Susan Walton

Walton’s innovative teaching idea, “Act Out on Stage, Not in Class,” focuses on supporting creativity in the area of theater art. Students involved in the project will have an opportunity to become leaders in a positive manner by engaging in more choice-making. Many students today at Montera Middle School struggle with a lack of confidence and often exhibit "acting out” behavior when stressed. By creating an opportunity to write in small groups, share feelings about bullying and their differences, the students will have an opportunity to reclaim their self-worth. With the Voya grant, Walton will purchase the unique and necessary materials to support scriptwriting, costume creation, mask making and props, providing the students with a real-life experience. Through the project, Walton wants to help her students understand the importance of being a participant in a play inclusive of writing, costume design, lighting and acting.