President's Message

A Message from Rhonda Travis, MPE President

Happy fall and winter, MPE members. I think this is my favorite time of year since school is steadily cruising along and tons of things are going on. I know that the budget is heavy on all our minds. Again, I must say that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the professional educators in Mississippi will succeed and continue to provide the quality education we always have, regardless of budget cuts. Money may be short, but our creativity and dedication is not. Each year at the beginning of school, my Superintendent always emphasizes the fact that the teacher is what determines the success of the student. My hope is that all the professionals who are charged with the daunting task of influencing and educating the children of Mississippi will renew their dedication and love for that which they do.

I know it is love for and dedication to our craft that keeps us going. One of my favorite aspects about being a teacher is getting to mingle with other teachers. It is during this time that I get to meet and share ideas, solutions, and stories with those who care about the same things as I do. My school is conducting SACS this month. We have prepared, sweated, and made life for the ones chosen to spearhead this task completely crazy. But we have also looked at ourselves under a microscope and reevaluated what we do that works, and what we do that may not. When the SACS team arrived, it was made up of principals, teachers, counselors and retired educators from all areas of the state. Getting to interact with these people reminded me that no matter where I travel, within Mississippi or outside the state, we educators are our own special breed. We think alike, worry alike, and hope alike. One of the members, James Raborn, principal at Forest County AHS, has been in education a long time. When asked about retirement, he made a comment that I think is important to remember. He said, “This business of education is fun. If you can’t have fun, then you need to get out.” Of course he did not mean that everyday is a trip to the fair, but he is right. Education is so full of experiences, successes, failures, and miracles, we should look forward to what the day or week will hold.

MPE wishes our new State Superintendent, Dr. Tom Burnham, great success. Won’t it be great to give him the support of 10,000 members in 2010! We are very close. Please remember to get the word out about all the benefits of MPE. If you need any materials or supplies, please do not hesitate to call the MPE office. I hope you make plans now to attend the annual convention on April 10th. I look forward to seeing you there.