2022 Arts Educator of the Year Dr. Michael Penna
Dr. Penna is a Theater and English Teacher at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ. Collier is a school for students with disabilities and special needs. He has a Ph.D. in Education from Walden University, MPhil in Education from Walden University, MA in Theater Studies from Montclair State University, and a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University.
Dr. Penna has over 28 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts and has worked professionally throughout the country. Dr. Penna has been seen Regionally in: Kiss Me Kate, Big River, Chicago, 42nd Street, The Dinner Party, The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, The Importance of Being Earnest, Rocky Horror Show, and Crazy for You, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Slim Goodbody Tour, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change and Spamalot to name a few. Dr. Penna was the recipient of the 2019 Jo Ann Fox Award in Theatre Education from the Montclair State Theatre Night Awards. He is a State Board Member for The International Thespian Society. Dr. Penna is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association (AEA), and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He. has dedicated himself to social justice and equality for all, he is an advocate for the disabled, a champion for Education, and is a proud member and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.