Angie Myer

About me

Angie Myer has twenty years experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools and higher education. She is currently serving as a Content Accreditation Specialist and Curriculum Consultant for the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). In this position she works with massage and aesthetics schools in the accreditation process, providing guidance, reviewing self study reports, and preparing analyses for the Commission. Prior to holding this position, Angie worked as Director of Operations at the International School of Professional Bodywork and Dean of Education at Mueller College of Holistic Studies where she was integral in their COMTA accreditation.

Angie holds a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction and specializes in competency-based curriculum design. She is also a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and has worked as a massage therapist in private practice, clinical, and resort spa settings. Prior to her work in the holistic health industry, Angie was Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the Community College of Denver after teaching elementary school.

Activity

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Completion, Placement, Licensure

Brad, Thanks for sharing the ideas! I look forward to seeing how that works and could be a model for others. Thanks! Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Completion, Placement, Licensure

Brad, Welcome to the forum! Is the registrar specifically tasked with tracking graduate placement or just contact information? I agree that a dedicated staff person is ideal, but this is rarely the case at small schools. However, placement tracking should probably become a more expanded responsibility for this person or given to someone who can also follow up and verify employment. If the school offers any placement assistance, this can be a natural extension. How does your school use the website for this purpose? Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

SSR Challenges & Successes

Hi Chris, Welcome to the forum and thank you for sharing. I can sympathize with your situation, and I'm sure other participants may have similar frustrations or suggestions. I guess my only other suggestion is to remember the intent of the standards and to find balance with what works for your situation. It is not reasonable to document in detail every informal meeting or discussion. And COMTA would not expect (nor desire) evidence of every one. However, it is important that all schools, regardless of size, are documenting the decisions being made. This is essential for archival records and to… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Effective Assessments

Jeanne, I love this post, especially because this is one of those "throw away competencies" that some schools/practitioners don't think is very important. You've made a great case on how essential it is to successful practice. I also like the specificity of how to teach it instead of just "discussion." Thanks for sharing! Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Clinic

Jeanne, Wow, that is a lot of hands-on practice prior to graduation! Have you found that it has a dramatic impact on the graduates' skill levels? I wish I had had that much practice before graduation. :) Thanks, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Completion, Placement, Licensure

Jeanne, Thanks for the post. However, don't worry about being "out of compliance" prior to the new law. If there were no requirements prior, there was nothing to be compliant about. Depending on how the law is worded, the first cohort to be tracked for COMTA may be "NA" in licensing. However, if there is no grandfather, then those people will need to take exam and be licensed to practice. Indicating all of this clearly in the SSR and then documenting rates moving forward will be fine. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Research Literacy

Hi Brandy, Welcome to the forum! We are glad to see that you already incorporate research literacy into your curriculum. This is often a new concept for many. During the students' research, are they required to find "evidence-informed" modalities that have proven effective? And if so, how do they go about doing that? Many of our students don't have any previous exposure to research so they need a lot of assistance in finding--and distinguishing--quality research from heresay. Have you found that to be true? What resources do you use to teach these skills? Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Self-Study Report Challenges

Hi Denise, I love this idea! In fact, when I was a Dean I did the same thing, and it turns the self-study report into what it should be: a meaningful, reflective exercsie for the school. I also suggest that, once it is complete, you ensure every faculty member (including new ones) be given a copy. I think it becomes a useful tool so people can see how the puzzle fits together, and provides new instructors with a wonderful orientation to the entire program and its objectives. Thank you for also emphasizing the discussion on assessments: this is often where… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

SSR Challenges & Successes

Hi Patty, I would love to help you more with that, but can you provide an example or more information? "Consistency" is important to accreditation (hence the "always"); however, we also expect "reasonable" adherence, so we can talk about what you are finding tricky. Also everyone should remember that the self-study report is intended to be a reflective self-assessment for the entire school, so you should not try to do it alone. Hopefully if your administration is supporting accreditation, it is providing assistance from others in the institution to develop the SSR. (Even while working at two stand-alone massage schools… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Faculty Professional Development

Hi Patricia, Welcome to the course and the forum! Glad to "see" you! Thank you for briefly sharing additional ideas. I also like the reminder for those in larger institutions, that these kinds of activities and skills cross disciplines and can often be found in larger contexts. How often do these professional development meetings occur? And are they mandatory for part-time instructors? I think that is the challenge that we have found. Some institutions offer wonderful opportunities, but too few people take advantage which results in inconsistent application of knowledge. How has your college made that work? Thank you and… >>>

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