School and Community Winter 2023

Andrea Medley School district: Dunklin R-5 School building: Pevely Elementary Grade level/subject: 3rd

What has been a recent win for you? My Community Based Instruction classes have FINALLY finished sewing their aprons! We used ancient sewing machines that were falling apart more than they were working, so we incorporated basic sewing machine maintenance into our lessons. Now they know how to sew AND fix their sewing machines! I was awarded the MRTA Classroom Grant which allowed my classes to purchase much needed items to provide equipment and supplies for practical life skills. This award has given my kids a better opportunity to learn necessary skills at their level of understanding. I was also chosen as a recipient of the 2022 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Award! What is one of your goals for 2023? I am excited to see what 2023 brings. A goal I have for 2023 is to continue serving in a greater capacity at the state level in MSTA. I would love to continue to be a voice for teachers. Stay tuned!

Years teaching: 21 Years in MSTA: 21

Roles in MSTA: President and vice president of CTA, currently Jefferson County Region secretary

Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved with MSTA when my sweet friend, Renee Bates, who was an MSTA field representative, encouraged me to become CTA president at Dunklin. I have always wanted to make Dunklin a great place to work and this was a great way to help make changes. Then, my teammate Beth Leible asked me to run for vice president with her as president a few years ago. We’ve been the “MSTA Dynamic Duo” at Dunklin ever since. What has been a recent win for you? We increased our membership at Dunklin this year! At the MSTA Leadership Conference over the summer, we came up with a plan to catch new staff members, make connections with them and encourage them to join MSTA. It worked! Woohoo! What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 is to encourage fellow teachers. Yes, I became a teacher for the kids, but the last few years have been tough for us as teachers. This year, we have a lot of new staff at Pevely Elementary and I want to be a cheerleader for them. I try to greet each of themwith a smile when I see them during the day and ask how they are doing, as well as encourage when I can. My door is always open if fellow teachers need to vent, ask a question or just need someone to listen. Teaching is a profession where truly only those who are in the trenches with you understand what you are going through, and we need each other!

Tony Hatfield School district: Camdenton R-3 Years in education: 28 Years in MSTA: 14

Why did you join MSTA? I joined MSTA because of the professionalism it provides. Although I am not a teacher in the Missouri

school system, I am very much involved with the community, staff and students. I felt that by associating with educators, I could help protect and support the students of Missouri. Even if it is on a school bus. What has been a recent win for you? The most recent win for me has been the opportunity to be the Camdenton R-3 School District Transportation Director. This is one of the best career moves I have ever made. I have been here now for a year and a half. It is a remarkable feeling when staff truly puts students first in what we do. What is one of your goals for 2023? I actually have two serious goals. First would be to move my transportation department into the new generation of a smart bus/operation to this day in time. Second is to be more transparent with my team of 68 drivers and office staff. This happens when I associate with great people in the education system within MSTA.

Terri Loomis School district: Caruthersville #18

School building: Caruthersville High School Grade level/subject: Currently 12th grade English Language Arts, but I have also taught grades 7-12 English Language Arts

Years teaching: 28 Years in MSTA: 28

Why did you get involved with MSTA? Benefits and legal insurance. What has been a recent win for you? A former student returned and told me, “You are a really good teacher, and I apologize for all the grief I caused you.” What is one of your goals for 2023? To continue doing the thing I love – teaching.

S&C WINTER 2023 | 19