MPE Journal www.mpe.org Winter 2012 /2013- Vol. 24, No. 3

Special Legislative Edition! Committee Chairmen Key to Legis lative Process INSIDE - Legislative contact information B OarD OF Directors Office Staff

Kelly Riley President President-elect Executive Director Dr. Benny J. Hornsby Deedre’ Walsh Coll 62 Shady Lane 9 Grand Boulevard [email protected] Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601-408-4608 601-297-7220 [email protected] [email protected] Brennan Burkard Secretary-Treasurer Past-President Deputy Director Donna Robbins Sonya Swafford 1002 Cedar Hill Drive 218 N. Bolivar Avenue [email protected] Clinton, MS 39056 Cleveland, MS 38732 601-201-0129 662-402-6885 [email protected] [email protected] Stephanie Miller

District 1 District 2 2 Accounts Manager Walter Moore Erica Armstrong [email protected] 1116 CR 174 6717 Anna May Dr. 0 Guntown, MS 38849 Walls, MS 38680 662-316-9258 901-413-8503 Pam Hicks [email protected] [email protected] 1 Office Manager District 3 District 4 Angela Towers Becky Hayes, NBCT 2 [email protected] 512 Magnolia Avenue 295 Drake Circle Pace, MS 38764 Columbus, MS 39702 662-723-6110 662-251-7334 Deeanna Hall [email protected] [email protected] 2 Receptionist District 5 District 6 0 [email protected] Mark Reddoch Brad Johns 7429 Highway 84 West 226 Wilson Floyd Road Taylorsville, MS 39168 Magee, MS 39111 1 601-763-4573 601-845-2247 A rea Directors [email protected] [email protected] 3 District 7 District 8 Jamie Jackson Dr. Barry Morris 4120 Summit Holmesville Road William Carey University McComb, MS 39658 498 Tuscan Ave., Box 3 Larry Boykin Randal Livingston 601-730-2381 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 9629 Hwy 37 247 Livingston Road [email protected] 601-318-6587 H) 601-765-4396 Taylorsville, MS 39168 Louisville, MS 39339 [email protected] 601-785-4408 662-773-2577 (C)601-297-8189 (C)662-803-8393 Community College Rep.-at-large [email protected] [email protected] Ricky Smither Mary Hill Shular, NBCT P.O. Box 86 9063 Jimmy Smith Road Ann Brinson Nora Moore Booneville, MS 38829 Bailey, MS 39320 202 Eastover Drive 512 S. Lane Road 662-392-4547 601-737-4823 Cleveland, MS 38732 Mound Bayou, MS 38768 [email protected] [email protected] 662-402-3710 662-719-7875 [email protected] [email protected] Retirees University Executive Director Philene Allen Dr. Lela Hale Kelly Riley 405 S. First Avenue 953 Temperance Hill Circle 205 Woodland Brook Serena Calhoun Charles Rushing Cleveland, MS 38732 Potts Camp, MS 38659 Madison, MS 39110 19 Sylwood Place 10490 Rd 583 662-588-9011 662-401-1169 (C) 601-573-6169 Jackson, MS 39209 Noxapater, MS 39346 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-366-4378 (C) 662-803-5886 (C)601-540-1499 [email protected] [email protected]

Michael Goff Dennis Shirley 105 Carter Lane NE 3000 Patrick Drive McCall Creek, MS 39647 Corinth, MS 38834 MPE STATE OFFICE 601-532-6556 662-287-6715 (C)601-384-6748 [email protected] P.O. Box 22550 [email protected]

Jackson, MS 39225-2550 Mike E. Hamblin Brenda M. Smith 15 White Oak Drive P.O. Box 616 Toll Free:(800)523-0269 Byhalia, MS 38611 Leakesville, MS 39451 662-838-6761 601-394-2847 (C)901-605-0243 (C)601-394-8370 www.mpe.org [email protected] [email protected]

PAGE 2 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 Mississippi Professional MPE Journal Executive Director Educators Kelly Riley

All articles not otherwise signed are staff written. Permission to reproduce material appearing in MPE Journal must be obtained from MPE headquarters. The Mississippi Professional Educators assumes no responsibility for the opinions or points of view expressed by contributors to MPE Journal unless statements have been authorized by action of the Association. MPE endorses no item or service other than those under the auspices of the Association. MPE Journal is a trademark of MPE.

