Honors & Awards

This award was created in 1991 to recognize teachers from around the state who over the years have contributed their time and talents to their district and state organizations. These teachers have been dedicated to maintaining a high level of professionalism in all that they do and have shown a willingness to help and encourage other teachers in their organization. These Honored Teachers have had their students participate in the Arizona State Study Program, State Auditions, Honors Recitals, as well as various District events.

2026: Linda Skaret
2025: Paula Dahl, NCTM; Dorothy Dungan, NCTM; Frances Kaspar, NCTM; Paul Lorenz, NCTM; Kathy Rood, NCTM
2024: Linda Stansbury
2021: Linda C. King; Eugene Pridonoff
2016: Evonne Beattie
2009: Pee Yaw Lim Wilkes
2002: Elizabeth Kovatch; Janice McCurnin

PeeYaw Lim Wilkes, NCTM*
Fran Kaspar, NCTM
Gloria Ritt, NCTM*
Marie Roosen*
Dorothy Kish Dungan, NCTM*
Barbara Stoutenburgh, NCTM*
Carol Ray Hill, NCTM*
Ken Noble
Paula Dahl, NCTM
Rosemary Isbell-Hendrickson, NCTM
Jo Ann Stone Smelser, NCTM
Melodie Acker, NCTM

* deceased

2026 Raymond Ryder (Tucson)
Kassandra Weleck, NCTM (Tucson)
2025 Melodie Acker, NCTM (East Valley)
2023  Natalya Thran, NCTM (East Valley)
2021  Frances Kaspar, NCTM (East Valley)
Craig Sale (Tucson)
Susan Traylor (Phoenix)
2019 Gloria Gaebe Ritt, NCTM (Tucson)
2018 Barbara Stoutenburgh, NCTM (Phoenix)
2017 Dr. Frank E. Scott (Northern Arizona)
2014 Michael J. Bates (East Valley)
2012 Dean Elder (Phoenix)

Committee Chair: Melodie Acker, NCTM, melodieacker@cox.net

The MTNA Professional Certification Program exists to improve the level of professionalism within the field of applied music teaching. The designation of Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) is given to successful candidates who meet the professional competencies and standards required for MTNA certification.

For descriptions of the requirements and other information, please visit mtnacertification.org.

Melodie Acker, NCTM*
Paulette Albertson, NCTM
Rita Borden, NCTM
Marla Bradford, NCTM
Dr. Joao Paulo Casarotti, NCTM
Dr. Mandarin Cheung-Yueh, NCTM
Hannah Creviston, NCTM
Paula Dahl, NCTM
Katy Dilley, NCTM
Elizabeth Drewett, NCTM
Dr. Qing Nadia Feeken, NCTM
Gail Griffin, NCTM
Rosemary Isbell-Hendrickson, NCTM
Dr. Joshua Hillmann, NCTM
Dr. Grace Ho, NCTM
Dr. Karali Hunter, NCTM
Dr. Garinée Garmanian Jording, NCTM
Albana Kapidani, NCTM
Frances Kaspar, NCTM
Snezana Krstic, NCTM
Ashley Hendrix Lane, NCTM*
Cheryl Langley, NCTM
Sherry Lenich, NCTM*
Dr. Tiantian Liang, NCTM
Paul Lorenz, NCTM
Victoria MacDonald, NCTM
Susan V. Martinez, NCTM
Nancy McGuire, NCTM
Dr. Meily Mendez, NCTM
Karey Miles, NCTM
Sarah Moglewer, NCTM
Lynn Moser, NCTM
Sherin Moustafa, NCTM
Dr. Karen Murphy, NCTM
Sarah Hulslander Pignatello, NCTM
Angelica Prado-Stern, NCTM
Genny Rafferty, NCTM
Dr. Barbara Russell, NCTM
Debbie Saifi, NCTM
Patricia Scordato, NCTM
Mary Beth Shaffer, NCTM
Susan Shiner, NCTM
Dr. Radmila Stojanovic-Kiriluk, NCTM*
Natalya Thran, NCTM*
Dr. Jelena Vladikovic, NCTM
Dr. Michelle Wachter, NCTM
Kassandra Weleck, NCTM*
Dr. Rex Woods, NCTM
April-Feiwn Wu, NCTM
Dr. Jessica Yam, NCTM
Dr. Lisa Zdechlik, NCTM
Hong Zhu, NCTM

* former ASMTA president

See Members > Teacher Certification page

The Student Achievement Recognition Award was given to a graduating college student who was a member of MTNA in recognition for teaching and academic achievement. Nominated by a faculty member at his/her school, the StAR recipient received free national membership for one year. This program has been discontinued.