Elementary school teacher Alicia Bush shares her unconventional journey into education, a path deeply rooted in her passion for theater. Initially aspiring to be a stage performer, Bush's college and graduate studies in theater, including a transformative period at the University of London's Central School of Speech and Drama, steered her towards the impactful world of theater education. There, she discovers the profound connection between directing and teaching, and the power of using drama to help individuals, particularly troubled teens, explore emotions and share their stories in a safe environment.

Bush's experiences in London, working with diverse community groups like the homeless and prisoners through theater, ignited a desire to bring similar community-building arts initiatives to the United States. This passion leads her to use theater to transcend language barriers while working with students in Honduras. This experience solidifies her belief in art's ability to give people a voice.

Upon returning to the States, Bush teaches speech and theater at a university before transitioning to elementary education. At a local elementary school of the arts, she impressively establishes a theater program from the ground up, teaching students from pre-K through fifth grade and guiding them through full-scale productions. Now, in her general education classroom, Bush masterfully infuses her theatrical background to create a safe, family-like atmosphere where students' basic needs and emotional well-being are prioritized. She utilizes techniques like reader's theater and creative writing to help students connect with content and express themselves, fostering an environment where they feel heard and empowered. Bush continues to advocate for the arts, joining local arts boards with a vision to expand programming, especially for adults, underscoring her unwavering belief that art has the power to change lives.

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