“Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.” – John W. Gardner

This quote was introduced to Mrs. McCain in graduate school and finds its way back into her work constantly. Her goal as a teacher has been to help students find their voices as artists. That’s where the magic lies. Possibilities coming to fruition. Moments that stick with students forever and having had a part in that is the gift we get back. Whether it be teachers, directors, choreographers, music directors, musicians, technicians, or designers, she’s been very lucky to have been surrounded by amazingly creative visionaries during her career.

Having taught in Fine Arts departments in Dallas for the past 20 years including Bishop Lynch High School, Dallas Children’s Theater, and Dallas Young Artists, and performing and choreographing in the DFW theatre community, she’s been given amazing professional development opportunities and a wealth of knowledge with regards to professionalism, creativity, and community building. She has taught many different styles of dance for the stage including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and musical theater, and her choreography has been seen at Lyric Stage, Theatre Three, WaterTower Theatre, Garland Summer Musicals, Garland Civic Theatre, Theatre Arlington, Uptown Players, Firehouse Theater, and Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas. Mrs. McCain holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor’s degree from UT Arlington. In her free time she loves road trips, hiking, reading, trying out new pizza parlors, going to the theater, and playing with her dog.

The ideal experience she wants to provide students is one that leaves them with a sense of

confidence, intrigue, joy, and an unending thirst for more. Go Mustangs!