Teaching qualifications overview

How do I become a Theatre Faculty Teacher within the European Union?

Within the European Union, the two initial teaching qualifications the ISTD offers are the DDI and DDE. These are teaching qualifications accredited by the Regulatory Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ofqual, DCELLS and CEA) at Level 3 and Level 4, respectively, on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). These qualifications develop the practical teaching skills required to become a recognised, qualified and fully rounded dance teacher. Their unitised approach allows flexibility for our students to continue working whilst studying towards the qualifications.

Further details on the qualifications are as follows. Please note, this is only a brief outline and there are some requirements not listed below. For further details you will need to read the appropriate Faculty syllabus outline obtainable free by downloading from the Faculty mini-site on this website. For the syllabus for the DDI or DDE qualifications please contact Education & Training on educationofficer@istd.org.

Level 3 Diploma in Dance Instruction (DDI)

Entry Requirements
Candidates must be 17 or above in the academic year they register.

Further Details
This qualification gives prospective dance teachers a solid grounding in the skills and knowledge needed to teach dance in a safe environment. The units covered include teaching skills with a focus on observation, the promotion of health and safety, the attainment of an Intermediate qualification in their dance genre, and the dance genre specific study of dance practice and the relationship between music and dance again focusing on their dance genre.

Successful candidates move on to the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) and may apply for Student Membership of the Society.

For further information on this qualification please click here

Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE)

Entry Requirements
Candidates must be 18 or above in the academic year they register, and have achieved an FDI or DDI qualification in the genre they wish to qualify in.

Further Details
This qualification builds on the skills gained in the DDI and gives prospective dance teachers further insight into the units covered with more emphasis upon planning, implementing and evaluating dance lessons. At this level candidates are expected to complete a variety of different assessments to ensure sound knowledge of teaching strategies, safe practice, lifespan development and learning in dance, ISTD syllabi and knowledge of the background to their chosen dance genre or dance in general.

Successful candidates are qualified to teach and enter students in the relevant genre and may apply for Full Membership of the Society.

For further information on this qualification please click here

Licentiate

Entry Requirements
Candidates must be 23 or above, hold the DDE, Certificate in Dance Education (CDE) or Associate Diploma in the relevant genre, have passed the Advanced 1 examination in the relevant genre and comply with any other specific criteria listed in the relevant syllabi. It is also recommended that candidates have five years teaching experience or more.

Further Details
This qualification further builds on the skills learnt in the DDE, CDE or Associate Diploma and tests the competent dance teacher further both in syllabus knowledge and teaching skill.

Successful candidates may apply to train as examiners of the relevant faculty and apply to become Approved Tutors to teach student teachers on the DDI and DDE programmes.

Fellowship

Entry Requirements
Candidates must be 28 or above, hold the Licentiate and Advanced 2 qualifications in the relevant genre, have completed eight years of teaching in that genre and comply with any other specific criteria listed in the relevant syllabi.

Further Details
This is the highest teaching qualification offered by the ISTD, further building on the skills and experienced gained through the Licentiate qualification. Candidates are therefore expected to show a depth and breadth of technical knowledge and artistry as well as a high standard of teaching.

Successful candidates may stand for election to their Faculty Committee, apply to train as examiners of the relevant faculty, and apply to become Approved Tutors to teach student teachers on the DDI and DDE programmes.

The Fellowship examination and its value in today’s world is discussed in depth in the article Fellowship Examination – Is it still of value in today’s world of dance? by Janet Clark. Please click here to read it.

For further details with regards these qualifications, please contact Nathalie Islam-Frénoy, Professional Development Officer, at educationofficer@istd.org.