MTNA Professional Certification Program

The MTNA Professional Certification Program exists to improve the level of professionalism within the field of music teaching. Certification helps readily identify competent teachers within the community and provides these teachers with prestige, recognition and the potential for student recruitment and increased earning power.

The Certification Process validates an individual's qualifications for a specific field of professional practice. It signifies commitment to continued excellence in professional practice. In addition, it increases visibility, builds credibility, provides a goal for personal professional achievement and validates expertise. 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.

Professional Preparation
Professional Teaching Practice
Professional Business Management
Professionalism and Partnerships
Professional and Personal Renewal

OhioMTA Certified Teacher of the Year

Each year OhioMTA selects a Certified Teacher of the Year who will serve as Ohio's nominee for the MTNA Teacher of the Year. OhioMTA teacher of the year will receive a waiver to cover registration at the annual state conference, plus lunch at the Annual Awards Brunch. The recipient of the National Award is awarded a conference package that includes airfare, two nights at the conference hotel, conference registration and two Awards Brunch tickets. Click the button below to download the 2026 Nomination Form. Applications are due by May 31st, 2026.

2026 Certified Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

OhioMTA 2026 Certified Teacher of the Year

Susan Frost

OhioMTA 2026 Certified Teacher of the Year

Susan Frost, NCTM, is a piano teacher, performer, accompanist, and adjudicator.

Susan has been a member of the Central East district of OMTA since 1989, and has been nationally certified since 1990. Throughout her career, Susan has distinguished herself as an active and valued member of Central East OhoMTA, serving as Chairman of Scholarship Auditions from 1990 to 1992, District Treasurer from 1996 to 2004, and Vice-President for Member Services and Membership Chairman from 2010 to 2012. Additionally, Susan served as hospitality chairman during many of these years.

Throughout her career, Susan Frost has adjudicated countless musical events. In addition to teaching and adjudicating, Susan has enriched the community through consistently holding a position as a church organist.

Susan has inspired and guided numerous students to exceptional achievements, including multiple recipients of the prestigious Paderewski Gold Medal—three of whom earned this honor in the past year alone.

The profound impact Susan Frost has had as an educator is affirmed by heartfelt letters of support from parents and former students, attesting to her excellence, mentorship, and lasting influence. Susan Frost has significantly enriched the musical community of Central Ohio with professionalism and grace. She is a true role model and deserving of the title of Nationally Certified Music Teacher of the Year in Ohio.

MTNA Professional Certification Program

OhioMTA Certified Teacher of the Year

OhioMTA 2026 Certified Teacher of the Year

Susan Frost

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