Missouri State Teachers Association

Tuesday Testimonial 💬

"It is because of [MSTA] that harmful legislation like open enrollment has been defeated. I know whenever big, scary bills go to the floor, that I have a voice that will fight hard to do what is right for Missouri teachers and Missouri students."

👉 Learn more about MSTA Education Policy: https://motea.ch/4v3yNiq

Raise your hand if you're seeing Toy Story 5 this weekend. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

An MSTA member is earning recognition as one of the top school bus drivers in southwest Missouri. 🚌

Webb City School District bus driver Amy Owens recently tied for third place at a regional Bus Rodeo, where drivers put their skills to the test through a written exam, vehicle inspection, and driving course.

A fourth-generation bus driver, Owens is committed to student safety and creating a positive experience for every ride.

“I feel the role of a bus driver is very important for getting the children safely to and from school, and that as a driver, we provide a warm, positive, and friendly attitude because we are the first ones they see of a morning as they set out for their day and the last ones before they return home," Owens said.

👉 Read more about Owens’ story: https://motea.ch/4eXywbC

📸 Photo courtesy of Amy Owens

The FIFA World Cup is underway in Kansas City! ⚽️

Summer school teachers, are you incorporating the World Cup into your lessons? Whether it's math, reading, geography, writing, art, or something else entirely, we'd love to hear about it.

Drop your ideas and photos in the comments. You might inspire another teacher's next lesson! ⬇️

Get unlimited summer visits to Silver Dollar City for $99 🎢

MSTA members can take advantage of exclusive savings on Silver Dollar City's Unlimited Summer Ticket. Now through Aug. 24, members can purchase the ticket for $99 and enjoy unlimited visits to the park throughout the summer.

To access the offer:
1. Log in to our website at https://motea.ch/43a0WrJ.
2. Go to the Discounts and Deals page.
3. Locate the Silver Dollar City member offer and promo code.
4. Visit https://motea.ch/3SkL2ID and enter your code.
5. Buy your Unlimited Summer Tickets!

It's one more way MSTA membership helps you save on family fun and entertainment across Missouri.

🔗 Find more benefits: https://motea.ch/3Qo6qfz

MSTA Legal Blog: Relax, recharge, and keep these summer legal tips in mind ☀️

MSTA staff attorney Hank Jenkins shares advice for protecting your professionalism and peace of mind during summer break.

"Always be mindful of what you are putting on social media and who can see it," Jenkins said. "As a teacher, you are a public figure within your community, and it is always important to maintain professionalism in the things you post."

👉 Get more legal tips: https://motea.ch/4uRwwGm

Third graders at Kirbyville Elementary School are using their writing skills to help local shelter dogs find forever homes. 🐾

In Erin Dalager’s third grade class, students write "autobiDOGraphies" from the point of view of dogs at Voices for Taney County Animals in an effort to help the animals get adopted.

“This is one of those projects students can really feel the impact of their writing and how they can influence others,” Dalager said. “As third graders, they do not often feel as though they have much power. But in this case, they saw how impactful their writing can be.”

Students get information about dogs available at the shelter, learn about writing from different points of view, and use descriptive writing techniques to bring each animal's personality to life. Dalager said the project not only strengthens students’ writing skills, but also builds empathy and confidence.

In the latest issue of School & Community, read how many shelter dogs have been adopted because of this project, and learn more about the writing process behind the students' heartfelt profiles. 🐶❤️

🔗 Read more: https://motea.ch/42FAiGZ

📷 Photos courtesy of Erin Dalager

Learn how MSTA member Carla Eagan and her students at Palmyra Missouri R-1 School District are using their learning to create a positive change for the community. 🦇

Tri-State 4th graders making a difference at a local park With mosquito season here, a local elementary school students worked out a non-toxic way to combat mosquitoes at a Tri-State park.

Tuesday Testimonial 💬

"I feel MSTA supports teachers inside and outside the classroom."

👉 Join MSTA or renew your membership today: https://motea.ch/3PWZW6R