Professional Learning

MSTA is a leading provider of in-service opportunities for Missouri educators.

Onsite Professional Learning

MSTA offers onsite professional learning at various locations and times throughout the state. We work with professional development committees, CTAs and/or MSTA Region Boards to host professional development opportunities. Some of the onsite events include Beginning Teacher Assistance, Mentor Training, Professional Rights & Responsibilities and Personal Finance. Please contact MSTA at 800-392-0532 or email Member Care at membercare@msta.org if you want to schedule a workshop.

BTA
This workshop is designed to meet the state’s Initial Professional Certification requirement for "beginning teacher assistance from Missouri colleges and universities." The participants will learn effective teaching practices and strategies for successful professional growth. Discussions and activities will include legal issues, classroom management, parent communication and MSTA support for beginning teachers. This workshop will be completed in one day and documentation of participation will be received at the end of the session.

To enroll in a BTA, call the Member Care Center at (800) 392-0532, or visit our Online Event Registration. Day-long BTAs are $40 for MSTA members and $60 for non-members. Click here for a schedule of upcoming onsite BTA workshops.

In addition, an online BTA is available.The content is similar to the onsite BTA but conducted over one month using Moodle. The assignments are comprised of suggested readings, discussion forums and videos. The Online BTA will cost $40 for members and $60 for non-members.

Personal Finance 101
Learn how to be proactive about protecting your financial future. Personal Finance 101 is a two-part interactive workshop that will help you take control of your personal finances. You’ll learn to spend with a purpose, create a working budget, eliminate debt, deal with creditors, plan for college and retirement expenses, and more. Several MSTA Regions are hosting Personal Finance workshops in the Spring of 2011. The cost is $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers and spouses may attend for $10. Please go to http://www.msta.org/resources/calendar.aspx to find a workshop near you and register.

State Convention
The association's annual two-day event is free to members and features dozens of workshops, nationally recognized speakers, a huge exhibit hall and more. Even-numbered years, the convention is in Kansas City; odd-numbered years it's in St. Louis.

Support services for new teachers MSTA helps launch new teachers into the profession through mentoring support, professional development opportunities and a quarterly newsletter.

Online Professional Learning

MSTA's online professional-development courses allow you to engage in relevant, timely topics on your own schedule and from the comfort of home. Use these courses to fulfill certification requirements, to meet professional-development plan (PDP) specifications, or simply to grow as an educator. Courses require Internet access, Acrobat reader, a Flash player and an e-mail account. The nonfacilitated workshops allow you up to two months to complete. You'll get a certificate upon successful completion of course requirements. Each class costs MSTA members $30 and nonmembers $50.

Online coursOnline course offerings:

• Beyond the BTA: Arm yourself with the information necessary to write a professional development plan, or PDP, that meets your needs as a developing teacher.

• Response to Intervention:Response to Intervention, or RtI, differs from interventions that typically have preceded a request for a special-education evaluation. Determine the benefits and limitations of the process, and know where to locate additional resources.

• Classroom Management K-12: Structure and discipline allow you to be a successful classroom manager. Learn procedures and pick up practical tips that will help you manage students in every school setting.

• Personal Finance 101: Learn to create a personal finance plan that will help you to get ahead of the game. Learn about spending with a purpose, eliminating debt, investing for the future and much more in this financial workshop designed for you.

Courses will be listed on www.msta.org/events, or call 800-392-0532 for more information.

In addition, MSTA provides free workshops on topics such as Legal Rights for Teachers, Performance-Based Teacher Evaluation and Mentoring.