Joen Dealande
Speech and Drama Teacher
Joen Dealande, Speech and Drama Teacher at Otto Specht School, brings her lifelong passion for theatre, language, and expression to her students. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Marquette University, completed professional actor training at ACT, and earned her Waldorf Teacher Certification from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. A mother of five daughters and longtime Waldorf educator, Joen has worked as both a class and specialty teacher and now shares her love of speech and drama with students across the grades. She is currently a full-time student at the Steiner School of Speech Arts, deepening her work in the art of speech formation. Joen also performs in community plays and at local festivals, where she brings music, poetry, and storytelling to life. Her work in the classroom and on stage reflects her belief in the creative power of the spoken word.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Speech and Drama Teacher
When did you start working at OSS?
8/15/2022
What is your educational background?
BA in Theatre from Marquette University, ACT Professional Actor Training,Waldorf Teacher Certification from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
Parent of 5 daughters, Waldorf class teacher and specialty teacher, need to finance my speech training
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
Work with different students as a main lesson teacher for first and second grade and as a classroom assistant in a combined second and third grade
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
I am a full time speech formation student at the Steiner School of Speech Arts, and I perform in the community plays, and at festivals, doing music and speech.