International Teacher Professional Development Center (ITPDC)
Empowering, Equipping, and Engaging Music Educators Worldwide
ITPDC History
As part of the 2024–2026 Biennium Plan, one of the strategic initiatives included the launch of a “Teacher Forum”, aimed at supporting practicing music educators through a comprehensive mentoring and professional development scheme. Initial discussions took place between ISME President Patricia González-Moreno and Julie Ballantyne, the appointed Chair of the proposed forum, to shape the vision and scope of this initiative. These early conversations contributed to the development of a broader framework, which led to the approval by the ISME Board of Directors on December 21, 2024, of the creation of the International Teacher Professional Development Center (ITPDC). Following this decision, the planning of initial activities and resources commenced for implementation in 2025.
This initiative, supported by the ISME Commissions and Special Interest Groups, is focused on providing research-based, practical teaching strategies and resources; developing accessible online content for remote and global access; and promoting intercultural learning, international understanding, and cooperation.
The ITPDC seeks to strengthen the professional capacity of music teachers across diverse contexts by coordinating regional and international workshops, offering multilingual resources, and fostering opportunities for peer mentorship and collaboration. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a global community of practice for ISME member teachers, designed to facilitate sustained collaboration, knowledge exchange, and ongoing professional growth. Through this global network, music teachers are encouraged to share innovative practices, reflect on common challenges, and co-construct solutions that reflect the diversity and richness of music education worldwide.
Mission
The International Teacher Professional Development Center (ITPDC) aims to provide structured opportunities for professional development, which enhance the skills and knowledge of music educators worldwide. The ITPDC serves as a central hub for delivering certified, high-quality professional development (PD) to ISME members, reflecting ISME’s core values of excellence, inclusion, and lifelong learning in music education.
All PD activities are aligned with internationally recognized standards. Certificates of completion are issued to participants, formally documenting their learning and supporting the continued development and professional recognition of music educators.
Leadership Team
The ITPDC is supported by representatives appointed by ISME’s Commissions and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These representatives ensure the Centre’s activities are informed by a broad range of educational contexts, geographic regions, and areas of expertise in music education.
As of 1st of August 2025:
- Julie Ballantyne, Co-Director
- Patricia A. González-Moreno, Co-Director
- Elissavet Perakaki (Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission, MISTEC)
- Wendy Brooks (Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission, MISTEC)
- Nicole Canham (Education of the Professional Musician Commission, CEPROM)
- Nicolas Coffman (Community Music Activity Commission, CMA)
- Elissa Johnson-Green (Early Childhood Music Education Commission, ECME)
- Leon de Bruin (Instrumental and Vocal Music Teaching Commission, IVMTC)
- Caroline Blumer (Music in Special Education and Music Therapy Commission)
- Regina Saltari (Research Commission)
- Pan-hang Tang (Commission on Policy: Culture, Education and Media)
- Jesse Rathgeber (Disability Studies and Music Education, DSME)
Stay Connected
Contact the ITPDC team: itpdc@isme.org
