School district: Perry County School District 32

Grade level/subject: High school math

Years teaching: 27 years

Years in MSTA: 27 years

Roles in MSTA: Current CTA President and Southeast Region Board member

Why did you get involved with MSTA?

As with many, at the beginning of my career, I joined MSTA for liability insurance. In addition to serving as the president of my local Community Teacher Association, I am serving on various other committees within my district where I try to advocate for teachers on a local level. As a result of this smaller-scale advocacy, I have become more active at the many levels of MSTA out of a desire to continue advocating for my fellow staff members on a larger scale. 

How has MSTA made a difference in your career?

By stepping out and taking on a wider role in my local CTA and MSTA in general, it has opened my network to include many new collaborators. Thereby, allowing me to expand my knowledge base for new teaching techniques while knowing that I have a larger support network to ask questions to and gain insight from on why something that was successful in one district may not be as successful in my district. Additionally, by attending the various conferences provided by MSTA and seeing successful programs in other districts, I am able to build a connection for establishing a partnership to help implement a similar program in my district. 

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

My key piece of advice would be to first become grounded in your local school district and attend state and regional MSTA events to gain a greater awareness outside of your local district. Then, to become an active part of your district by serving on the various committees within the school including your local CTA, volunteering to serve as an officer. And finally, to begin looking for additional ways to serve both yourself and your school by serving on the regional board and/or state committees. 

Why John was named an Unsung Hero:

"John stepped into leadership for his CTA at a time when he was needed," said MSTA Member Service Coordinator Tracy Darian. "He brings positivity to his district and is always smiling."