Local Teacher Honored For Inspirational Theatre Education

Carolyn Little

TOMS RIVER – A local Toms River teacher was recently recognized by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) with the Inspirational Theatre Educator Award for inspiring students and being dedicated to the quality of their education.

Carolyn Little of Toms River High School North was honored with this award for demonstrating the value of high standards and professionalism in theatre and beyond.

The EdTA is a national nonprofit organization that supports and promotes school theatre. The EdTA has about 125,000 student and professional members.

Little was recognized for going “above and beyond to support and encourage students to take on leadership roles in productions, and teaches them to adapt to any situation they may encounter,” according to the EdTA.

Part of how she does this is by using theatre experiences to create a dialogue within the community. Little has even partnered with charitable organizations relevant to the each show she puts on, and then donates a portion of the ticket sales as well.

Also recognized by the EdTA with the Inspirational Theatre Educator Award were Kelly Carlson of Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Baltimore, Maryland and Peelee Clark of West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

These three veteran theatre educators and EdTA members will each receive this award at EdTA’s National Conference.