Dawn Lynch-Jones
Frederick County Teachers Association
10/20/06 - 8:45 a.m.
Good morning MSTA!
Well, I have finally made it to the OC. My plans were to be here early enough to attend the reception in the Sunset Room, but I didn’t arrive until last night at 10:20. I heard how wonderful it was and now I am upset that I missed it. Maybe next year I might try to take a half day on Thursday!
I love coming down to Ocean City. It’s a beautiful place. Even though I know I am working, it also feels like play! I think I bring the rain. Last year was my first year as a delegate and it rained cats and dogs—just like today! I can’t wait to indulge in all that Ocean City has to offer.
I attended my first meeting—the Western Maryland caucus. It was a packed house. Some business was discussed and I am looking for coffee. Note to self—BRING COFFEE! Now I am off to the convention! I can’t wait to hear Reg Weaver speak! It pumps me up!
10/21/06 - 9:00 a.m.
Good morning MSTA!
The convention is off to a great start! Our president, Reg Weaver, spoke yesterday and all I can say is WOW! He came in to his anthem “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” with hugs, kisses and handshakes. He makes you feel like you have been his lifelong friend and he is sooooo glad to see you again! Anyway, he got the body excited about education and what we can and should do as educators.
He started off soft spoken and I thought he was ill at first. He explained about his busy and hectic travel schedule, but still managed to make time to come to the MSTA convention to speak. You can tell he loves what he does. He wasn’t soft spoken for long! He encouraged us to vote and to vote for endorsed candidates. Vote for candidates that truly believe in educating all American children. He used an analogy of the hands of a clock. At twelve, nine, three, six and nine o’clock there were connections made to how our education system can work. It takes a concerted effort by all, not just teachers or school personnel.
He ended his speech with a story of a visit he made to a school where the student population was mostly African American. One student asked why his school didn’t have the same curricular subjects and resources as other schools in his district. My thought is, “Yes, why is that?” In this day and age you would think that equality rings from every school, but sadly it does not. Money is one of the usual culprits. He reaffirmed a fact that we already know - we need great public schools for every child. That is what MSTA and NEA continues to fight for. I am so glad to be represented by them; in addition to, fighting the fight right along side with them.
10/24/06
WOW!!!! Once again, the MSTA convention was a thrilling experience. I love having the opportunity to listen to all the new business and voting on it. I have a say in what’s happening in education. My vote counts.
This year there were also a lot of gifts that were raffled! Some were fantastic and I just knew I’d hear my number but…. I didn’t.
Did you get to see the exhibits? I was like a kid in a candy store. So much to see and the vendors were all ready to talk shop. I liked how the vendors were separated into two exhibits halls. One hall had vendors and their wares while the other exhibit hall had health and wellness. I got soooo much information and I couldn’t wait to share all I got with my team at my school. I loved the “freebies” too! You can never have enough “freebies!”
I thought it was a great idea to have workshops and activities planned for teachers as well. Yes, we are working hard, but as Clara put it best, “Teachers know how to have good clean fun!” I had the opportunity to network with other teachers and see old friends. It’s good to reconnect and thanks to the convention, I was able to do so.
I am looking forward to doing this all over again next year! I have to remember to take that Thursday as a half day. I don’t want to miss anything this trip has to offer!