TEACHERS MEETING LETS AREA'S EDUCATORS LEARN

Cape Girardeau welcomes 4,000 educators today for this year's annual MSTA District teachers meeting.

For 116 years, teachers from Southeast Missouri have gathered once a year to discuss the educational issues of the day and to continue their own education. Teachers from 19 counties in Southeast Missouri will meet at the Show Me Center.

Motivational speaker George Obermeier, the keynote speaker for the meeting, promises to give teachers' spirits a boost. In a profession that often proves challenging, teachers can use a positive message about avoiding burnout and using humor and creativity on the job.

Also during the day, exhibitors will show off the latest textbooks and educational supplies. This afternoon, teachers will gather in small groups to discuss innovations and programs in specific academic areas.

While the planned activities offer a smorgasbord of opportu~nities for teachers to be motivated and learn, just as important is the chance for teachers to talk with each other.

Experts at the day-long meeting will offer new ideas and new perspectives. But educators in Southeast Missouri have a lot of good ideas to share also.

For example, Eva Wilson, this year's Meritorious Service Award winner, has found a way to make hands-on learning activities work in her fifth-grade classroom at Nell Holcomb School.

Wilson also shares her love for children and exuberance about learning without even trying. She is being honored today for her contribution to education over the past 27 years; she offers a lesson about being positive.

The meeting offers a chance to see old friends and meet new colleagues; to talk of budget cuts, state funding and lawsuits; to share classroom techniques and projects that work and those that don't.

Hopefully, this day of rejuvenation and learning for teachers will be reflected in classrooms throughout the region.

Teachers, energized during this day of discussion about education in the large-group meeting or over lunch, can help to ignite a similar enthusiasm for learning among their students.

We believe this is a worthwhile day for teachers of the region, and we add a community welcome.