2006 MTNA National Conference
Photos Courtesy of Priscilla Keogh
Carol Flatau
Joan Reist
Priscilla Keogh and Joan Reist
Jay Hershberger
Jay Hershberger at the piano
Certification Meetings and Activities
The 2006 Annual Meeting of the NCC took place on Friday, March 24 preceding the Conference. A motion passed that will add "local festivals/competitions" to Renewal Activities Bullet #1 under Standard IV, Category 1. A motion passed that will allow five minutes for a candidate to read through the entire Certification Examination, in addition to the proctor's instructions, before beginning the increased time limit of three and one-half hour.
Commissioners working at the Certification Booth in the Exhibit Hall experienced inquiries from a steady flow of conference attendees about becoming a Nationally Certified Teachers of Music or renewing their certification. They were provided appropriate information and materials about the MTNA Professional Certification Program. The five MTNA Professional Certification Standards were prominently displayed.
The State and Local Association Certification Leadership Meeting was very well attended with lots of enthusiasm exhibited. Mary Lynne Bennett, NCTM and the West Virginia MTNA Certification Chair stressed communication with the members at large and communication with the state board to help in promoting certification. Elizabeth Gutierrez, NCTM and the Texas MTA Certification Chair, shared many ideas including a stipend for the local association with the most teachers certifying during the year. A new brochure for collegiate students promoting the MTNA Professional Certification Program and existing brochures were presented to those in attendance.
The Certification Open Session was also very well attended. President Paul Stewart, NCTM, cited recent achievements in the Certification program. He thanked Pat Tuley, NCTM and retiring NCC Chair, for her many years of service. Pat Tuley introduced Sylvia Coats, NCTM, as the new NCC Chair, and Diana Pettit, NCTM, as the new commissioner from the Southern Division. Sharon Lebsack, NCTM, was recognized for her service as commissioner. Susan Fee, NCTM from California, and Cheryl Norman, NCTM from Utah, gave presentations on how their states help certification candidates study for the proficiency and certification examinations (see attachments). New books to assist with certification preparation were announced: Thinking as You Play: Teaching Piano in Individual and Group Lessons by Sylvia Coats from Indiana University Press and the soon to be published Professional Piano Teaching by Jeanine Jacobson from Alfred Publishing.
This was the first Certification Reception with a sponsor providing the refreshments. Hal Leonard Publishing Company was recognized and thanked as the sponsor. Hazel Ramsbotham, NCTM and one of the oldest certified members of MTNA, performed her accordion for the enjoyment of the large crowd. The NCC recognized Pat Tuley at this reception with a fun-loving rendition of Mame, Wanda Mandigo of Nebraska was the winner of the drawing for a complimentary Certification Application Fee valued at $200.00.
From July 1, 2005 to April 30, 2006 ninety-five (95) teachers have been awarded the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), a sixteen percent increase from 2004-2005. New NCTMs' names were flashed across screens as the crowd gathered for the Opening Session of the Conference on Saturday evening. Their names were also listed in the Conference Program Book.
Please continue to visit the MTNA Certification Website at www.mtnacertification.org for information regarding the MTNA Professional Certification Program. The information found in The Handbook for State and Local Certification Leadership, has been designed especially to assist you in your leadership role.
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