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Join Us at Convention 2008

Join the fun at Convention ‘08!

It’s two days filled with FREE professional development workshops, education exhibits, a new, expanded health fair and great opportunities to network with educators from across the state. See schedule and convention highlights.

Convention 2008 is your chance to really connect with MSTA and your education colleagues from across the state. Whether you’re a delegate planning to attend your Local caucuses and the Representative Assembly, or a member eager to take advantage of the more than 50 relevant workshops (handpicked for Maryland educators), the weekend has plenty to offer you.

Special focus: The Urban Dropout Crisis

This year, the MSTA Representative Assembly takes a special look at the urban dropout crisis facing the nation and Maryland. One in 10 schools across the nation are “dropout factories,” graduating just half of the black and Hispanic students, according to Johns Hopkins researcher Bob Balfanz. Maryland claims 13 such schools.

On Saturday morning, three experts will discuss the impact of dropout in Maryland schools and offer prevention strategies. Marcie Dianda from NEA's Human and Civil Rights Department will bring delegates up-to-date information on NEA's 12-point dropout prevention plan; Robert Murphy, dropout specialist from MSDE and a member of the state's task force on African American males will discuss systemic challenges and offer solutions; and Hector Aguiniga from the International Counseling Office of the Prince George's County Board of Education will discuss the impact of the dropout crisis on the Hispanic population. Mavis Ellis, chair of MSTA's Human and Civil Rights Committee, will be the moderator and facilitate questions and remarks from the delegate floor.

Take the MSTA OnLine Dropout Survey >>

Here’s more of what you’ll find at the convention:

• Guest appearance by Gov. Martin O’Malley (Friday)
• Keynote address from new NEA president Dennis Van Roekel (Friday)
• More than 50 FREE! professional development workshops!
• A huge exhibit area with more than 100 education-related vendors
• The Apple-A-Day Health Fair with expanded offerings, including “Health Talks” scheduled throughout the day Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Women’s Concerns Committee.
• The new Camp MSTA, professional childcare for ages 12 months-12 years. Available to delegates and their families. Fee.
• The MSTA Member Trader Show featuring the specials skills, talents and entrepreneurial spirit of your colleagues.
• For delegates:

Be a Convention 2008 Blogger!

Share your Convention 2008 experience with an online blog at MSTA OnLine! Staffers upload raves and rants about Convention 2008 happenings every few hours! For more information, or to sign on, contact Casey Newton, cnewton@mstanea.org.