Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Education and Training
References
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Marla Smith

Summary

Creative Music/Theatre Arts Teacher with expertise in curriculum development, student engagement, and performance coaching. Committed to fostering creativity through impactful lesson plans and collaborative projects.

Overview

11
years of professional experience

Work History

Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Dallas, Texas

Music/Theatre Arts Teacher
08.2025 - Current

Job overview

  • Instructed students on acting techniques, improvisation, script analysis, character development, stage movement, voice projection, diction and articulation skills.
  • Coached student actors on vocal techniques, improving their stage presence and vocal performance.
  • Organized student performances to enhance learning outcomes and foster creativity.
  • Organized and supervised rehearsals, performances, and other activities related to the production of theatrical works.
  • Oversaw auditions for school plays and musicals, offering targeted feedback to improve individual performances.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to enhance interdisciplinary arts projects.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Developed lesson plans for diverse theatre arts curriculum.
  • Planned field trips to local theatres or museums related to theatrical performance or art history studies.
  • Served as an advisor for student-run theatrical groups within the school community.

Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy
Plano, Texas

Music/Theatre/CTE/Audio Video/Yearbook Teacher
07.2024 - 08.2025

Job overview

  • Led classroom discussions that increased student participation and comprehension.
  • Designed lesson plans that engaged students and met curriculum standards.
  • Implemented individual learning strategies to support diverse student needs.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Integrated technology-based learning tools to improve instructional effectiveness.
  • Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.

Carrollton Farmers Branch School District
Carrollton, Texas

Peims Specialist/Drama Club Director
02.2015 - 07.2024

Job overview

Coached UIL performance teams, leading them to multiple winning results.

  • Choreographed routines that aligned with and enhanced overall artistic vision.
  • Created scripts for performances, strengthening storytelling and audience engagement.
  • Guided students in character development, fostering self-confidence.
  • Designed sets to visually support performance themes.

Education

Texas A&M University

Master of Arts from Theatre
07-2026

University Overview

Dallas College

Bachelor of Science from Early Education And Teaching
12-2023

University Overview

  • Josephine Leeper Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient
  • Chancellor's - Dean's List, 2023-2024
  • 2020 - 2023Honor Roll

President of Sigma Kappa Delta President, 2022,2023

Dallas College

Associate of Arts
12-2020

University Overview

  • Literary Scholarship Recipient

Skills

  • Curriculum development
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Student engagement
  • Performance coaching
  • Collaborative projects
  • Theatrical production
  • Playwriting techniques
  • Meisner technique
  • Adler technique

Education and Training

Education and Training
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References

References
References available upon request.

Timeline

Music/Theatre Arts Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
08.2025 - Current
Music/Theatre/CTE/Audio Video/Yearbook Teacher
Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy
07.2024 - 08.2025
Peims Specialist/Drama Club Director
Carrollton Farmers Branch School District
02.2015 - 07.2024
Texas A&M University
Master of Arts from Theatre
Dallas College
Bachelor of Science from Early Education And Teaching
Dallas College
Associate of Arts
Marla Smith