School district: Ralls County R-2

Grade level/subject: 6-12 social studies

Years teaching: 24 years

Years in MSTA: 24 years

Roles in MSTA: Current CTA President, previous Articles, Bylaws and Rules Committee member and CTA Vice President and Building Representative

Why did you get involved with MSTA?

I joined MSTA because I believe it is important to be a part of a professional organization that advocates for and supports educators. MSTA has many benefits, including offering liability insurance and legal support and providing a legislative voice for Missouri educators. The dedicated Membership Service Coordinators are also a huge benefit. Being a member of MSTA provides a sense of security and allows me to do my job with confidence.

What was a career-related highlight in 2024?

My career-related highlight in 2024 was working with a co-worker to restart our district's CTA. Our CTA has sponsored many activities already this school year that have helped build a positive climate while showing appreciation to all members of our school community. We also take time to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that goes into being an educator. I'm thrilled to lead an organization that advocates for school staff on the local level and gives teachers and school staff a voice. 

What is advice you wish you could give yourself earlier in your career?

Work really hard the first few years to establish a strong foundation of lessons and classroom activities. The hard work will pay off in the end. You will always be modifying and adjusting lessons, but if you can spend a lot of time developing your lessons early on it will allow you to spend your time on other things like building relationships with students, collaborating with colleagues or helping with student activities outside of class. Find a grade level and content area that you are passionate about and invest all your time and energy into learning as much as you can about the subject and how to best teach about the subject.  If you love the subject and you think it is important, you will never stop wanting to learn about it yourself. That passion will carry over to your teaching.

Why Jennifer was named an Unsung Hero:

"Jennifer was an active CTA leader in her former district," said MSTA Member Service Coordinator Keri Cottrell. "When her new district, Ralls County R-2, did not have a CTA, she worked with one of her colleagues to revitalize the CTA and increase MSTA membership in her small district by 45%."