Podcasts

The Pulse #112 - 06/19/09
Social media resources take center stage for this show. Krista Meyer, Rachel Webb, Todd and Gail talk about how MSTA uses Twitter, Facebook and blogs and discuss how they, as individuals, use these same resources. You can get the links to their favorite blogs and Twitterers at our blog: http://mostateteachers.typepad.com/

The Pulse #111 - 05/18/09
A number of bills impacting education were passed this year in Missouri. Mike Wood, MSTA lobbyist, explains what made it and what didn’t on this episode. Also, an update on the Section 218 Agreements. More information is available at: fixteacherretirement.com.

The Pulse #110 - 05/15/09
Looking to improve your leadership skills? Wondering what to do now that you are the CTA President? MSTA has a free (yes, free) conference to help you out. Kim Wencewicz, MSTA Field Coordinator, tells you how to sign up, when it is and what you’ll learn. Did we mention it is free?

The Pulse #109 - 05/08/09
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Executive Director Kent King talks with Todd and Gail about the importance of saying "Please" and "Thank you" as well as MSTA's efforts to say thank you to teachers. Todd also has updates from Chett Daniel at www.5k5k.org and a new member benefit for discount Hallmark greeting cards. Go to: http://Hallmark.BusinessGreetings.com.

The Pulse #108 - 04/17/09
The much anticipated final report of the Federal Section 218 Task Force has been released. Mike Wood joins the show to tell us what it means and how it impacts Missouri school employees.

The Pulse #107 - 04/03/09
Find out about the latest technology tools coming to MSTA. Matt Walker, IT Manager, joins the show to provide a sneak peak at some exciting new technology for CTA leaders.

The Pulse #106 - 03/26/09
Special thanks to guest Mark Rea, Instructor in the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, for talking about technology in the classroom and providing all of these great links. Major Rea’s Wetpaint Wikis: Military Movement/Gymnastics http://militarymovement.wetpaint.com/; Army Unit Fitness http://unitfitness.wetpaint.com/; Ultimate Frisbee http://companyathleticsultimate.wetpaint.com/ and Faculty Development http://markrea.wetpaint.com/. His Slideshare Presentation on Wikis and Google Docs with a podcast that focuses on education, teaching with Web 2.0 Technology and Health and Fitness: http://www.slideshare.net/MAJRea/facebook-your-homework. Other recommended wiki platforms: http://pbwiki.com/ and http://www.widispaces.com/. Some other links: Facebook for Educators: http://www.edumorphology.com/2008/11/facebook-for-educators-a-guide-for-instructors/; MIT Open courseware: http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm; Commoncraft Show: (easy explanations of web2.0 technologies including wikis and twitter): http://www.commoncraft.com/show; 100 Tips, Apps, and Resources for Teachers on Twitter: http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/03/19/100-tips-apps-and-resources-for-teachers-on-twitter/. Enjoy.

The Pulse #105 - 03/16/09
Thinking of graduate school? Stephens College is offering MSTA members a discount on tuition. Courses are available online. Check out the options at www.stephens.edu. The discount applies to all master’s level programs. Rachel Webb, Associate Editor, also provides a sneak peak at the upcoming edition of School and Community. Finally, do you Twitter? Todd, Gail and Rachel let you know why you should.

The Pulse #104 - 03/05/09
Senator Brad Lager talks to Todd and Gail about legislation to allow for a four-day school week.

The Pulse #103 - 02/18/09
Vera Campfield, Manager of Legal Services, joined the show to discuss Reduction in Force and what it means to our members. Todd also shared some grant opportunities through MSTF and provided an update on the Social Security Issue. Not to be outdone, Gail shared information about Bunker Hill Retreat, a unique vacation opportunity for MSTA members. More information on all of these at: www.msta.org.