January 2013 newsletter - Minnesota Music Teachers Association

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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Which program is better, state or national?
Some would say our state program is more accessible – the fee is much lower and the requirements are
straightforward and clear. The National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) is a more rigorous and comprehensive
program. Rebecca Grooms Johnson, MTNA Vice President who was involved in developing the latest NCTM
requirements, says it was designed to serve as curriculum for college pedagogy classes. One member who recently
achieved state certification remarked, “The state program didn’t meet my expectations.” Another member who
became nationally certified a few years ago described the process as “deeply valuable, helping me thoughtfully
examine and articulate my teaching philosophy.”
How many MMTA members are certified?
About half of our members are certified by one or the other program. Deducting the number of members who are
NCTM, those who have state certification are about 30%.
What are other states doing about certification?
Among other states that had state certification programs before the NCTM program was established, most states have
phased out their state certification. In most instances, they simply stopped accepting new applications for state
certification and discontinued the renewal process, declaring all those who were currently certified to be
permanently certified.
If we eliminate state certification, how could MMTA promote the NCTM program?
There seem to be three challenges for members seeking national certification – the cost, the perception that the
requirements are complex, and the video requirement. MMTA could promote NCTM in a variety of ways – providing
rebates on the application fee once a member is designated NCTM; providing a mentoring group or classes to help
applicants understand and meet the requirements; providing a group of technology savvy members willing to help
applicants with the video recording aspect.
What about volunteerism?
Certification programs are usually about professionalism and the quality of one’s teaching. Sometime in the 1970’s,
MMTA began requiring volunteer hours as part of the certification and renewal process. This has proven problematic
on several fronts, but whenever state certification is discussed, we have some leaders who ask how we will get enough
volunteers if people are not required to volunteer as part of their certification renewal. We could have a long
discussion on this topic alone, but my short answer is that we have found better, more effective ways to incentivize
volunteerism in our organization.
What’s next?
No action has been taken at this time, and no recommendations have been made by the task force to the board.
At this point, we’d like some feedback from our members. If you are state certified, what do you value about that
option? If you are thinking about national certification, what holds you back? Send your thoughts to me at
klevorson@aol.com.
2013 looks to be another busy year of programs and events that will nurture your students and inspire you as a
teacher and professional. First up is the Popular Styles Seminar on January 11, where Cheri Sykes, Doug Rohde, Mary
Gustafson and Betsy Keno will unveil the first four levels of a draft syllabus. You won’t want to miss this, so register
now! http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/sites/mnmusicteachers.com/files/Pop%20Styles%20registration%20form.pdf
Here’s to another fabulous year of music in your studio and with MMTA!