From the President's Desk

It is remarkable that my two year tenure as the MSTA president is coming to a close. This will be my final submission of "From the President's Desk." However, I still have a few months until I turn over the gavel to Mike Klein, our president elect, and there is still much to do! First, as a member of MSTA, you will be receiving an email asking you to review our draft Constitution and vote on the revisions that your executive board is recommending. The revision process has been a daunting task but one that brings a sense of renewal to our organization. Please take a moment to read the document. You may better understand the purpose and functioning of your professional organization. And it may inspire you to become more actively involved as a board member.

Secondly, March means the MSTA Annual Conference. Our conference is what we do best. We are especially proud of the hard work and planning that has gone into this year's conference. We will be meeting in Lansing at the Radisson/Lansing Center on March 4, 5 and 6. There is still time to register with our early discount. Please go to our website www.msta-mich.org to review the sessions at our regular conference on Friday and Saturday. We are offering numerous extended programs on Thursday, as well. Also, our vendor exhibits are open FREE to you and your family on Thursday night. Earn your SB-CEUs while doing something you love! Support your professional growth and your professional organization by joining us in Lansing! And bring a friend!

Third, do you know an outstanding K-6 science teacher? Are you an outstanding K-6 science teacher?

Please consider nominating a colleague or yourself for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching. Nominations are simple and the applications are available at www.paemst.org! It is important to recognize our exemplary teachers! Awardees are invited to Washington DC for a tour and reception with the President. Plus, an award of $10,000 is given to each award winner. Please see the article in this month’s newsletter.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your membership in MSTA! I encourage you to become more actively involved and ask a friend to join you. We need your help. As we are looking toward educational reforms, we know that professional organizations will also be changing in structure and benefits to members. We need your ideas and your energy. Please contact me! betty_crowder@msta-mich.org.