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ABTA Master Teacher Program


The ABTA Master Teacher Accreditation is the highest recognition we have in the North American bridge teaching community. ABTA Master Teachers are our very best professionals, and we are confident in recommending our Master Teachers for bridge teaching jobs at any level and in any setting.

You’ve worked hard to gain the knowledge, communication skills and teaching expertise that keep your students coming back for more. The ABTA Master Teacher Accreditation recognizes those teachers who have mastered the art of teaching bridge.

Requirements


The basic requirements for application are:
  1. At least three years of continuous ABTA membership.
  2. At least 100 hours of professional (for remuneration) bridge teaching.
  3. Attendance at a full ABTA Convention and Seminar.

What defines a master Teacher?


The following list highlights the key qualities that the committee looks for while interviewing candidates for the Master Teacher designation.

Knowledge of Bridge

Thorough knowledge of bridge is important. Although candidates are not required to be expert players or Life Masters, candidate teachers should be able to demonstrate that they have extensive knowledge and can, therefore, answer a wide range of student questions and teach in a variety of contexts.

Communication Skills

An ABTA Master Teacher is comfortable in the classroom and communicates clearly and tactfully with students of all levels. Throughout the interview, we are looking for attributes such as composure, intelligence, verbal skills, openness, professional appearance and attitude, patience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to seek out advice and support from other professionals.

Teaching Approach and Expertise

Master Teachers are experienced professionals who embody the elements of good teaching, including: use of effective teaching methods and materials, concern for students’ needs and student safety, a clear teaching philosophy, and a commitment to professional development.

Why should you apply to be an ABTA Master Teacher?


Gain recognition for your professional expertise and your commitment to teaching

The ABTA Master Teacher designation is the highest recognition we have in the North American bridge teaching community. The ABTA Master Teacher designation is an acknowledgement that you have achieved a level of excellence in your profession as a bridge teacher.

Attract students to your classes and your bridge club

ABTA Master Teachers are our very best professionals, and we are confident in recommending our Master Teachers for bridge teaching jobs at any level and in any setting. The Find a Teacher feature on the ABTA website will also note teachers with the Master Teacher designation, which will help you to attract more students.

Enhance your resume and access more diverse teaching opportunities

Bridge teaching, especially in specialized environments such as cruises, is becoming increasingly competitive. The ABTA name is well-respected, and adding the Master Teacher designation to your resume will help you to secure positions in a wide range of teaching environments.

Feel confident in your own teaching skills and grow professionally
ABTA Master Teachers have told us that becoming a Master Teacher has helped them become more confident in their skills as teaching professionals. Even if you don’t qualify on the first try, you are sure to learn a great deal from the application process, and the panel is always happy to give constructive feedback to all teachers who apply.

Sample Questions

Click here to review the types of questions asked.

Q & A with Betty Starzec


By Libby Stoker-Lavelle

Betty Starzec, Former Chair of the Membership Credentials Committee and the Master Teacher Program, shares her insights into the Master Teacher Evaluation Process and a few tips for candidates for the ABTA Master Teacher Accreditation.

The Interview Process


Detailed descriptions of how and when Master Teacher candidates will be evaluated. Pick up some handy tips on how to prepare for your interview!

Contact Program Chair


Please contact the Chair of the Master Teacher Committee below if we haven’t answered your question here.
Kathie Macnab: masterteacher@abtahome.com

Apply Here