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

Posted in Certification.