The MTNA Professional Certification program exists for teachers who teach music to students of any age level in private or group settings. The program is based upon a set of five standards defining what a competent music teacher should know and be able to do:
Standard I: Professional Preparation
Standard II: Professional Teaching Practices
Standard III: Professional Business Management
Standard IV: Professionalism and Partnerships
Standard V: Professional and Personal Renewal
Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). In order to maintain the MTNA Professional Certification credential and designation, the NCTM must continue fulfilling the program’s standards through the renewal process.
Certification Process
1. Go to MTNA Certification website for an overview: www.mtnacertification.org
2. Read Certification Standards
3. Read Teacher Profile Workbook for piano, voice, violin or flute
4. Read “What Will the Evaluators Be Looking For?”
5. Submit Certification Application and pay the fee as directed
6. Successfully complete and submit five Teacher Profile Projects (TPP's)
7. Full or part-time College Faculty: Submit Certification Application and Administrative Verification Form. Administration Verification form will then be sent to MTNA upon receipt of application and fee.
Renewal Process of MTNA Professional Certification means the NCTM maintains Standards I, II and III of the original Certification and continues to fulfill and validate Standards IV and V.
Candidates certified prior to January 1, 2010 will renew annually at the end their five-year renewal cycle. Renewals will continue every year thereafter. Complete and submit the Documentation of Renewal Activities Form.
Candidates certified after January 1, 2010 will renew certification annually. NCTMs certified PRIOR to January 1, 2010 renew at the end of their five-year renewal cycle.
Permanent Professional Certification is conferred upon successful completion of the tenth year of renewal. Once Permanent Professional Certification status is achieved, documentation of renewal activities is no longer needed. Candidates only need to send in the annual renewal fee.
For further information on MTNA Professional Certification please contact the Indiana state chairperson for Certification:
Carolyn Hertzler, NCTM
cwhertz@comcast.net
(574) 533-6526
MTNA Certification testimony