| Master Teacher
Program General
information, including key dates
Illustrative hands to demonstrate Bridge proficiency
WHAT
DEFINES AN ABTA MASTER TEACHER?
Master Teacher
is the highest title awarded by the ABTA. No single attribute is definitive
of the truly exceptional teacher. By conducting a personal interview, the
Membership Credentials Committee attempts to gain insight into a candidate’s
bridge knowledge. These skilled professionals make the decision to bestow the title
of Master Teacher based on their judgment of the candidate’s qualifications
in several areas.
Good knowledge of bridge
is important. Although candidates are not required to be expert players or
Life Masters, a thorough knowledge of bridge enables a Master Teacher to
answer questions from students. Candidates will be asked to answer a small
number of bridge questions during the interview. Interviewers look for
reasonable answers to these questions and no single incorrect answer
necessarily disqualifies a candidate from the rank of Master Teacher. When
unsure of the best answer, a Master Teacher is willing to admit uncertainty
and is able to use outside resources to research the answer to bring back to
the students. No specific ranking in bridge is required. However, many
Master Teachers are ranked as Silver Life Master or higher.
Bridge skills alone do
not guarantee teaching expertise.
Good communication skills
are essential to a Master Teacher, who is comfortable in the classroom and
communicates clearly and tactfully. Attributes
such as composure, intelligence, verbal skills, professional appearance and
attitude, teaching philosophy, awareness of the latest teaching methods and
materials, personality, patience, enthusiasm, concern for students’ needs,
experience, background, dedication, and the desire to become even better are
all contributing factors in qualifying for Master Teacher.
Candidates are asked to
discuss their teaching philosophy and credentials, answer bridge questions
on the spot, and to give two presentations to the interviewing committee – a
brief mini lesson and discussion of a pre-assigned bridge problem.
Not all ABTA members
will qualify for Master Teacher designation. We are confident in
recommending our Master Teachers for bridge teaching jobs at any level and
in any setting. ABTA Master Teachers are our very best professionals.
Master Teacher
interviews are always conducted just prior to the ABTA Annual Convention. At
the present time, all interviews are held at the convention site on Tuesday
Morning before the Seminar Starts. Since we begin early, candidates should
plan on arriving in town the day before interviews.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ABTA MASTER
TEACHER CANDIDATES
1. At least 3 years of
continuous ABTA membership.
2. At least 100 hours of
professional (for remuneration) bridge teaching experience.
3. Attendance at a full
ABTA Convention and Seminar.
4. Successful completion
of an interview with the Membership Credentials Committee.
LETTER OF INTENTION /
APPLICATION PACKET
Applications must be
the later of June 1 or the deadline specified in the Quarterly Magazine. Anyone mailing a
printed application must also notify the chairman by phone or email on or
before that deadline. Regular mail submissions sometimes take a long time to
be received and we need time to schedule interviews. Send your application
to the Membership Credentials Chairman:
Betty Starzec via email at:
lstarzec@comcast.net
Betty Starzec
1414 Forest Bend Drive
Sugar Land TX 77479-6282
Phone: 281-343-868
We encourage you to
email your application packet as long as samples of the work you have
created lend themselves to doing so. Include the following information with
your application:
1. A statement verifying
that you meet the requirements listed in the above section.
2. Your post office and
email addresses and telephone number.
3. Your background and
history as a bridge teacher.
4. A listing of teaching
materials you use (textbook, course outlines, materials you have created,
etc.)
5. Samples of work you
have created yourself (course outlines, lesson plans, handouts, class
fliers, etc.)
6. A brief description
of your teaching style (lecture/play, blackboard, flip chart, “hands-on,”
student participation, questions from students, etc.)
7. Who, when, and where
you teach.
8. Any other pertinent
information (such as special awards, appointments, or attainments in
bridge.)
Materials in this
application packet will NOT be delivered or returned by mail to you. If you
need them returned, it is your responsibility to request them at the
conclusion of your interview.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Because bridge knowledge
is the most frequent reason for candidates not achieving the title, it is
suggested that you check your own bridge knowledge before applying for
Master Teacher. Sample questions similar to those that will be asked during
your interview are available here. It is suggested that you review them to be sure that
your bridge knowledge is sufficient to proceed with the application process.
If you are still unsure, you may email Pat Harrington to request a
voluntary pretest to be sent to you. The pretest questions are similar
to those that will be asked during your interview. You should be able to
answer them without any consultation or research. After you take the
pretest and return it, you will receive your results and be advised whether
or not to continue the application process.
AFTER YOU APPLY
1. Confirm your convention and hotel reservations
(reserve at the host hotel early as rooms often fill up.) Out of town
applicants should plan for arrival on the night before their interview.
2. In addition to
answering bridge questions similar to those on the pretest, your interview
will include two presentations – a mini-lesson on a topic of your choosing
(to take no more than 15 minutes – less is good) and a bridge
question sent to you in advance so you can take time to research your
answer.
The committee is often
asked to make exceptions for candidates who are unable to meet one or more
of the above requirements. In order to be fair to all, no exceptions
can be made so please don’t ask.
For additional information, please contact:
Betty Starzec via email at:
lstarzec@comcast.net
Betty Starzec
1414 Forest Bend Drive
Sugar Land TX 77479-6282
Phone: 281-343-868
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