Grade/subject/school: Theater arts and Theory of Knowledge at Lawrence North High School, and freshman English at Lawrence Central High School. I split between two schools because the arts are struggling in this economy.

Number of years teaching: Eight.

Work e-mail: stacy embry@msdlt.k12.in.us.

Background/schooling: Master’s in educational psychology, Ball State University, 2006; master’s in English, University of Indianapolis, 1996; bachelor’s in theater and philosophy, Ball State, 1993.

Why did you become a teacher: I was a professional actor/producer, corporate manager and artistic director for a theater. I was a professor at Ball State when I got a teaching license for secondary education and fell in love with teaching high school students. I had a teacher, Nancy Leslie, who taught me anything was possible. I found the Ball State students jaded and compartmentalized in mind and choices, so I wanted to get them earlier to show them they had control of their own lives. The second master’s in educational psychology was to validate that path.

What goals do you have for your students: For them to find themselves. . . or at least know that it’s possible and have a space to test and learn who they are.

What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills: I ask them to be involved, encourage and listen. Too often they have the reins and the struggle is in taking them. Many students never realize they can and give their power over to people and events without actualizing who and what they want to be.

Name your favorite movie: "Groundhog Day.’’ Learning, experiencing and realizing only you can pick your destiny.

Name your favorite musician or band: John Denver, The Doors.

What’s something your students might not know about you: I am in “Evita,” onstage after 20 years, at Indianapolis Civic Theatre this September.