Certification Corner: Spring 2024

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Rose Freeman, WSMTA Certification Chair

What seeds are you planting this spring?  As of today, we’re about four weeks out from the last frost here in Western Washington and I’m eagerly awaiting being out in my garden more.  My climbing clematis just started to bud and grow leaves outside my piano studio entrance and I can’t wait for the purple blossoms to bloom!  Also, I  imagine you’re planting sparks of artistry, persistence, courage, and presence in the hearts and minds of your students as you prepare for a season of festivals and recitals. 

I’m excited to congratulate Elissa Hust, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, who received her Certification in Piano by completing the Teacher Profile Projects.  We celebrate you, Elissa!  Also, I welcome two other teachers who have submitted their applications for Certification.  If you’d like to learn more about Certification or would like me to speak at your local chapter, please reach out to rosefreemanmusic@gmail.com and we can schedule a call!

On June 28, 2024, I’ll be presenting at the WSMTA Conference at Gonzaga University to share “3 Steps to Success” in MTNA Certification. Want to hear the inside scoop of what evaluators are looking for in your Teacher Profile Projects for National Certification?  And celebrate my birthday with me?  I’ll bring the cupcakes!  Invite a colleague to join you to hear three steps to success as well as what I’ve learned from my experience as MTNA Certification Commissioner for the Northwest Division and as WSMTA Certification chair.

Lastly, Washington State Music Teachers Association offers a $100 grant that covers half of the application cost.   Whether you teach piano, voice, violin, flute or organ, MTNA offers the Certification program for you to complete 5 teacher profile projects and receive National Certification. You can access the projects overview at https://certification.mtna.org/.

I’m looking forward to hearing from YOU!

~Rose

Rose Freeman, NCTM
WSMTA Certification Chair
425-248-9288
rosefreemanmusic@gmail.com



Certification Corner: Winter 2024

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Rose Freeman, WSMTA Certification Chair

Entering the season of winter feels like an appropriate time to pause, reflect, and consider new possibilities for the new year.  As 2024 begins,  I’m remembering the connections I’ve made at WSMTA since I joined as a student teacher of Judy Baker in 2007.  As Colleen Hunter wrote in her December newsletter, you all are the “living force,” the heart of this organization.  You each bring your own insight, expression, and spark of inspiration both to your own music as well as your students’ lives through music education.

It’s my delight to connect with teachers completing their MTNA National Certification Teacher Profile Projects to hear more about who, what, and why they teach.  I find the prompts and questions involved in Certification supportive in my own reflection and growth as a music educator.  Are you and a colleague in your chapter considering Certification?  I’d love to hear from you!  Reach out to me at rosefreemanmusic@gmail.com and let’s schedule a 30-minute zoom meeting to share more about my experience with the Certification projects and what tips I’ve learned as Certification chair the last 10 years.

Right now, Washington State Music Teachers Association offers a $100 grant that covers half of the application cost.  If you’re a collegiate member, the grant covers the entire application cost for Certification.  Whether you teach piano, voice, violin, flute or organ, MTNA offers the Certification program for you to complete 5 teacher profile projects and receive National Certification. You can access the projects overview at https://certification.mtna.org/.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Rose Freeman, NCTM
WSMTA Certification Chair
425-248-9288
rosefreemanmusic@gmail.com