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