Teacher certification in the James Hill Ukulele Method is a program of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI). The primary purpose of certification is to recognize the attainment of knowledge, performance skills, and pedagogical understanding in the James Hill Ukulele Method. While not a qualification per se, certification provides acknowledgement of an ability to teach music literacy through the ukulele and provides tangible evidence of achievement that can be utilized with respect to employment in both public and private schools and/or in self-employment.

Program Structure

There are three levels of certification: Levels 1, 2, and 3. Each level takes one year to complete. The certification program for each level is delivered in three phases: two consecutive summer institutes with a year-long study practicum in between. Certification is awarded at the end of Phase 3.

Phase 1: Summer Institute I (July / August, 2010)
Phase 2: Year-long study/practicum (Self-directed with online support)
Phase 3: Summer Institute II (July / August, 2011)

Level 1 certification will be offered in 2010/11 with Levels 2 and 3 commencing in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

SI-1 = Summer Institute 1, SI-2 = Summer Institute 2, W-1 = Webinar 1, W-2 = Webinar 2, W-3 = Webinar 3

Phase 1 is a two-day institute, taught principally by James Hill, during which candidates participate in a series of seminars and workshops. An example schedule is shown below:

Phase 2 is a year-long study/practicum. The study/practicum is self-directed with online support. Throughout the year, candidates complete the following:

	JHUI 121-2 Professional & Personal Development Portfolio
		- A daily practise log/checklist
		- A reflective teaching log
	JHUI 122-2 Enrichment Assignments
		- A monthly enrichment-level assignment
		- A monthly reading assignment
		- A monthly playing challenge
	JHUI 123-2 Written Test
		- Completed online at the end of Phase 2

Ongoing support is provided through a series of quarterly Internet seminars (a.k.a. "webinars"). Each webinar will include a discussion with James Hill on selected monthly reading, enrichment and challenge assignments. Webinar registration fees are included in course fees.

Phase 3 is a one-day institute that wraps up the year-long study/practicum and includes a performance test component.

The prerequisites for each level are as follows (i.e. at each level you must be proficient at the following skills):

C6 Tuning (g, c, e, a):
Change to D6 (a, d, f#, b) tuning.

Registration for each level of certification in the James Hill Ukulele Method is $549.00CAD plus tax where applicable. Registration includes:

• Summer Institute 1 Registration (two days)
• Personal and Professional Development Portfolio
• Fall Webinar Registration
• Winter Webinar Registration
• Spring Webinar Registration
• Summer Institute 2 Registration (one day)

Once registration is open, fees can be securely paid by credit card, PayPal, cheque or money order through the Ukulele in the Classroom online store.

Materials required for the 2010/11 JHUI Teacher Certification Program are:

• Ukulele in the Classroom Book 1 Student Edition
• Ukulele in the Classroom Book 1 Teacher Edition
• Ukulele in the Classroom Book 1 Companion CD
• Access to a high-speed internet-connected computer
• A good-quality soprano, concert, or tenor-sized ukulele

JHUI is in the process of investigating course credit (i.e. through a college or university) for the Teacher Certification program. Further information about course credit will be posted on this web page as details become available.

Beyond Level 3 two further levels of certification are planned, both of which may provide opportunities for leadership and employment.

A Teacher Leader certificate program will be offered in 2013 followed by an Associate Director certificate program in 2014.

Teacher Leaders will be positioned to fill leadership roles at their local or regional level and, potentially, may be employed as clinicians at JHUI institutes and/or workshops.

Associate Directors will have the opportunity to coordinate and direct Teacher Certification programs (Levels 1-3) at a local or regional level under the auspices of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative.