The Pulse: House Bill 1526 updates

As the Missouri House considers a bill on teacher evaluations and local control, Mike Wood joins Todd Fuller to discuss the specifics of the bill and it's potential impact on our members and education in the state.

Aired: Apr 30, 2012

The Pulse: Teachers as Change Agents Preview

The teacher-driven, collaborative Teachers as Change Agents Conference returns to Tan-Tar-A in June. One of several session presenters, Carolyn Nixon, joins Aurora Meyer and Cindy Whitaker for a preview of the sessions. For more information or to register,

click here

Aired: Apr 11, 2012

The Pulse: Take advantage of our extras

In addition to providing liability insurance for our members, Liberty Mutual Insurance offers a number of educational programs in partnership with MSTA’s field coordinators. Members can learn more about topics like Identity Theft and Auto Safety that can be presented at CTA or Region meetings or safety seminars for students.

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Aired: Mar 29, 2012

The Pulse: Updates on the 2012 Missouri Legislative Session

While the Missouri Legislature is enjoying spring break, Mike Wood joins Todd Fuller to review the first nine weeks of the Legislative Session and talk about what the next nine weeks could have in store. Don’t forget to sign up for MSTA’s Rapid Response Team by emailing rapidresponse@msta.org and the Action Newsletter, action@msta.org, the weekly report of the happenings in Jefferson City (on hiatus during spring break).

Aired: Mar 15, 2012

The Pulse: How to celebrate the First Missouri School Read-In Day

Librarian and MSTA Reading Circle Chair, Brenda Steffens, joins Aurora Meyer to talk about the history of and how to celebrate Missouri School Read-In Day on March 9. On this day, educators across the state are encouraged to promote reading. They can do this by having their students make QR codes for their favorite author websites, hosting a book swap (with parent permission), conducting a bookmark or book poster contest and more.

Read In Day poster

Aired: Feb 23, 2012

The Pulse: Social Media Policies for School Districts

Tony Rothert, Legal Director for the ACLU of Eastern Missouri, joins MSTA Attorneys Vera Campfield and Gail McCray to discuss social media policies for school districts. Hear his concerns with the policies drafted by the major policy providers in Missouri and the faulty premise on which they are based.

Aired: Feb 9, 2012

The Pulse: 2012 Missouri Legislative Session

Mike Wood joins Aurora Meyer to discuss MSTA’s legislative priorities for 2012, "Solutions for Teachers." The five priorities for 2012 are: making changes to the state board of education, quality performance based teacher evaluations, making sure Missouri encourages innovative programs in school districts and that those programs aren't counted against the district's accreditation, funding formula plans and revamping tax credit programs. Don’t forget to sign up for MSTA’s Rapid Response Team by emailing rapidresponse@msta.org and the Action Newsletter, action@msta.org, the weekly report of the happenings in Jefferson City.

Aired: Jan 20, 2012

The Pulse: MSTA writes electronic communication policy

In response to the requirements of Senate Bill 1, many of our members requested an electronic communication policy from MSTA. Staff Attorney, Vera Campfield, joins Aurora Meyer to discuss why MSTA created this policy and what we hope to accomplish. You can see the policy at the link below

click here for the MSTA electronic communication policy

Aired: Dec 20, 2011

The Pulse: MSTA Opposes NCLB Waiver Request

DESE is applying for an NCLB waiver. The 42-page document raises a number of issues. To help you understand what's going on and why MSTA is concerned, Aurora Meyer talked with Becky Odneal, owner of Education Link. You can submit your own comments by Jan. 5 to esea@dese.mo.gov.

Aired: Dec 15, 2011

The Pulse: Red a Social Media Solution

We know how important it is to keep students, parents and otter educators up to date on schedule changes, alerts and even basketball scores. With the changes from Senate Bill 54 and Senate Bill 1, many districts are looking for alternative ways save money, save time and keep their students engaged. Patrick Stoddart, Founder of Revedel, joins Aurora Meyer and Todd Fuller to discuss Red, an enhanced and simplified communications tool, which districts like Lee's Summit North and Pleasant Lea Middle School use.

Red

Aired: Nov 8, 2011