CONNECT! If 2020 and subsequent years taught us anything, it is that we are in this together and we need each other more than ever.   

It was Helen Keller who said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Now, more than ever, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, maintenance engineers, cooks, bus drivers, nurses, administrators and all school personnel must band together to help our association and public education move forward. 

My 22 years in Public Education have led me to believe that we, as teachers, are offering a great education to the children of Missouri. We may only be 48th in the nation in terms of pay, but we are in the Top 25 regarding outcomes... TOGETHER we are good. 

Public education is not perfect, but public education is still the BEST option for our students in Missouri.  

As an association, MSTA has always been a community. We are better together. MSTA connects us all, no matter what role we play in education. 

MSTA is truly “We,” not “Me.” We will continue the great leadership we have had for the last 150 years.  We will work together and take what we know, attaining the BEST solution. We, as educators, will personally continue to build on each other, bringing us together. 

MSTA connects more than just co-workers. We connect with legislators, we connect with communities, and, BEST of all, we connect with kids! 

I believe I am the candidate who can connect us all. 

I possess the skills to help us continue our connections and have honed my leadership skills while representing my CTA at East Buchanan C-1. These experiences have connected me with teachers across the state. I have had the honor of working with some of the best people on the State Board and now I would like to connect us all together, and lead MSTA with all of you. 

My faith, family and who I am as a person have made me ready to connect us all together to work for Missouri and public education.  

The famous author C.S. Lewis said, “Children are not a distraction from more important work, they are the most important work.”  We have the most important occupations, helping the future generation. Teaching is the one profession that creates all other possessions. 

Join me in connecting us all together for Missouri’s kids! I would appreciate your vote for MSTA Vice President.