MPE Journal is published three times annually by the Mississippi Professional Educators, Kelly Riley, Publisher.

Cover Stories In Every Issue Features

Committee Chairmen President’s Message Teaching and the Brain Key to Legislative Page 4 Page 10 Process Dr. Benny Hornsby Walter Moore Page 12 Four men supervise and Message from the Legislative Rooster shepherd the bills assigned Executive Director Page 13 to the Education and the Page 5 Universities and Colleges Kelly Riley How a Bill Becomes a Law committees in both the Page 19 Mississippi House of Repre- Mississippi Institutions of sentatives and the Mississippi Higher Learning News Contact Your Local State Senate. These four Page 7 Legislator drive the policy decisions that Page 19 impact kindergarten through Mississippi Department of university classrooms through- Education News Classroom Grant Winners out our state and, more Page 8 Page 20 importantly, the lives of the students in those classrooms. Community College News Taking a Long-term Page 9 Perspective on Retirement Security Member Spotlight Page 21 Page 20 Pat Robertson, Executive Director PERS Retiree Reflections Page 22

www.mpe.org PAGE 3 Message from the President

Dr. Benny Hornsby Just for today: I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

JUST FOR TODAY

Like many of you, in addition to teaching, I spend a good deal of time each day trying to solve the problems of students and other teachers. Consequently, I often neglect to pay attention to issues that affect me in an adverse way, so I have worked out this “formula” to help me be a positive, useful, and happy person. See if it doesn’t work for you.

• Just for today: I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all of my problems at once.

• Just for today: I will be happy. I will assume to be true what Abraham Lincoln said: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

• Just for today: I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will read some- thing that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

• Just for today: I will adjust myself to what is, and try not to adjust everything to my own desires.

• Just for today: I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out. I will do at least one thing that I don’t want to do. Finally, I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

• Just for today: I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

• Just for today: I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

• Just for today: I will have a quiet half-hour all by myself. During this half-hour, I will try and get a better perspective of my life.

• Just for today: I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give back to me.

Again, thank you for permitting me to be your MPE President. Please feel free to contact me with any concern that you might have: 601-408-4608 (cell) or [email protected]. I promise that you will receive my immediate attention and response.

PAGE 4 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 M essage from the executive director

Kelly Riley

I cannot believe it is time to write this end-of-year article, as it seems like I was just writing my article for our Winter 2011/2012 issue of the MPE Journal. MPE has had quite an exciting 2012! Our new office allows us almost twice the space to serve our growing membership. We’ve received very favorable feedback to our eight “Common Core” regional trainings this fall. 52 members applied for our new classroom grants, with 16 of these receiving a grant. We remain finan- cially solid even in these tough economic times. We continue to be governed by a dedicated board of directors. Our membership continues to grow throughout the state, as reflected by our membership as of October 25:

Certified Non-certified Student Retired TOTAL K-12 (public) 9,034 509 0 263 9,806 K-12 (independent) 83 5 0 6 94 IHL (public) 64 2 339 5 410 IHL (independent) 22 0 376 5 403 Community College 79 0 0 3 82 TOTAL 9,282 516 715 282 10,795

Mark your calendars now for MPE’s 2013 Best Practices Symposium on Saturday, April 13 at the Jackson Hilton. Dr. David Lee, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at The University of Southern Missis- sippi and Director of the Leadership Institute of the South, will deliver our keynote. He promises that you will leave feeling good about yourself, your profession and that you will obtain some unique ideas to put to use to make a difference in your job. We’ll also offer concurrent sessions covering such topics as M-STAR, PERS, dyslexia and the Mississippi Blues! You don’t want to miss it!

