CERTIFICATION

What does it mean to be a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM)?

Simply put, NCTM signifies an individual teacher’s commitment to the highest standards of the profession, whether in voice, piano, or other instruments. 

Within Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association there are many teachers, both certified and uncertified, who exhibit such a commitment, but working to achieve the status of NCTM emphasizes the exemplary discipline, dedication, and resolve of each teacher who pursues it. At the same time, the certification program highlights the aspirations of the larger music teaching profession to which we all belong. 

What are the standards which the national certification process promotes?

1. Understanding music and performing competently, as well as striving to teach each student as a unique individual.
2. Using and researching available resources to plan, facilitate, and assess the musical growth of all students.
3. Maintaining competent business and ethical practices.
4. Contributing to the musical growth and connection of colleagues and building partnerships in the community.
5. Regularly assessing personal growth as both a teacher and a musician, and seeking opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

What does a music teacher do to achieve NCTM, and how long does it take?

To complete national certification each independent teacher, regardless of previous background in their musical field, must complete five Teacher Profile Projects and submit them to the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Certification Commission, along with a $200 application fee.

(Once certification is successfully completed, Virginia Music Teachers Association reimburses $100 of that fee.) 

Completing the five projects can take up to a year, although many teachers finish in less time, and an extension can be granted.

Once the projects are completed and submitted, a regional board evaluates the submission and either recommends immediate certification or makes suggestions on how to improve any insufficient parts of the application. After making changes the teacher can then resubmit those amendments for reconsideration.

 What do the five projects include?

1. Writing a personal teaching philosophy.
2. Analyzing four mid-intermediate teaching pieces, which are provided when the application is first submitted. 
3. Presenting both teaching and musical competence through video recordings of student and teacher.
4. Sharing information about the teaching environment and resources used in teaching.
5. Discussing business ethics and policies.

What do nationally certified teachers do to maintain their NCTM certification status?

Teachers renew their certification annually by paying a small fee and supplying validation of contributions to the music profession and/or community during the year, along with evidence of personal professional growth through continuing education.

How do students, the larger public, and the teachers themselves benefit from the discipline of  national certification?

Students benefit from having thoughtful, organized, self-aware and competent teachers – teachers who set high but attainable goals for themselves and offer an example of life-long learning.

The letters NCTM raise public awareness of our profession and offer a reliable place to start the search for a music teacher.

In the words of NVMTA colleagues, “pursuing and achieving national certification stimulates creativity, provides teachers with goals for personal professional growth, and forms habits of ongoing self-assessment and information gathering, which inevitably benefits students..”

 Through certification good teachers become even better teachers.

Thirty-three of the teachers in NVMTA are nationally certified (see https://nvmta.org/member-services/certification/). Any one of them would be happy to share their experiences with you and encourage you.

Whether you are newly inspired to investigate certification or have been interested for years, maybe NOW is the time to follow through. You’ll never be sorry! Wouldn’t you like to be able to put NCTM after your name?

Detailed information, including a certification handbook, is available at the MTNA Website.  I would also be happy to speak with you on the phone and try to answer any questions you might have.

Diane Beyer Perett, Ph.D., NCTM (dbperett@gmail.com) 703-850-5266

NVMTA Certification Chairperson