre experience is lived, through many years of acting, directing, and participating in the theatre arts community. 

My teaching philosophy: I teach with growth-based learning in mind. I want students to reflect on their learning process and use those reflective elements to guide instruction as well as inform my analysis of their growth. I love giving students choices and flexibility in their projects, with options to explore things that drive their curiosity. All learning is conversation and I don't position myself as an expert, but instead, as a life-long learner exploring with other curious people.