The 2013 Regular Session of the convenes at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. I hope you participated in our membership survey during November, as we sought our members’ opinions on important policy issues such as charter schools, merit pay, and education funding, all of which will most likely be considered during this session. Your MPE staff will be at the capitol monitoring legisla- tive and budget developments throughout the session, and I will keep you updated via my weekly emails and our Facebook page. This legislative issue of the MPE Journal includes legislative contact information so that you may share your thoughts with your representative or senator. As always, I am confident that you will be professional in your communications with legislators.

As I reflect on this passing year, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve as your executive direc- tor. I’m grateful to my husband and children who understand the member phone calls after hours and on weekends, as well as our staff here in the office who work so hard to serve you. I am especially grateful to serve a membership built upon the principals of professionalism. Thank you for your continued mem- bership in MPE! I wish you, your families and your students the most joyous of holidays and a blessed 2013. Merry Christmas!

www.mpe.org PAGE 5 MPE 2013 Happy GRADUATE Holidays! SCHOLARSHIPS

Mississippi Professional Educators will award up to five scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to MPE members who wish to pursue graduate level studies at a college or From the staff of the university in Mississippi. Mississippi Professional Educators

Eligibility requirements for the scholarship include:

• Applicant is a member of MPE We’ ve Moved!

• Applicant will be under contract as a The MPE office has relocated to: full-time educator in Mississippi during the 2013-2014 school year

• Applicant is accepted and enrolled in graduate coursework at a Mississippi 222 North President St. college or university OR intends to enroll Suite 100 in such coursework if awarded a scholarship Jackson, MS 39201 For more information, visit

www.mpe.org. Toll free: (800)523-0269 Local: (601)355-5517 Applications must be received in Fax: (601)355-5519 the MPE office by March 1, 2013.

PAGE 6 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 T eACHER cOMPENSATION issue key to advancing Mississippi

