How to become a Speech and Drama Teacher
Do you have a passion for theatre and acting?
Would you like to work hours that suit you?
Are you fussy about correct pronunciation and speech?
This year long academic diploma course ( Sept to June) is ideal for anyone who wishes to set up their own business or as a primary or secondary teacher include it in your schools extra curricular activities. 
Practical and written exams
Areas of study covered in course:
• How to set up your own business
• Use of Mime and Improv
• Dramatic Literature
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
⇒Candidates for this course must already have achieved first class honours in Grade 10 examination or equivalent in Speech and Drama with a recognised examining body.
⇒Candidates must be at least Eighteen years old.
⇒A requirement of higher level English in Leaving Certificate is necessary.
⇒A minimum of 8 months preparation time should be considered for a Diploma.
⇒Candidates will be required to submit their application for consideration by the head of Speech and Drama Athlone and may be required to present for an interview and/or audition.
⇒An Academic Essay will be required from the candidate along with application.
Speech and Drama Athlone reserves the right to refuse any applicant with the above entry requirements.
COURSE CONTENT
This course focuses on students reaching their highest achievements with
⇒Associate and Licentiate Diploma in Acting
⇒Speech & Drama
⇒Verse Speaking
⇒Public Speaking
⇒Personal & Professional Communications
ACADEMIC PROGRESSION
Graduates of the Licentiate Diploma may progress on to the Fellowship diploma.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Graduates of the Licentiate Diploma have set up their own private practices, classes, drama schools and performing arts schools.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Diplomas are available on a part-time basis over a one year period.
Lectures take place on a one to one basis, online, weekly. Exams take place externally in December and June annually.
Zoom meeting software should be downloaded prior to the course start date.
GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS
After many years of trying, I achieved a personal dream – I completed my Associate Diploma. Mary took me under her wing and guided me through all the modules at my own pace. I met Mary through her website and we just connected. I have no hesitation in recommending Mary. She is extremely encouraging, knowledgeable and very kind. Nothing is any bother to her, she is very flexible with appointments and appreciates that all on the course have busy lives. I have observed Mary teaching children aged 4-18. Their speech and expression struck me as excellent and Mary’s preparation of them is top-rate. I am very blessed to have found her.
I’ve loved every minute of this course with Mary. There’s a great balance between receiving 1:1 support from Mary and attending group sessions which are also very beneficial, supporting each other through the course and providing feedback to each other .
Mary also encourages attendance at her classes which gives you the opportunity to put the theory into practice and gives you great firsthand experience of working with pupils .
I work full time and Mary is very approachable and supportive in finding a way to work around busy working schedule and meeting course deadlines . Was apprehensive about starting this course and if I’d be able to dedicate enough time to it but I’ve learned so much, received so many resources for my own classes and moreover, thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have been studying the Associate Diploma and Mary is a fantastic tutor. She inspires confidence, has a great understanding of the subject, very personable and works hard to ensure you reach your goal. She even travelled to Clifden to offer support and I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to attend her workshops in Athlone. She is always at the end of the phone to answer any queries. She has been a tremendous assistant in setting up my own Speech and Drama school. Couldn’t recommend this course enough as the individual attention is second to none. 5 star teacher *****
I completed my Associate Diploma with Mary Whelan Fox recently and it was a hugely positive experience.As a secondary school teacher my background is in education and I enjoyed gaining new insights into the methodologies and techniques needed in a speech and drama classroom.Mary was always encouraging and supportive in her feedback on my work both in practical class experiences and in the theoretical side of the course. She is very generous with her time and helped me to attain the high standards in my own practice that she maintains in all her work.Overall it was a very enjoyable and busy year which will add another level to my teaching practice.
I recently completed my Associate Diploma with Mary. As a primary school teacher I was looking to upskill in the area of Drama and Elocution. Mary was supportive from day one. She facilitated online zoom classes and in-person classes depending on my schedule which was very helpful and made the course manageable. Mary has a wealth of knowledge in both the practical and theory side of drama. I finished the course feeling prepared and confident. I highly recommend Mary if you are looking for all things Speech, Drama and Elocution.
