School and Community Winter 2023

Katelyn Gibson School district: Moberly Public Schools School building: South Park Elementary Grade level/subject: Kindergarten

Years teaching: 12 Years in MSTA: 12

Roles in MSTA: Northeast Region Legislative Committee and Northeast Region Executive Committee

Maddy Johnson School district: Lone Jack C-6

Why did you get involved withMSTA? Initially, the support and benefits that come along with membership. I also loved the opportunities available to be involved at the local and regional levels. What has been a recent win for you? I recently was elected to serve as a member of the Northeast Region Executive Committee. What is one of your goals for 2023? To continue learning how to best advocate for, and serve my fellow educators, school and region.

School building: Lone Jack Elementary Grade level/subject: Fourth grade English language arts Years teaching: 6 Years in MSTA: 6 Roles in MSTA: Member of the Education

Policy Committee, member of the Central Region Election Committee, Lone Jack MSTA /CTA President Why did you get involved with MSTA? When I was in college, I was the Historian of UCM’s SMSTA. I enjoyed the meetings, experiences and growth throughout my years in the organization. When I graduated and got my first teaching job, I knew I wanted to continue to be a part of such a wonderful group of educational professionals. What has been a recent win for you? Over the last few years, due to COVID and other personal struggles, I’ve felt like I was drowning in the field of education. This year, I feel more positive than ever before! I’m falling in love with teaching again and am gaining confidence as a professional. What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 is to continue pursuing my doctorate to become more qualified for an instructional coaching position. I am over halfway through my journey to become Dr. Johnson. My goal is to continue to push through courses and apply my knowledge in my classroom and district to make a bigger impact.

Mary Vance School district: Hayti R-2 School building: Mathis Elementary Grade level/subject: Library

Years teaching: 26 Years in MSTA: 26 Roles in MSTA: CTA vice president, building representative

Why did you get involved with MSTA? We do not have a CTA, and I didn’t want to stop being a member of the MSTA, so I stepped up to the opportunity to serve my fellow coworkers and school district. I also like the security of the legal services and accidental death insurance. It allows me to walk into the classroom/library with confidence. What has been a recent win for you? Last year, the 99 students at Mathis Elementary read at least 100 AR points worth of books! What is one of your goals for 2023? I’m building my own YouTube channel (MV Ranch), which is chronicling the building of our dream home on my family’s 200-year-old farm. 2023 is going to include our continued journey and I am retiring at the end of this school year.

22 | WINTER 2023 S&C