As teachers, you prepare young is true in any state, it is particularly people for all careers. Whether you true in Mississippi. That is why the are an elementary math teacher Board of Trustees of State Institu- teaching a future CPA addition and tions of Higher Learning included a Dr. Hank M. Bounds subtraction or a faculty member in request for an additional $40 million Commissioner of an engineering department teaching over last year’s appropriation for Higher Education students the skills they use as they en- salary increases to bring faculty ter the workforce immediately after salaries more in line with SREB aver- between coming to a public universi- graduation, you are building the age salaries, new faculty require- ty in Mississippi and taking a position future of our state. As you pass your ments due to enrollment growth, and with an institution in another state. knowledge on to the next generation, faculty and staff salaries based on you are giving your students the skills merit, market or promotions. This is a competitiveness issue. In they will need to be successful in their higher education, we work in an chosen careers and in life. Over time, we have been losing extremely competitive marketplace. ground on faculty salaries. In 2000, We compete for the very best As university students ponder which faculty salaries in Mississippi were faculty, which in turns impacts our major to choose and what career seven percent below the SREB aver- ability to attract students. We must field to enter, many of them consider age; the gap has widened to over also realize that having the very best compensation as a factor in the deci- 15 percent today. According to the faculty will help ensure that Mississip- sion-making process. While it is cer- Southern Regional Education Board’s pi has a workforce that can attract tainly not the only reason to enter a 2012 Progress Report on the Chal- the best companies and the kind of particular field, it is important. Many lenge to Lead Goals for Education, high-skill, high-wage jobs that our students consider carefully whether the average full-time faculty salary state needs to improve our economy. a career in which they are interested at public four-year colleges and uni- While we all understand that the re- will provide them with the resources versities in Mississippi was $15,121 cession had a tremendous impact on they will need to support a family lower than the national average and our state and our state’s resources, and give them financial security. $11,139 lower than the regional we also understand that investing average in 2011. in our teachers on all levels today Too often, teaching as a career can greatly enhance our ability to field is passed over for this reason. While the retirement and health have more resources available in the Certainly, we can all agree that benefits offered to state employees future. This is the best investment our the pay for teachers, from Pre-K to are quite good, extending the health state can make to ensure economic university level, does not measure up benefits to dependents can be more growth and improve the quality of when compared with the impact they costly to the employee in Mississippi life for all Mississippians. have on the lives of students and the than in other states. This often serves e service they provide to their com- to increase the pay gap when a munities, state and nation. While this potential faculty member is choosing www.mpe.org PAGE 7 ment’s budget for early childhood pilots. The 25 pilots in school districts, funded through $100,000 grants each, would develop early childhood classrooms for children in poverty. We also know that we need better data on children’s skills and abilities when they enter kindergarten, and so we are proposing a statewide tool to deter- We all have heard that 2013 will be mine kindergarten readiness. the “Year of Education” in the Missis- sippi Legislature. Great changes are In addition, we are exploring K-2 on the horizon that will impact public assessments to track children’s read- education for years to come, and it’s ing skills before they reach the third my goal to make sure the Mississippi grade. We know that lawmakers may Department of Education (MDE) has introduce legislation next year to es- a seat at the table when lawmakers tablish a third grade gateway, and as make those critical decisions. a result, we need interventions in place to help children reach expectations. Over the last several months, I have Dr. Lynn House traveled thousands of miles across the A primary Board goal centers on re- Interim State state to speak to education associa- ducing the drop-out rate in Mississippi. Superintendant of tions and superintendents and to meet We all understand the importance of Education with legislators either one-on-one or in students completing high school so that small groups. The purpose is to listen to they can be successful in college and tion of Common Core State Standards, concerns and to initiate rich dialogue the workforce and ultimately become we believe the students of Mississippi around public education needs of productive citizens. However, one size will be on a level playing field when it today and the future. It is my hope that does not fit all. comes to national assessments. As you by laying the groundwork for an open know, through the Partnership for As- and honest conversation about the That’s why we have proposed an sessment of Readiness for College and state’s public education system, we can expansion of the Excellence for All Careers (PARCC), work is underway to assist lawmakers in making informed pilots at a cost of $1 million. The develop a common set of assessments. decisions and in understanding the money would be divided into $50,000 impact legislation has on our schools. grants for pilot programs that focus on Mississippi is one of 44 states to join increased rigor and flexibility as well this national initiative to prepare stu- I also have shared the Mississippi as exit points from high school to the dents for college and career with de- Board of Education’s (MBE) legisla- workforce. fined standards for math and English- tive priorities for 2013, which I also language arts. The standards establish will share with you. First, MDE and the The MDE is also in the process of hiring what students need to learn, but do not Board support full funding of MAEP. an associate superintendent whose sole tell teachers how to teach. Teachers This legislative formula is the only tool responsibility is to work with districts will continue to create lesson plans and we have to ensure education funding in on keeping children in school. The tailor instruction to the unique needs of this state is both adequate and fair. department’s budget request includes the students in their classrooms. $1.5 million to increase efforts at the Other legislative priorities revolve local and state levels to intensify the As the 2013 legislative approaches, I around the Board’s three main goals: focus on saving students who are at encourage you to stay in contact with risk of dropping out of school. The your local legislators to voice your • third-grade reading funds would be used to provide grant concerns and your support for a public proficiency opportunities for districts to address education system that will give all • drop-out prevention local issues that contribute to students children the opportunity to succeed. I • national assessments dropping out of school. believe that by working together, we can strengthen our public education To establish the framework for children Finally, the Board wants to make sure system and help every child in Missis- being able to read on the third-grade that every student is prepared to sippi reach his/her full potential. level, the Board has requested $2.5 compete in the global community. As million to be included in the depart- the state transitions to full implementa- e

