Professional certification.(Association News)

The MTNA Professional Certification Program Standards clearly state the intent and content of this program, from the initial process of earning the designation of Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. Each Standard corresponds to a requirement or set of requirements for successful completion of the program. Standard IV: Professionalism and Partnerships, is an important component in the certification process, particularly as related to the newer Certification Portfolio option. This option, which became available January 1, 2004, fulfills certification requirements for those candidates who choose to provide extensive documentation of their professional activities rather than take the Certification Examination.

Standard IV: Professionalism and Partnerships

A. Contributing to the Profession

Competent music teachers contribute to the professional growth of their colleagues, their studios and schools, their professional associations and to their profession at large.

B. Building Partnerships

Competent music teachers understand and appreciate the unique position that the family unit, colleagues and the community play in the musical education of students. They actively seek opportunities to build and nurture partnerships with them.

Standard I is satisfied through the first step in the initial certification process. Standards II, III and IV address the second step in the initial process. Standard V is exclusively concerned with renewal. Standard IV serves as the bridge connecting the initial certification process with the renewal process, through various means of demonstrating professional partnerships in much more than the conventional sense. One requirement of the MTNA Certification Program application is verification of two year's minimum teaching experience. Within that provision, many teachers already will have fulfilled some of the requirements of Standard IV.