NCTM

Nancy Spahr-Huskey, Certification Chair

Are you going to the National Conference? If not, I certainly hope you plan to come to our State Conference September 20-21. This kind of continuing education is vital to our continued growth and rejuvenation as music teachers!

When you are at a conference, do keep your eyes open for these letters: NCTM. “Nationally Certified Teacher of Music “ means this individual has demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in their area of expertise and met these standards:

  • Professional preparation
  • Professional teaching practice
  • Professional business management
  • Professionalism and partnerships
  • Professional and personal renewal

Is it any wonder that you see so many NCTMs floating around at conferences? These are the people we learn from. If you don’t already have these initials after your name, you can! Visit www.mtna.org; click on “Engage” and then “MTNA Certification Program.” Feel free to contact me at nbspahr01@comcast.net with questions.

Is Certification for You? YES!

Are you one of those teachers who has thought you would like to become a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM)? I have asked several of you about it, and these are some of the responses I have received:

  • It is something I’d really like to do in the future.
  • I don’t have the time right now.
  • My budget is very limited, and certification is not in it right now.
  • I don’t see a clear benefit for me as far as making more money or attracting more students is concerned.
  • It seems like such an overwhelming process.

These responses actually encourage me because your answer is not a flat “no.” A couple of these responses actually applied to me some years ago. Then I decided to buckle down and get it done. I am so glad I did!

I have bought my son a card for his birthday, and this is what it says:

“Son—you’re smart, successful and independent, and it’s not just because of heredity . . . . Nope—Nagging had something to do with it, too!”

Sometimes we just need someone to keep reminding us—to give us good reasons to pursue a goal such as certification, to tell us it’s possible, to answer our questions, and to be our “cheerleader” through the process. Well, I’d like to be that person—so you’ll be hearing from me in this venue quite a bit in the future.

Here is what Linda Witchie, NCTM, wrote:

“We should always be learning, and I pursued MTNA’s NCTM program to continue my education and training.  I enjoy staying informed of the latest trends in our teaching field.  The NCTM certification process encouraged me to continue the habit developed during my undergrad and grad studies of regularly attending programs, workshops, masterclasses and conferences.  The NCTM credential raised my level of professionalism and added another tool for marketing my private studio.  Some of the best students I have had through the years were referred to me because of my NCTM designation.”

I would love to include your testimonial in the future! Feel free to contact me about your interest and with any questions.

Nancy Spahr Huskey, IMTA Certification Chair

765-438-6435

nbspahr01@comcast.net

Newly-Certified Indiana Teachers

Indiana is pleased to announce we have two teachers who have recently passed the National Certification through MTNA for status as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM).
Please join us in congratulating:

David Cartledge
 who currently serves as Associate Professor in the Piano department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
When asked to share his reasons for deciding to pursue NCTM status he stated:

I got certified out of respect for IMTA, MTNA, and the distinguished pedagogues who serve in the organization.  While I’m not recruiting a private studio, I wanted to participate in the certification process in order to show my enthusiasm for this important program.  

 
Mia Ray who graduated May 2017 with a degree in Piano Pedagogy and Music Arranging from Maranatha Baptist University. Beginning this coming Fall, she will be starting her master’s degree in Music Composition at Butler. Currently, she teaches music for K-12 at a school on the southside of Indy, along with teaching private lesson students.
When asked to share her reasons for deciding to pursue NCTM status she stated:
MTNA certification was a required part of the piano pedagogy degree at Maranatha, and I am so thankful for this requirement. Certification has given me credibility when seeking new clients and applying for jobs, and a confidence in my teaching. I also appreciate the accountability that comes with renewing my certification, reminding me that the best teachers are lifelong students.
 
For more information on how to become a nationally certified teacher, visit the MTNA Certification website or contact IMTA’s certification chair, Nancy Huskey

Certification Meeting

Curious about how to become a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music? Our certification, chair, Nancy Spahr will be giving an informal talk on the MTNA certification process at the home of member Sally Eppert (8580 Shoe Overlook Dr. Fishers) on Saturday, February 6 from 12:00-2:00. Please contact Nancy nbspahr01@comcast.net to let them know you’re attending.
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Certification News

Certification is an important step in developing and maintaining your professional development.  IMTA is pleased to note that seven IMTA members are newly certified!
IMTA members will notice in our 2010-11 IMTA Directory some new names in the list of Nationally Certified IMTA Teachers. Please talk with them about their process of becoming certified. These are members who have been certified after the 2009-2010 handbook was printed. The list includes the following IMTA members:

  • Jeanette Benedict
  • Leon Harshenin
  • Karin Hartman
  • Cynthia Hawkins
  • Candace Henkler
  • Jedda Newton
  • Nancy Spahr

Carolyn Hertzler, chair of certification is making a plea for all full time and part time faculty to take the earliest opportunity to become nationally certified. The process is extremely easy and is outlined on page 29 of the current handbook. Please contact her if you have questions.