A drama teacher educates students about acting in the theater, as well as all of the other aspects involved in producing a show. Lessons may revolve around set design and construction, costumes, stage make-up, theater history, directing, dance, singing, and diction. These educators also help students to improve confidence, public speaking, and self-expression. A drama teacher may also help to plan school drama productions, to give students the opportunity to perform for others. She also prepares her students to audition for and perform in these productions, as well as more advanced shows, in which they may participate in the future.

In a typical drama class, the instructor may begin by having students practice a few stretching or warm-up exercises, as well as diction drills — many of which are 'tongue twisters' and are meant to prepare the lips, tongue, and teeth for proper enunciation. The drama teacher often has the students participate in pantomime games, which help to assess body language, and improvisation, wherein pupils must rely on characterization, rather than memorized lines to dictate their next actions on stage. The instructor will often have students work individually on monologues, which are scenes with only one speaker. She may also have the class rehearse ensemble scenes that require interaction among several characters.

Many schools have only one drama teacher, so that educator will, therefore, be expected to create and run an entire drama department. These responsibilities may include evaluating students for appropriate class placement, selecting a play for which any member of the student body may audition, conducting auditions, casting the roles of the play, and scheduling after-school rehearsals and performances. Once the rehearsals begin, the drama teacher may also be responsible for finding students or other faculty to assist with stage management, lighting, costumes, music, props, and set design and construction. Leading up to the opening of the performance, the drama teacher may also need to plan for publicity and ticket sales.

A drama teacher may work in several venues, including public or private elementary, middle, or high schools, as well as colleges and universities. The opportunities available usually depend on current demand in the job market, and the teacher's education and experience. Almost all situations require that the instructor have at least a bachelor's degree, and some require a master's degree. In the United States, each state currently requires all public drama teachers to be licensed.