PAGE 8 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 Dr. Eric Clark MCCB Executive It is hard to believe that the fall Topics that were discussed at these Director semester is wrapping up, and the meetings include articulation agree- spring term is right around the ments between community col- corner. I hope that everyone had a leges and universities, financial aid, Another issue that we are very wonderful start to the school year! outcome and performance based concerned with is a bond bill. For funding, reverse transfer of cred- the first time in recent memory, no The beginning of a new calendar its for those students going from a bond bill was adopted by the 2012 year means the Legislature will community college to a university, session. These funds are used by our be in Jackson starting in January. and remediation for some students colleges for much needed repair, Thankfully this session is scheduled who enroll at our institutions. Each renovation, and construction of to last three months, instead of the of the issues is receiving attention in facilities. Because of recent enroll- four-month version that occurred in the national spotlight, and our com- ment increases, classroom space is 2012 after the statewide elections. I munity colleges and universities are cramped, parking is limited, and expect all levels of education to be focused on these areas as well. By older facilities need updating. The in the spotlight once the lawmakers having all levels of education coming same needs occur at K-12 schools return. together, we will improve our state. and universities. These funds are vital for upkeep at all state facilities, In August, Lieutenant Governor Tate Of course, the budget will once and I hope that an agreement will Reeves named Senator John Polk again be an important topic for all be reached this year that will result from Hattiesburg as the new chair- state agencies. As the fiscal year in a much needed bond bill. man of the Senate Universities and progresses, revenues continue to Colleges committee. This came exceed projections. Through Octo- Thank you for all that each of you about as a result of Senator Terry ber, tax collections were $24 million does to better the state. I hope that Burton moving from that commit- more than the estimate for FY 2013. you have a wonderful holiday sea- tee to chair the Energy commit- The fiscal year runs through the end son, and a great second half of the tee. During the fall, Senator Polk of June, so it is my hope that these school year! quickly embraced his new leadership figures will continue to improve and responsibilities by holding two joint budgets for education will increase committee meetings to discuss higher as a result. e education issues.

www.mpe.org PAGE 9 Tai e ch ng and the Brain

Working memory is like a conference table, and only a certain amount of information can be spread out on the table before it is covered, allowing no more room for new “stuff.” Dr. David A. Sousa has been on the forefront of brain re- search as it relates to educa- tion for many years now. He immediate memory and moves into has published several books working memory. In the working on the subject and gives great memory, pieces and parts move Walter Moore, insight into the “nuts and bolts” back and forth between the work- MPE Board of Directors of the learning process. This ing memory and long-term stor- article relates information I age. This “linking” to prior knowl- have obtained through educa- edge in the long-term storage mathematic theorems, etc. in one tional practice and reviewing portions of the brain goes a long lesson cannot help but cause his works. way to making the learning last. some loss of what you want your students to remember. A student’s prior knowledge is When a student does not have that a key component of the learn- prior knowledge/memory, there is The average time limit for work- ing process. The connections nothing to attach the new informa- ing memory is 10-20 minutes between what a student knows tion to in long-term storage, and – lower for younger students and what you want him/her to it is very often pushed out of the and higher for older students. In learn are pivotal to the student working memory to make room for order to continue moving what is remembering what is taught. other incoming information like the in working memory to long-term A lack of stimulating learning noise in the hallway, noticing some- storage, especially when there experiences in a student’s life one has new shoes, the conversa- is little prior knowledge, there outside of school can be dis- tion about the party this weekend, must be some change in the way abling. For example, how could etc. Working memory is like a the student is dealing with the a student who has not traveled conference table, and only a cer- information – tactile, auditory, outside of Mississippi or does tain amount of information can be visual, etc. The idea is to pack- not have access to Discovery spread out on the table before it age lessons into 10-20 minute Channel or National Geograph- is covered, allowing no more room pieces and shift between learn- ic be expected to understand for new “stuff.” As a rule of thumb, ing styles. Without the change the size or climate zones of the students ages 5-13 can on aver- in how students use the informa- Rocky Mountains? age handle five things in working tion, the students will be driving memory, and students ages 14 and around everywhere in first gear. When a student has prior, long- up can on average handle seven They will eventually get where term knowledge/memory of a things. This is important informa- they’re going, but it will be a subject or learning objective tion to consider when planning much longer trip. Shifting gears and positive experience associ- instruction. Overwhelming the will speed up the process and ated with the incoming informa- working memory with too many make for a quicker, more enjoy- tion, new information enters the grammar rules, historical dates, able trip.