Excellent Teacher. I would highly recommend Mary to anyone. So approachable and professional in her job. Mary leaves no stone unturned and receives top results all around. Her expertise in all aspects of business was invaluable setting up my own Speech and Drama Classes.
I recently completed my Associate Diploma with Mary Whelan Fox.
I became a student of Mary‘s around 14 years ago. I remember my very first class with Mary and from that very moment, I knew all I wanted to do was be part of Drama and Mary’s wonderful classes. I then went on to complete 10 grades and my certificate with Mary. When I completed my associate Diploma, it was during lockdown and Mary was more than accommodating and extremely helpful. She was always there to answer any questions I may have had.
Over the years, Mary’s classes have taught me so much from public speaking skills to perfecting my diction.
I have since gone on to complete the Higher Diploma in Drama Education in Griffith College, and Maryoffered me such support. I am currently teaching alongside her, which I am very excited about. Only for Mary and her guidance throughout the years, I may not have got this opportunity to develop my knowledge of drama further.
Mary was my teacher when I completed my Associate diploma in speech and drama teaching. She accommodated me with online classes throughout covid and endless lockdowns. She left no stone unturned and made sure I was well prepared for every aspect of the exam. I could not recommend Mary enough,her attention to detail and individual guidance was above the call of duty. If you are thinking of completing the diploma in Speech and Drama-Mary is the one stop shop! She also encouraged me to assist her in some of her younger classes. I gained invaluable experience in teaching those classes, as well as an understanding of the roles that come with the responsibility of teaching speech and drama. It was wonderful that we all managed to have our in person Graduation in Griffith College, Dublin.
I became a student at Marys almost ten years ago and it was one of the best decision’s. Through Mary‘s guidance and support I have managed to develop my confidence, public speaking skills, diction and stage presence more than I thought possible. Having completed all of my Speech and Drama grades I decided to complete the Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to support and guide me through the diploma, which is no easy task. She has a wealth of knowledge, through her years of experience, that she was more than willing to share. Through one-on- one lessons I was able to ask anything and never felt overwhelmed. I would definitely recommend anyone considering becoming a speech and drama student or teacher to contact Mary.
I had the pleasure of studying under Mary for my Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama, which I completed in connection to Griffith College. The experience was incredibly positive and rewarding from start to finish. As a primary school teacher, I found that the blended learning structure, which combined both online and in-person sessions, was extremely convenient. It allowed me to balance my professional commitments while still engaging fully with the curriculum.
Mary was an exceptional teacher throughout the duration of the associate. She has a unique ability to bring out the best in her students, whether in developing new skills or encouraging creativity and confidence. Her support and guidance were invaluable, especially during the practical elements of the course, where her feedback was always constructive and inspiring.
What stood out the most was Mary’s dedication to ensuring all of our success. She took the time to tailor her teaching to suit our needs and was always approachable, whether for advice, clarification, additional help, or a chat! Thanks to her, I have now achieved my associate diploma in speech and drama. I definitely feel more equipped in my teaching career and confident in applying my new skills in both the classroom and beyond.
I highly recommend Mary as a teacher for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and abilities in speech and drama.
Applications for Teaching Diplomas signifies the aspiration of a candidate to become a Speech and Drama teacher. Diplomas are designed to provide relevant and challenging syllabus that encourage high standard of knowledge, research and performance.
This course is tailored to meet the learner’s exact needs. With Drama now included in the Primary and Secondary school curriculum, there is an ever increasing demand for private tuition along with opportunities for employment in the sector.
With programmes to train you in teaching and performing alike, as well as opportunities to share your skills throughout the academic year, Speech and Drama Athlone is the perfect place to unlock your creativity and pursue your passion.
If you want to reach your goal of a Drama Teaching Qualification, we can mentor you to reach for the stars. We have 100% success rate.
Booking deposit of €200 is required
Speech and Drama Athlone Teaching Diplomas are recognised by the following boards:
