Another Master Teaching Professional certification course was completed this past October in Phoenix. As an examiner for our Masters classes for the past six years, I would like to share my observations with you on the progress that I see from within the ranks of the USGTF.

All those attending the course are committed to teaching; they have at least one year’s experience, and are hungry to acquire supplementary knowledge to enhance their expertise in teaching. In addition, they bring fresh ideas to share with the class that are always enlightening for everyone.

Our Level IV classes are taught in a much more relaxed atmosphere than are the Level III classes. One criterion for completion is the prepared thesis presentations. This gives our participants an opportunity to “take the stage” and present their teaching-related subjects to the group. We ask that the presentations be professionally done in writing, VHS tape, or on a computer, and last 15 to 20 minutes per person.

Every Masters class conducted through the years has seen significant improvements in thesis presentation over previous classes, and this year’s class was no exception. David Vaught and I were truly impressed by this year’s thesis product. The subject matter presented
by the 10 participants was exceptional. The average grade for the class was 90 percent, the highest ever in Phoenix!
Additionally, for the first time, we saw the majority of students using state-of-the-art equipment for their presentations. The room was full of laptops, and some presentations were even in DVD format. It is encouraging to see that our teachers are keeping up with technology.

Another requirement for successful completion is the Level IV written exam, and again this class attained the highest average score we have ever recorded, an outstanding 92 percent! The shotmaking demonstrations yielded an impressive 86 percent class average. This year’s class exhibited true professionalism and lite­rally coasted through all of their Level IV requirements.

David and I presented advanced classes on Ball Flight Laws, Critical Teaching Positions, and both full and short game concepts. Additionally, we con­ducted live video lessons to further advance the participants’ awareness of swing analysis, detection, and correction methods.

My congratulations go out to this year’s new crop of Master Teaching Professionals who continued to raise the bar, and I encourage all Level III members who are committed to teaching to enroll in next year’s Level IV classes. It is truly a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and places you into an “elite” group of teachers within the USGTF.