MTNA celebrating certification - Music Teachers National Association

American Music Teacher, August-Sept, 2003

Why I Became a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

The National Certification Commissioners Respond

I wanted my colleagues and the public to be able to identify me for what I knew and what I was able to do. The designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), provided that identity in a way that my university music degree could not.

--Pat Tuley, Hattiesburg, MS

"NCTM" after my name tells current and prospective students that my credentials meet standards set by a national organization. It means I am committed to providing a quality education and continually strive to grow through continuing education and personal involvement.

--Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, Portales, New Mexico

I have been an NCTM for over thirty years. Acquiring certification validates my intention to provide a high standard of musical instruction. I think it is important for my students and parents to know that I have fulfilled the requirements of a national certification process.

--Sandra Carnes, East Sparta, OH

For me, "NCTM" says a teacher has the self-esteem and desire to be recognized as a proficient, well-trained, experienced professional in the music business. I wanted that recognition for my own efforts in teaching music.

--Debra Hadfield, Plano, TX

My university education got rudely interrupted. I had taken all the core music courses, but could not complete the university requirements for a degree in music. How was I to tell my students' parents that I was qualified, competent and knowledgeable? I needed MTNA Certification. I wanted MTNA Certification as a confirmation of my skills as a teacher and a statement of my professionalism. I did it for me, for my students, and for my profession.

--Lucinda M. Lear, Waterloo, IA

One of my goals as a state officer was to encourage more members to gain certification. I felt that before I could advocate the procedure for others, I should complete the process myself.

--Sharon Lebsack, Hattiesburg, MS

I "sped" through the procedure to get certified as I planned a move from Cleveland, Ohio, to Boston, Massachusetts. In my hometown of Cleveland, I was a well-established piano teacher who suddenly faced the daunting prospect of building a now studio of students in the same place that graduated Harvard, New England Conservatory and Brandeis musicians who would also be looking for jobs! I felt that having the letters "NCTM" after my name would offer prospective interviewers some assurance of quality. Within two months of my arrival in Boston, I was offered piano teaching positions at three area community music schools!

--Karen Taddie, Morgantown, WV

The Certification Program was the primary attraction of MTNA and the strongest reason for my 1978 membership. My degree programs were completed; my studio was growing rapidly. I wanted something that offered consumer protection and education.

--Deborah Wallace, Middleton, ID

Detailed descriptions of the requirements and all forms and fee information are available on the MTNA Certification website at www.mtnacertification.org and from MTNA national headquarters. To request a copy, e-mail mtnacertification@mtna.org or phone (888) 512-5278, ext. 237.