Ms. Rita enthusiastically offers her long and vast experience in the Arts to the NSSOTA faculty. In addition to her career as a professional vocalist/bandleader and actress/performer, she has always had an affinity for sharing her passions through her love of teaching. She dedicated nearly twenty years of her life as a high school Theatre Arts Teacher/Department Head. This led to positions as a University Supervisor for theatre student teachers, Professor of Education at TWU, and as director of numerous community theatre endeavors.

As a private voice, piano, and acting teacher at New Song, Ms. Rita feels most fortunate to be able to impart her knowledge to her beloved students of all ages and abilities. She strongly believes that the study of the arts is essential to reinforce important life skills, to help unlock minds, souls, and spirits, and to achieve profound human understanding at any stage of life.

Education and Accomplishments:

• Post Grad Studies, Masters in Educational Administration with Principal Certification (4.0 GPA) – University of North Texas (2007)
• Master of Science Degree in Theatre Arts – University of North Texas (2000)
• Ranked #1 in her class (4.0 GPA)
• Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Theatre Arts Award
• Most Outstanding Student-Directed Production of the Year
• Phi Kappa Phi honor society member – University of North Texas
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education – University of Texas at Dallas (1984)
• Graduated Cum Laude (3.76 GPA)
• Solo Vocalist UTD Jazz Band
• Associates of Arts and Sciences Degree – Richland College (1982)
• Phi Theta Kappa member (Top 5% academically)
• Academic Recognition and/or Dean’s List every semester (3.5-4.0 GPA)
• Solo Vocalist – Richland College Jazz Band
• All-level teaching certificate in Music and Theatre Arts – University of Texas at Dallas & University of North Texas

  
  Additional Scholarly and/or Educational Achievements:

  • US President’s Educational Awards (2003)
  • Published author – Directing the Fantasticks
  • Theatre Arts Handbook & Guidelines – adopted by numerous high schools
  • UIL One-Act Play State Finalist (Director)
  • UIL/OAP Director
  • Dallas Summer Musical High School Awards Judge
  • Teacher of the Month Awards – Marcus High School
  • Teacher of the Year Finalist
  • Voted Most Valuable
  • Teacher – MHS Football Team and MHS Drill Team
  • 2014-2015 Winner of ”Changing Children’s Lives” – awarded by Lewisville Education Foundation (LEF) for more student donations given than any secondary teacher in the district