Letter from the President—July 2026

Written by MSTA President Lana Moore

The other day, my phone died right when I needed it most. I was traveling in an unfamiliar area using my Maps app and felt a wave of panic wash over me. I knew if I kept heading in the right direction, I would eventually end up somewhere that might take me to my destination, but I highly doubted it. Even with my rapid battery pack, the phone just wouldn’t hold a charge for long.

Thankfully, I had my husband with me, and while he can’t remember where to find certain things on his phone or how to carry out certain tasks due to his strokes, his sense of direction remains very sharp. He is the kind of person who can find 50 ways to get somewhere and back, whereas I tend to use the most direct route possible. I can be completely turned around, and he will get me on the right track, directing the way.

Sometimes we just need someone with skin on to give us the direction we need.

We lean on others to give us direction, guide us, and be a comfort in times of need. Our friends and colleagues share ideas when we have none. Whether we realize it or not, our mentors offer wisdom when we are unsure. Working together, we can change our perspective and find a way forward, getting us back on track.

My phone eventually recharged, after we had arrived, that is, and it reminded me of how we also need to recharge our own batteries. Summer is here, and amid the second jobs, tackling long-overdue projects, and travel, our minds still drift to the coming year. We may give a thought to lesson plans, students, and dread the early alarm. We may even venture thoughts on how we will promote our Community Teachers Associations (CTA) and MSTA.

Two events I have looked forward to every summer are Leadership Conference and Region Leadership Conference. Here, I recharge my personal and professional battery.

I have met so many wonderful friends through these gatherings and have exchanged countless ideas. Together, we discover new resources, reminding us we are not navigating this journey alone. We have witnessed mentors who have found their way of sharing wisdom, guiding us in breakout sessions and giving themselves to help us grow. They help us navigate challenges and offer the practical suggestions we didn’t realize we needed. I marvel at the wealth of knowledge we have at our fingertips that is just a phone call or email away when we need it. We are truly blessed with the dedicated educators who prepare the breakout sessions and give the very best of themselves at each conference.

So much of the year is spent pouring into others and helping them find direction. Now is the time to pour into ourselves. We can pause, take a breath, recharge our batteries, gain new energy and confidence, fresh perspectives, and clearer guidance for the upcoming year.

I look forward to seeing you this summer at the Leadership Conference and Region Leaders Conference as we learn, connect, and recharge our batteries together. The school year will be here soon enough, and there is no better way to prepare than by spending time with like-minded colleagues who inspire us, challenge us, and remind us why our work matters.