School and Community Summer 2023

to see old friends reconnect at our events and new members be welcomed into the profession knowing that they are all part of educating our youth and helping them develop. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? I have a miniature schnoodle (schnauzer-poodle mix) named Karley, so I would have to say a schnoodle. I am very family oriented, loyal and protective by nature. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? Definitely doors, but sometimes people are afraid to turn the handle and open them. Name: Jen Conner Service area(s): Greater St. Louis, Northeast, South Central Regions How long have you been a member service coordinator? 5 years What is your favorite part of your job? It’s been an incredible experience to meet so many amazing, passionate educators. Celebrating and seeing members be celebrated is one of the favorite parts of my job. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Free time for me consists of antique shopping, road trips, traveling, music and being outside. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? Opportunities. Members can cultivate relationships with MSTA staff, become leaders in the association and their Which breed of cat or dog would you be? Golden Retriever. Loyal, good natured, even tempered and enough energy to play hard but not afraid to relax. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? Does it count if I googled this question? Honestly, my first off the cuff answer was doors. districts, connect with other members and take advantage of resources to grow in their profession.

Patriots. And I golf. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? I think the biggest benefit is the peace of mind aspect. It is great for our members to know they are not in the classroom by themselves and have an association that has their back. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? Saint Bernard Are there more doors or wheels in the world? It has to be doors, right? I’ve had a lot of doors closed, which usually leads to other doors being opened. How do you hope to serve members? I hope to be a positive problem-solver for members who need extra support in their schools. I want members to know they are loved, backed and appreciated by MSTA and their Member Service Coordinator. I have many ideas for ways to assist new teachers, make members smile and be an approachable presence in each district. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? I think access to a Member Service Coordinator is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member! As a teacher, I was blessed with an amazing MSC who cared for me as an educator, person and professional. She was always there to answer questions and support educators in our district. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to read, write, create, travel and spend time with my family/pets! Which breed of cat or dog would you be? My grey tabby cat lives a pretty luxurious life. If I could choose, I would be just like him! He gets loads of treaties, spends time basking in the sun and naps or plays whenever he wants. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? I’m pretty confident that there are more wheels than doors in the world! I would do the math on it, but I’ve been an ELA teacher for the last 6 years. Name: Maddy Johnson Service area(s): Greater Kansas City Area

Name: Mike Walsh Service area(s): The Great Southwest How long have you been a member service coordinator? 14 years What is your favorite part of your job? Working with our members is at the top. It’s great to meet and work with professionals who care passionately about

educating our youth for the future. I also love the team that has been built at MSTA and feel that everyone is here for the betterment of education. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Being from New England means you are born into following sports. So, the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics take up a bunch of free time. I am also a fan of the Miami Dolphins. I bet your first question is, “What?”... It had to do with being a big fan of Flipper as a child and I thought logo was Flipper. So, yes, I hate the New England

What Can Your MSC Do For You? Have you ever needed someone at your side in a meeting with admin, or to answer questions about your membership benefits? Member Service Coordinators are here to help navigate employment issues, address challenges in the school environment and solve problems before they become big issues. Visit msta.org/Service-Coordinators to get in touch with your representative today.

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