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 by March 15.
Information to be included with the nomination:
- Current MTNA membership number
- Summary of teaching experience
- Achievements of the nominee's students including numbers entered, ratings, winners, etc., in various AMTA and/or MTNA auditions for the past three years
- Brief philosophy of teaching music
- Statement by the nominator indicating why the person is being nominated
- Brief resume including the following:
- Description of the nominee's involvement in community musical activities
- List of musical achievements of former students
- Summary of activities from the last five years resulting in professional growth, such as workshops (held or attended), publications, conferences, college courses, recitals, accompanying, performances, adjudicating, leadership activities, honors, AMTA and/or MTNA certification, etc.
- Additional letters of recommendation from colleagues, parents, and/or students
Teacher of the Year Nomination Form
Previous AMTA Teachers of the Year
| Year | Honoree | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Dr. Kevin Chance | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa |
| 2013 | Ginger Beazley | Ars Nova, Huntsville |
| 2012 | Noel Beck | Independent Teacher, Florence |
| 2011 | Donna Shugart | Birmingham-Southern College |
| 2010 | Syble Coats | Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa |
| 2009 | Connie Macon | Samford University, Birmingham |
| 2008 | Vincentine Williams | Independent Teacher, Mobile |
| 2007 | Hilda Hagins | Independent Teacher, Enterprise |
| 2006 | Barbara Shinn | Independent Teacher and Samford University, Birmingham |
| 2005 | Nancy Wingard | Birmingham-Southern College Conservatory |
| 2004 | William DeVan | Birmingham-Southern College |
| 2003 | Sue Trosclair | Independent Teacher, Mobile |
| 2002 | Dr. Roy Wylie | Auburn University |
| 2001 | Mary Jane Scruggs | Independent Teacher, Mobile |
| 2000 | Dr. Susie Francis Dempsey | Jacksonville State University |
| 1999 | Dr. Ronald Shinn | Samford University, Birmingham |
| 1998 | Dr. Betty Sue Shepherd | Samford University, Birmingham |
| 1997 | Frances Schwemmer | Independent Teacher, Huntsville |
| 1996 | Barbara Laurendine | Independent Teacher and University of Mobile |
| 1995 | Amanda Penick | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa |
