School and Community Winter 2023

Megan McReynolds School district: Jefferson City

Misty Grandel School district: Fordland R-3 School building: Fordland High School Grade level/subject: 9-12 english, spanish, communications Years teaching: 28 Years in MSTA: 20+ Roles in MSTA: Member, presenter, advocate

School building: Capital City High School Grade level/subject: 9-12 PLTW Biomedical Science courses.

Years teaching: 16 Years in MSTA: 13 Roles in MSTA: Building-level Rep for JC CTA/ MSTA, High School Rep for JC CTA/MSTA Welfare Committee, Vice President for JC CTA/MSTA, President for JC CTA/MSTA Why did you get involved with MSTA? I wanted to be an advocate for the betterment of staff and students within our district through open communication and collaboration with our district Board Office Administration. I wanted to advocate from a solution-based approach to situations to truly see growth within not only our district but also in the teaching profession. What has been a recent win for you? Between both teacher organizations within our district, we have established monthly welfare meetings to have ongoing discussions in regard to improving our district. Whether it is salary discussions, climate/ culture concerns, positive feedback regarding changes in the district, teacher retention discussions, etc., opening up two-way communication has been a huge positive impact in our district between board office administration and staff. What is one of your goals for 2023? To get more members involved in the process that advocates for the betterment of their profession. Whether that be within their building, within the district, or even within the state. MSTA provides so many resources to assist educators in this profession and it only benefits them as educators. Years teaching: 16 Years in MSTA: 16 Roles in MSTA: Building representative, CTA secretary, CTA scholarship committee member, chair of the state credentials committee Why did you get involved with MSTA? I was encouraged by mentoring teachers to benefit from the many things MSTA had to offer me. What has been a recent win for you? I completed my gifted education certification during the first two years of teaching in my current position. What is one of your goals for 2023? I want to fully enjoy my youngest son’s last two years of high school before he heads off to college and fully support him in all of his pursuits! Jamie Martin School District: Bolivar R-1 School Building: Bolivar Intermediate School Grade level/subject: 1st-6th grade gifted

Why did you get involved with MSTA? MSTA is an outstanding organization focusing on real issues facing classroom teachers and students in Missouri. They champion causes that make a huge difference in the daily lives of school community members. I am incredibly proud to be a part of their advocacy and overall body of work. What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me outside the classroom would be the work in which I have been involved regarding teacher recruitment and retention on the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission. I believe the committee has designated goals that will make a substantial difference in the teaching profession in Missouri, and especially in rural communities across our state. Inside the classroom, a recent win is the excitement I see in my senior students’ faces as they hang up college acceptance letters on our classroom bulletin board. The joy and hope for the future they can’t help but exude makes this profession more than worthwhile! What is one of your goals for 2023? One goal I have for the coming year is to convince as many people - students and adults - as possible to consider the teaching profession. I don’t regret one day I’ve spent in the classroom, and I know so many others would find the same joy I have if they would just give spending time with students a chance! Teachers are the number one factor in student success, and I believe there is nothing greater someone can choose as their life’s work.

Lana Moore School building: Mt. Vernon High School Grade level/subject: 9-12 Special Services Years teaching: I have been in Education for 40 years. I began my journey as a Paraprofessional as I was finishing my degree. Years in MSTA: 36 Roles in MSTA: I have had many roles in MSTA

beginning with building representative, and have served as secretary, vice president, president-elect, and president (three separate terms) for my local CTA. I began serving on various SWRTA committees for my region when I found my desire to do more for our profession. I have served as member at large on the Southwest Region Board, vice president, president-elect, and president, and am now once more president- elect for the Great Southwest. I have served this incredible organization as a member at large on the State Board of Directors for two terms and loved every minute of it. Why did you get involved with MSTA? My mother, aunt and sister were all members of MSTA. There was never a question whether to join or not. I have my mother’s 1936 membership card. MSTA is in our blood and I want to continue their legacy in serving the teachers and students of our state by being involved and letting my voice be heard.

18 | WINTER 2023 S&C