School and Community Fall 2023

make sure we have people elected to school boards and legislature that will SUPPORT US. I once read a quote by Wael Ghonim that stated, “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.” This is such a compelling statement! WE are the ones in power who can change that mindset. WE are the people in POWER who can COLLECTIVELY change the perspectives of others. When difficulties arise, teachers don’t just sit meekly by and say, “Why me?” We ban together and say, “Ask me! Listen to me! Trust me!” I have enjoyed over FOUR GLORIOUS DECADES in education and have witnessed two generations pass through our halls. I have spent more than half of my life in a classroom, and my career choice of special education is not just a job. It is my life’s work, my passion, my calling. I KNOW there are many of you who feel the same. While others are called to the field of medicine, mechanics, technology or clergy, we are called to the profession that makes all others possible. WE have a purpose. WE have meaning. We are hardworking people, preparing the next generation for their turn in life. WE are the ones to change the perspectives of those around us. TOGETHER, we can build the foundations for positive change. I ask that you elect me, Lana Moore, as your next MSTA State Board of Directors Vice President, in order to have a stronger voice in advocating for you in changing perspectives of those around us, one district employee, one parent, one school board member and one politician at a time. I say, “Ask me! Listen to me! Trust me!” Thank you for voting for me, Lana Moore, as your next MSTA State Vice President.

Laura. Professionally, there was something missing. So, I took a reflective look at what I was doing and what brought me the most joy... and found it was teaching kids about the ocean and wildlife as I worked off of Hilton Head Island. After the tragedy of 9/11, I thought to myself, “The time has come to make a change. The time has come to pursue a career that fills me internally with purpose, excitement, and the opportunity to leave a more positive impact on the world that I live in.” That’s when I chose to become a teacher, because a teacher embodies all of those qualities. Throughout my campaign you will hear these words: “The time has come.” This phrase suits me because I am a do-er. When there is a job to be done, people often turn to me for advice or to get the job done. I don’t mind working behind the scenes or if I am needed to be a spokesperson, I gladly take on that role as well. The time has come for teachers to take care of their own needs and families. We are often counted on to raise other people’s children, to teach them the values and discipline that used to come from the home. We work tirelessly to create lessons and activities that stimulate young minds, entertain students who are disengaged and motivate the seemingly unmotivated. This often comes with a little-known side effect: exhaustion. How many nights have you been too tired to work out? How many nights have you gone home too tired to cook a healthy dinner for the family? How many nights have you been too tired to spend time watching kids play games or attending performances? Teachers are people! Teachers are people who really matter! The time has come for us to put our families, our health and our rest first. The time has come! The time has come. I recently attended a Mavericks hockey game, and my son, Ben, was given a cowbell as we entered the arena before gametime. We were early enough that there weren’t many fans in the stands yet. You can imagine the excitement Ben had as he rang his singular cowbell in the stands. Patiently, I explained to him that the cowbell was for during the game and was used as a way of encouraging the players to do well or to celebrate their success. During the game, Ben rang his cowbell loud and proud with all the other cowbell wielding fans. The unity of the fans was undeniable as they stood together making their message clear. The time has come for us as teachers to rise and stand together to make our message clear for everyone in Missouri and the United States to hear. We must ring the bell for respect in the classroom and community. We must ring the bell for better pay. We must ring the bell for teachers to be supported by administrators. We must ring the bell for students who need a champion in their corner. We must ring the bell for educators who have not yet entered the classroom, so that they will have career opportunities that are better than the current state of education. The time has come! This November, you will have the opportunity to vote for me, Jon Sorens, for MSTA Vice President. I believe that you realize that the time has come for MSTA to be guided by someone who is ready to stand up and ring the bell for you, the teachers of Missouri. I greatly appreciate your vote for MSTA VP! Remember the time has come for you to ring the bell for Jon Sorens for VP! Thank you.

Jon Sorens Candidate for Vice President

Work History: Liberty, 7th Grade: 2022 – Present Liberty, 5th Grade: 2014 – 2022 Kearney, 4th Grade: 2004 – 2014

MSTA Volunteer Leadership: Liberty CTA: Vice President Kearney CTA: Treasurer, Legislative Chair, Building Rep., President, Past-President Bunker Hill Committee Member: 2010 Educational Programming Committee Member: 2013 – 2014 Articles, Bylaws & Rules Committee: Member 2014 – 2016, Delegate 2017 -2018, Chair 2016 - 2020 Greater Kansas City Region Board: Delegate, President, Past President Assembly of Delegates Task Force: 2018 Bylaws Task Force: 2018 –2019 MSTA Board of Directors: Member 2020 – 2021, Delegate 2021 M y name is Jon Sorens. Growing up I never imagined myself as a teacher. I went to school and got a management degree which led to a variety of positions which were exciting and allowed me to travel and meet some incredible people, most incredibly - my wife

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