National Teaching Standards require elementary school teachers to incorporate theater into their curriculums, yet learning how to put on a play is not a course in most teacher education programs. Many teachers want to know how to move beyond reader’s theater, where students read from scripts, and into performance.

Cue January M. Akselrad of Cold Spring. A playwright, composer, and hands-on director of over 100 curriculum and values-based plays and musicals for the classroom, Ms. Akselrad has authored Classroom Teacher as Theater Director… or, I have to put on a play?!

“This practical guide to putting on a classroom play is written by a true master,” says Dr. Miriam Westheimer, program director at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Ms. Akselrad will be signing copies of her debut book on Saturday, August 21, from 2pm to 5pm at the Parent- Teacher Store located in the Poughkeepsie Plaza at 2600 South Road.

The Parent-Teacher Store carries educational toys and supplies that “innovative teachers and concerned parents are looking for” with stores in Poughkeepsie, Latham and Kingston.

Ms. Akselrad is co-founder and co-president of See The Wish with Cold Spring resident and author, Jennifer Young. See The Wish is a company dedicated to creating original literature, music and theater that inspires children - and their educators - to reach for their potential. For more information on See The Wish products and children’s interactive presentations, visit seethewish. com. Classroom Teacher as Theater Director can be purchased locally at Payning By Caryn, Main Street, Cold Spring.

For book signing information and directions to the Poughkeepsie Parent-Teacher Store, 845-559-0037.