Cana Sylvester: Education major uses theater, Disney experience in classroom

Erica Martin
 

Cana Sylvester knows about life on the stage. Introduced to acting as a child, she went on to perform in productions at Mosley High School, majored in theater at Gulf Coast State College and was a cast member in the Disney College Program.

Now, as an elementary education major at Florida State University Panama City, Sylvester is learning how to perform in the classroom.

“Teachers are on stage all day attending to an audience,” Sylvester said, noting the deep connection between the arts and education. “Both fields have a heavy emphasis on communication, individual reflection and collaboration.”

Elementary education instructor Cristina Rios agrees.

An appreciation for theater adds to “how we see the value of interconnections in our learning environments and the arts,” Rios said. “Having an appreciation for world cultures and languages also shapes the passion for the arts as a theater major.”

Sylvester said Disney leaders stressed the value of education, emphasizing the importance of completing a degree.

“I met thousands of people every day and felt like I made a difference in the safety and enjoyment of the guests,” she said. “I learned the importance of my education and the education of children, as well as honoring the backgrounds of my peers and students.”

During Disney’s Spring Advantage term Jan. 15 to Aug. 2, Sylvester worked in attractions at Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom, studied marketing through Disney University and attended seminars and networking events in entertainment and theater. She also roomed with three other Disney cast members in College Program housing, marking her first time living away from home.

“Prior to working for Disney, I had not lived in a very diverse environment,” she said. “Looking back, I worked with and met so many different types of people and would not trade that experience for anything.”

An understanding of diversity is a key factor for success in the classroom, Rios said.

“Today more than ever before, teachers have to know about how to teach the basic core subjects or reading, math, science,” she said, “but above everything else, they should encourage learning about world languages, cultures and the expressive arts in order to create first-class world citizens for our global society.”

“I met so many young people from varied walks of life and was taught to honor the backgrounds of every guest,” Sylvester said of her time at Disney. “It is important in education to recognize and honor diversity.”

Education courses at FSU Panama City have furthered Sylvester’s understanding of different cultures, she said, teaching her to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of each student and to note the relationship of each child to the class as a whole.

Education Department Program Specialist Dana Smith, whose personalized assistance Sylvester credited as a prime reason she decided to come to FSU Panama City, said she thought Sylvester’s experiences would benefit her as a teacher.

“(Sylvester) is an intelligent, energetic and remarkable young lady,” Smith said. “Her experience in the theater and Disney World will be such a great asset to all future students that will be lucky enough to have her as their teacher.”

Sylvester decided to come to FSU Panama City after receiving a hand-written degree plan from Smith.

“It was so difficult communicating with schools long distance, and she made the process so much easier,” Sylvester said.

After graduation, Sylvester said she would like to pursue a drama certification and a master’s degree in education and theater training and technique. She said she would like to become a director at a non-profit theater or use theater as an outlet to improve communication with students with disabilities or behavioral disorders.

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