PAGE 10 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 Now, let’s change the circum- from the limbic system, shuts down Unfortunately, students who lack stance a bit. The student has reason and secretes hormones that experience or are emotion- prior knowledge/memory, but tell the body to prepare for a ally withdrawn are normally there is a negative experience battle or to run away, and we all provided remedial instruc- associated with the information. know students who fight against or tion by re-teaching the lesson At this point, we need to un- try to get out of assignments they slower and louder. This method derstand a bit about the limbic find difficult. provides little opportunity for system. All incoming sensory success or improvement as it information, with the excep- On the other hand, the limbic is like placing a brighter light tion of smell, enters the limbic system can also be a positive outside closed venetian blinds system first and is then distrib- influence. As it plays a major role in the hope it will penetrate. As uted to the other parts of the in moving information from work- educators, we must find creative brain, which obviously means it ing memory to long-term storage, ways to develop and expand performs a vital role in moving students are much more likely to students’ knowledge bases, link information from working memo- remember curriculum concepts new information to common ry into long-term storage. In in which they have an emotional experiences, and help students addition to dealing with sensory investment. replace negative experiences information, the limbic system with positive experiences. A regulates the internal systems of The two most important questions few simple ways any teacher the body through the release of to consider when trying to transfer can accomplish this are brain- hormones, which means it also information and concepts into long- storming, providing analogies plays an important role in emo- term storage . . . of difficult concepts to com- tions – especially fear. If a past monly understood concepts, experience produces a negative 1. Does this make sense to me? and incorporating classroom emotional reaction, the limbic “I don’t understand” usually discussion groups. In the end, it system will suspend complex means “I don’t have any is our responsibility to do what cerebral processes when that experiences that relate to is necessary to convince students emotion comes into play. this and am having a hard they can be successful by pro- time processing it.” viding consistent opportunities When a student says for ex- for success. ample, “I just can’t do math,” the 2. Does this have meaning? problem is not necessarily they Meaning is a very per- e don’t want to or can’t work the sonal thing and is greatly problem. The brain just sub- influenced by experience. consciously blocks unpleasant An item may have great things. When a curriculum con- meaning to one person and cept struggles with fear or an- very little to another. When other strong emotion, the emo- new learning is easily com- tion will invariably win because prehensible, taught across emotional data within the brain learning styles, and can takes a very high priority. Even be connected to the past though this process may cause experiences of the learner, educational difficulty, it is neces- there is more cerebral activ- sary for survival. The “fight or ity followed by dramatically flight” directive, which comes improved retention.

