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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Yakov Kasman | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| 2021 | Susan Hoop | Independent Teacher, Huntsville |
| 2019 | Tatiana Kasman | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| 2017 | Elizabeth Rutland | Independent Teacher, Auburn |
| 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 |
