Alabama Music Teachers Association

Affiliated with Music Teachers National Association


Teacher of the Year


This award is presented to recognize a member of AMTA for excellence in teaching, musicianship, and service to AMTA and/or the community. The award, presented at the Conference Banquet, includes a plaque, recognition in the AMTA Soundboard and in the conference program, and a waiver of fees for the conference and banquet.


Teacher of the Year Award Committee


A standing committee of three persons will be appointed by the President to be in charge of the gathering of information and determining the winner of this award. They will be appointed for two/year terms. The members of the committee will consist of the Immediate Past President (Chair of the committee) and two members from different areas of the state.


Nominee Requirements


The nominee must:


•    be a member in good standing of MTNA and AMTA.

•    have a minimum of five years teaching experience.

•    have had students participating in AMTA District and/or State Auditions for the past three years.


Nomination Process


Nomination of a teacher in any medium will be accepted from local AMTA affiliated associations or individual AMTA members. It is the responsibility of the nominator or nominating group (not the nominee nor the Award Committee) to see that the application is complete. Completed applications should be sent to the Immediate Past President with postmark date on or before April 13, 2023.


Information to be included with the nomination:


•    Current MTNA membership number of the nominee

•    Summary of nominee’s teaching experience

•    Achievements of nominee’s students, including numbers entered, ratings, winners, etc., in variousAMTA and or MTNA auditions in the past three Please list date and place of activity.

•    Brief philosophy of teaching

•    Statement by the nominator indicating why the person is being nominated

•    Brief resume including the following:

•        Involvement in community musical activities

•        Musical achievements of former students

•        Activities from the last five years resulting in professional growth, such as workshops (held or attended), publications, conventions, college courses, recitals, accompanying, performances, adjudicating, leadership activities, honors, AMTA and/or MTNA certification, etc.

•    Attach additional letters of support from colleagues, parents, and/or students


Send this completed application and any other supporting materials by April 13 to the AMTA Immediate Past President:


Melody Ng, AMTA Past President

UAH Department of Music

301 Sparkman Drive

Huntsville, AL 35899


Teacher of the Year Nomination Form


Previous AMTA Teachers of the Year

Year Honoree Affiliation
2023Yakov KasmanUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
2021Susan HoopIndependent Teacher - Huntsville
2019Tatiana KasmanUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
2017Elizabeth RutlandIndependent Teacher - Auburn
2015Dr. Kevin ChanceUniversity of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
2013Ginger BeazleyArs Nova - Huntsville
2012Noel BeckIndependent Teacher - Florence
2011Donna ShugartBirmingham-Southern College
2010Syble CoatsShelton State Community College - Tuscaloosa
2009Connie MaconSamford University - Birmingham
2008Vincentine WilliamsIndependent Teacher - Mobile
2007Hilda HaginsIndependent Teacher - Enterprise
2006Barbara ShinnIndependent Teacher and Samford University - Birmingham
2005Nancy WingardBirmingham-Southern College Conservatory
2004William DeVanBirmingham-Southern College
2003Sue TrosclairIndependent Teacher - Mobile
2002Dr. Roy WylieAuburn University
2001Mary Jane ScruggsIndependent Teacher - Mobile
2000Dr. Susie Francis DempseyJacksonville State University
1999Dr. Ronald ShinnSamford University - Birmingham
1998Dr. Betty Sue ShepherdSamford University - Birmingham
1997Frances SchwemmerIndependent Teacher - Huntsville
1996Barbara LaurendineIndependent Teacher and University of Mobile
1995Amanda PenickUniversity of Alabama - Tuscaloosa