www.mpe.org PAGE 11 Committee Chairmen Key to Legislative Process

O f the approximately 3,275 pieces of legis- lation filed during the 2012 Legislative Ses- sion, a little more than 900 were passed. Education committees considered nearly 450 of these bills, with 45 becoming law. Senator John Polk of Hat- Four men supervise and shepherd the bills tiesburg was named chair- man of the Senate Universi- assigned to the Education and the Universi- ties and Colleges Commit- ties and Colleges committees in both the tee this past August. He Mississippi House of Representatives and the has served the residents of . These four drive the Senate District 44 (Forrest, policy decisions that impact kindergarten Lamar, and Perry counties) through university classrooms throughout since January. A gradu- our state and, more importantly, the lives of ate of the University of the students in those classrooms. Southern Mississippi, Sena- tor Polk owned and oper- ated his family’s business, Polk’s Meat Products, from R ep. Nolan Mettetal, 1974 until retiring this year. As chairman of Senate Chairman of the House Universities and Colleges, Senator Polk will oversee Universities and Colleges the confirmation of Mississippians appointed to the Committee, is a gradu- Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learn- ate of Northwest Missis- ing, as well as the Mississippi Community College sippi Community College Board. and the University of Mississippi. A resident of A member of the Missis- Sardis and a pharmacist, sippi Senate since 1996, he served in the Missis- SnGe ator ray Tollison, sippi State Senate from Chairman of the Senate 1996-2011 before being Education Committee, elected to the House of served on the committee Representatives in November 2011. A member for sixteen years prior to of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. being named chairman Mettetal represents House District 10 (Lafayette, this past January. A gradu- Panola, and Tallahatchie counties). ate of Rhodes College and the University of Mis- A resident of Brandon, R ep. sissippi School of Law, he John Moore, Chairman practices law in Oxford of the House Education and also serves as board Committee, attended attorney for the Lafayette County School Board. Mississippi State University. As chairman of Senate Education, Senator Tollison A small business owner in oversees the confirmation of Mississippians ap- insurance and investments, pointed to the State Board of Education, as well as he also serves as the music the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television. minister at his church. A He represents Senate District 9 (Lafayette, Talla- member of the legislature hatchie and Yalobusha counties). since 1996, Rep. Moore serves on several other committees, including the House Appropriations Committee. He represents House District 60 (Rankin and Simpson counties).

PAGE 12 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] to determine your senator or representative. representative. or senator your determine to 601-359-2886 601-359-3252 601-359-3232 601-359-2395 601-359-3252 601-359-3234 601-359-3250 601-359-2886 662-234-7070 601-359-3244 662-846-7434662-453-3172 601-359-3237 601-359-3246662-494-6611 601-359-3237 601-636-6565 601-359-3237601-605-5879 601-359-3232 601-359-3200 601-359-3200 TBD 11/27/12in election runoff 901-550-0334 662-256-9989 662-256-9601 601-359-3237 662-326-4611 662-326-4000 601-359-3221 2013 Mississippi 2013 LegislativeRoster11/14/12) of (as Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email Nesbit AshlandPontotocCorinth 662-224-3949 662-489-5979 Amory 662-224-3300 662-287-6323HoustonOxford 601-359-3221 662-415-4793 662-456-3118 601-359-3232 662-542-6701 601-359-2886 SenatobiaMarks Greenville 662-562-5948 Cleveland Winona 662-378-8764 CampFrench West Point 662-334-1666 662-547-6684 ColumbusLouisville 601-359-3221 662-329-3399Flowood 662-803-0058 Canton 662-386-6732 601-359-3209 Greenwood 601-859-3438Madison 662-453-5361 601-859-8844 662-453-2246 601-359-3232 601-359-3244 2 Stone Bill 3 4 Rita Parks 5 P. J. Wilemon, *, **,Jr. ***6 Adams Collins, Nancy *, ***7 Belmont8 Tupelo Jolly Russell *, *** 9 Gray Tollison * 662-454-7585 662-844-1690 1 Massey Chris * 10 Steve *, Hale ** 11 Robert L. Jackson *** 12 Derrick T. Simmons 13 Willie Simmons *** 14 15 Gary Jackson **, *** 16 ***Turner Bennie 17 Terry Brown *** 18 Giles Ward 19 20 ** 21 Kenneth Wayne Jones 22 "Buck" Clarke Eugene ***23 Hopson, *,lll W. **,Briggs ***24 David* Jordan Vicksburg 25 Hollandale Will Longwitz 662-827-5685 662-827-7261 601-359-3250 MPE is pleased to provide the following contact information for each member of the Mississippi Legislature . Information is presented for the Senate the for presented is Information . Legislature Mississippi the of member each for information contact following the provide to MPE pleased is visitwww.votesmart.org multiplelegislators, by represented counties For district. by House the then and Mississippi Senate Dst Name Certain committee memberships are denoted by asterisks. Please contact your legislator to share your thoughts regarding proposed legislation proposed regarding thoughts your share to legislator your Please contact asterisks. by denoted are memberships committee Certain Lt. Governor Tate Reeves

