Bernadette McComish

Background

About Bernadette McComish

The road I’ve taken, while not always linear, has been instrumental in landing me where I am today: a top tier professional, dedicated, & full of excitement when cultivating young minds. Following words of advice from inspirational teachers along the way, I acquired my B.A. in English, & took a position mentoring students. Reflecting on the mentoring I had received, cemented in me the importance of providing guidance and leadership. I strive every day to provide that kind of meaningful impact on the students I teach. After acquiring an M.F.A. in writing from Sarah Lawrence, I spent three years as an adjunct teaching composition with CUNY and SUNY colleges. Classes were diverse, which was a wonderful feature, but with that came various backgrounds & language levels. My drive to serve in the most needed way possible took me on a detour, returning to graduate school, via the NYC Teaching Fellows, to earn an M.A. in TESOL. I bring a unique blend of pedagogical expertise, theatrical training, and empathy to the classroom and stage. I believe in the power of critical and creative thinking to shape a future with meaning through the arts. I hold three California teaching credentials in Theater, English Language Development (ELD), and English Language Arts (ELA), reflecting the extent of my teaching practice. My teaching journey began in New York City through the Teaching Fellows program, where I earned my M.A. in Education and TESOL. Since then, I have developed curricula for diverse learners, from ESL writers at a Title I high school in the South Bronx to creatives at Bright Star Schools. As a drama teacher and director, I have led students in a range of productions and acting classes, that center around ensemble-based improv, theater history, and the exploration of varied dramatic forms and genres. I believe that theater is a powerful tool for personal and social transformation. My directing style prioritizes collaboration, student voice, and creative risk-taking, qualities that have resulted in dynamic, well-attended performances and meaningful classroom experiences.