CITY EXTENDS WELCOME TO THOUSANDS OF TEACHERS

Today, we welcome more than 2,000 educators to Cape Girardeau. They will converge on the Show Me Center for the 117th annual District Teachers Meeting.

This day away from the classroom provides many learning opportunities for teachers. It's a chance for educators to compare notes about their districts and teaching trends. It's an opportunity for professional development as well. Each department of the association holds afternoon workshops for members. Teachers can also pursue the latest educational trends at the annual book exhibit.

The district meeting offers a chance to exhibit excellence. Mary Wilhite, a teacher at L.J. Schultz Middle School in Cape Girardeau, will be honored as Outstanding MSTA Member in the Southeast District for 1992. Two other district teachers will be honored for long-standing meritorious service: Jack D. Tucker, retired principal at Webb Elementary School in East Prairie, and Judy J. Roberts, librarian at Caruthersville School District. We congratulate these educators.

It's also a time to conduct business. The Southeast District of MSTA will elect new officers. JoAnn Hahs, a teacher at Oak Ridge, will assume the presidency from Larry McCann of Poplar Bluff.

Perhaps just as important as professional development, the meeting helps motivate and re-energize educators. A champion of education, Frosty Troy, will keynote today's general session.

Although the meeting is geared for educators, the students are not forgotten. The All-District High School Orchestra will perform during opening ceremonies. Winners of the 8th Congressional District High School Art Competition will also be announced. In addition, the orchestra will be joined by the All-District Senior High Band for a performance at Rose Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge.

MSTA is a professional teachers organizations, as opposed to a union. It also does not limit membership to teachers - but extends to all those involved in education, including teachers, administrators and support staff. This organization is one of a dozen across the state. Statewide, MSTA has about 28,000 members.

It's not easy being a teacher these days. Shortages of state and local money affect the learning process both in deficient physical facilities and educational materials. It's not enough to teach the ABCs. Violence, teen-age pregnancy and other social problems are issues that are constantly addressed. The increase in the number of working parents has encouraged some schools to reach out into pre- and after-school care.

We extend hospitality to our teachers today as they gather for their annual meeting. Teachers are important mentors on our life journey. Our gratitude runs to the very basics. If you can read this editorial, thank a teacher.