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

Curriculum Organization

Juliet, Yes, COMTA is not only a national institutional accrediting agency, but also the only specialized accrediting agency for massage/bodywork. Therefore, we have much more comprehensive and detailed curriculum expectations. Some schools have used them as 'best practice' guides even if they do not pursue specialized accreditation, so I am glad you find them helpful. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Self-Study Report Challenges

Juliet, Thank you for sharing. Yes, the SSR process is designed to be reflective and a "team effort" for the school to get several set of eyes on the document. It can be a challenge to explain one's school to outsiders, but I have found it beneficial. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Self-Study Report Challenges

Juliet, Yes, some textbooks have already aligned themselves with the COMTA Competencies. I can think of Sheri Soenen-Moe's books off the top of my head. One thing some schools forget is how it is specifically assessed. That should also be detailed in the competency chart. This can be traditional exams, practical assessments, assignments/projects, clinic documentation, instructor observation/checklists, etc. It is a great "test" for the instructors to determine how they know that their students know each of the competencies. Good luck. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Faculty Professional Development

Dear Juliet, Welcome to the forum and thank you for your post. The faculty development resource is particularly helpful. In too many vocational fields, we expect our expert practitioners to magically become expert instructors, but as we all know, it doesn't work that way. Direct teaching and cultivation is required to create the teachers our students need. Thank you for the resource. The discussion about boundaries and transitioning to a new role (even dual relationships) is also essential. So many schools seem to rely solely on their own graduates (for good reason at times), but forget this piece. Another reminder… >>>

Angie Myer

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Effective Assessments

Denise, Thank you for describing this assessment. We see business plans regularly (which are a required competency), but I like the focus on an integrated Portfolio, particularly if it is directly related to in-class teaching/activities from the semester. This appears to be the best of a "final project", instead of one removed from other class activities where students are left to their own devices. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Curriculum Organization

Denise, Thank you for that thorough explanation of your program. We see this in many programs: "successful completion of all courses each semester is required for advancement to the next semester." Important for Standard 2.4 compliance. However, lately the question has arisen: how does the school then handle students who fail a course? With the sequential program--where classes are often only offered once a year--are students who fail a course automatically failing the whole program? Have you had this situation, and how has it been handled? This structure appears to be hurting several programs' completion rates, and we are interested… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Student Recruitment

Hi Denise, Welcome to the forum. I saw your post regarding this topic, and I hope that past and/or future participants see it and can offer comments to you. Thank you for participating! Angie Myer

Angie Myer

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Student Recruitment

Hi Denise, Welcome to the forum and thank you for your input in the discussion. I am sorry to hear that some college's "solution" to the problem of awarding financial aid in clock hours has led to the dissolution of good programs, particularly because I understand they are now revisiting this rule. I encourage all of those working with financial aid and massage programs to carefully review the latest directives from the USDE regarding how funds can be awarded. The only thing constant is change, right? As far as expanding, that seems to offer some exciting opportunities. More colleges are… >>>

Angie Myer

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Clinic

Jeannine, Thank you for that description? How are the students' skills evaluated during your clinic? Is there a way that a grade is determined? There are many different ways to do so, but since it is an essential part of the instructional program, this is something that reviewers also look at. Thanks, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

SSR Challenges & Successes

Dear Jeannine, Welcome to the forum, and thank you for sharing. Yes, it is quite a challenge for those without large staff. But I hope it is encouraging to know that it is certainly possible; we have several school owners/teachers who are also solely responsible for the SSR and have been able to do an exceptional job. However, for your own health and sanity, you may want to consider additional staff to assist if possible. (If just for document gathering and uploading.) Many schools bring in extra hands during this time and take 6+ months to put it together. The… >>>

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