CERTIFICATION
MTNA Professional Certification is a process that validates an individual’s qualifications for a specific field of professional practice.
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. Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM).
To maintain the MTNA Professional Certification credential and designation, NCTM must continue fulfilling the program’s standards through the renewal process.
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
This award was established in 2006 to recognize those chapters that have made the most significant contributions to the music teaching profession through participation in local, state and national programs. Any WSMTA Chapter may submit an application for the Chapter of the Year Award, whether applying for the first time, having previously applied, or having already received the award.
COMMISSIONED COMPOSER
To encourage the creation of new music by American composers, the Washington State Music Teachers Association partners with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) to commission new works. Each year, WSMTA commissions a Washington State composer to write a composition to be premiered at the State Conference in June. Commissioned composers will receive $2,500.
CONFERENCES
Conferences occur at three levels:
- District Conferences (Districtwide, more than one happens in an academic year, and the dates vary)
- WSMTA Conference (Statewide in June)
- MTNA Conference (National in March)
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE
The WSMTA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force meets regularly. Their ongoing discussions explore issues of access to music study and diverse repertoire for all types of students and for all types of teachers. They also seek to identify structures and practices at the local and state level that may (even inadvertently) help maintain inequity, and develop strategies to support each other in addressing them.
New members are welcome to join anytime.
GRANTS AND ENRICHMENTS
WSMTA offers grants to help teachers with the certification process, conference attendance, and membership dues. As well, there are grants available for districts and students.
HALL OF FAME
The Washington State Music Teachers Association established a Hall of Fame to recognize teachers’ exceptional support, inspiration and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of music and music education, both public and private, in the State of Washington.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2001 with the first recipients being awarded in 2002.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
The Honorary Life Member award was established by WSMTA in 1953.
WSMTA Honorary Life Membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors to any member of the Association in good standing for a minimum of twenty (20) years and who has given outstanding and distinguished service to the Association. National Dues shall be paid by the Association and State dues waived. State Honorary Life Membership conveys all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
The Leadership Seminar is an annual gathering of WSMTA leadership to promote community and collaboration, provide inspiration, and give various boards an opportunity to meet at the beginning of each new school year.
The Leadership Seminar typically features roundtable discussions, explores outreach, and includes important updates about your favorite programs. Anyone holding a local, district or state leadership position is welcome.
Click here for more information about the WSMTA Leadership Seminar
MTNA FOUNDATION FELLOW
The Music Teachers National Association Foundation Fellow program offers a meaningful method for honoring deserving individuals while supporting the efforts of the MTNA Foundation Fund through a donation to the Foundation Fund in an individual’s name.
To celebrate each fellowship, charitable contributions are being given to the MTNA foundation fund. Money in this fund helps to pay for the MTNA competitions and for student scholarships.
MUSICLINK
The MusicLink program reaches out to musically talented students whose parents cannot afford lessons. These students are recommended by their public school music teacher as deserving of private lessons. It is an excellent way for WSMTA and members of WMEA to collaborate with one another.
The grassroots nature of MusicLink encourages businesses in communities across the country to support the program by providing local funding, donation of instruments, offer music packets or music at a discount to MusicLink students
WORKSHOP LIST
WSMTA has compiled a list of names who are qualified presenters.
Please use the Member Login to access this list. On the Member Dashboard you will find a link to the “2022-2023 Workshop List.”
If you would like to be added to the Workshop List, please follow the link below. You will be notified if your proposed workshop has been added to the WSMTA Workshop List.