School and Community Winter 2024

Recipients of the 2023 Unsung Heroes of MSTA Award were chosen by the MSTA member service coordinators. The award recognizes those who have made a substantive yet unrecognized contribution to MSTA and our mission to advocate for and empower public educators so they can teach. They were honored in person at the MSTA Convention in November.

These recipients are admired for their courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. Some factors of consideration for selecting these individuals may include: • Individual leadership style • Understanding of MSTA’s mission • Actions which reflect MSTA’s mission • Commitment and follow through to the leadership role and CTA • Service beyond the CTA to children, their school district, the community, or MSTA • Interpersonal and communication skills • Creative thinking and problem solving • Ability to handle crisis or extreme circumstances in their role as a CTA leader to be involved in organizations that advocate for teachers and staff - especially now. We need people to take the initiative to lead others to do what is best for us so we can help our students be successful. What has been a recent win for you? Our representatives worked hard at the start of the year to define MSTA and the CTA for our district. I believe it helped us gain new members as well as bring back some members who had not renewed for a few years. What is one of your goals for 2024? We would like to have a bigger presence in our district by providing

Jennifer Barnett School district: Mexico Public Schools #59 Grade level/subject: High school biology and earth science Years teaching: 15 Roles in MSTA: MSTA/CTA building representative for 10+ years, Salary/welfare Committee chairperson for 3 years, CTA president for 1 year (currently) Why did you get involved with MSTA? It is important

20 | WINTER 2024 S&C