www.mpe.org PAGE 13 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-359-3246 601-359-3232 601-359-3244 601-359-3244 601-359-3232 601-359-3244 601-359-3226 601-359-3252 601-359-2395 601-359-3237 601-359-3226 601-359-2220 601-580-5833 601-359-2395 228-255-3700 601-359-3252 228-769-0501 601-359-2395 601-932-1966 601-939-5968 601-359-3234 228-374-1431 Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email JacksonJackson 601-362-1045Pearl Newton 601-366-4285 601-359-3237 601-683-7050MendenhallPort Gibson 601-683-6695 601-847-1178 McComb 601-437-4089 601-359-3234 BrookhavenPicayune 601-680-4281 601-835-4175SumrallEllisville 601-757-7446WaynesboroHattiesburg 601-271-2070 601-735-4681 601-359-3226HattiesburgKiln 601-261-5613 601-264-3323Picayune 601-466-3573 Pass Christian 601-467-5117 601-359-3246 Gulfport 228-452-5182 601-569-0691Biloxi 601-359-3246 Pascagoula 601-749-4144Pascagoula 601-359-2886 228-696-9545 228-324-3141 601-359-3232 26 *** Horhn John 27 **, ***Frazier Hillman 28 *, **, Harden Alice V. ***29 *, *** 30 31 Jackson Jackson Terry Burton *, *** 32 , ll ***33 *, ***34 601-982-1871 601-922-3426 Montgomery Haskins **35 Perry Preston Lee **, *** 36 601-359-3998 Butler *** Albert Meridian37 Bay Springs Melanie Sojourner ***38 601-359-3237 601-677-230539 601-693-2750 601-764-306840 *, Hill *** Angela 601-743-590041 Natchez 601-764-270042 McDaniel Chris *** 601-359-2220 43 *** Gandy Phillip 601-359-3226 44 601-442-9664 Polk John *, ** 45 ** 46 601-334-6729 Moran Philip 47 Tony Smith 48 601-359-3250 Deborah Dawkins 49 *** Tindell Sean 50 *** 51 Michael Watson 52 *, *** Dst Name Committee; ** Universities member of Education of * Member & Colleges Committee Committee*** Appropriations member of

PAGE 14 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-359-3331 601-359-2431 601-359-9390 601-359-3340 601-359-3396 601-359-3332 601-359-9488 601-359-3770 601-359-2418 601-359-2845 601-359-2425 601-359-3338 601-359-3327 662-815-5000 601-359-3338 662-627-4182 601-359-9391 601-924-8438 601-355-8321 601-359-3300 662-487-1512 662-862-3385 662-983-2451 662-983-7358901-652-3431 601-359-3335 662-843-8014 662-837-0194 662-837-9332 601-359-2435 662-363-1730 662-363-2531 601-359-2422 Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email BatesvilleOxfordHickory Flat 662-563-7751 662-234-8111 662-578-4300PlantersvilleTupelo 601-359-3096 662-844-2004BaldwynMantachie 662-840-5000Aberdeen 662-842-0401 662-365-5135Fulton 662-285-4045 601-359-3348 662-841-5833 662-369-4515 662-365-8484Bruce 662-231-0133Grenada 601-359-2420 662-369-8745 601-359-9473 Walls 601-359-2435 Clarksdale 601-359-2434 662-226-1817CarthageBoyle 662-226-2185Mound Bayou 601-267-9510Sumner 662-741-3272 601-359-2438 601-859-6500 662-843-5253 662-375-8692 601-359-9395 601-359-4082 CorinthRipley Holly Springs 662-287-1620 662-252-2899 901-323-2430 601-359-4083 1 Lester **Carpenter "Bubba" 2 * Bain Nick 3 Burnsville William Tracy * Arnold 4 Jody Steverson ** 5 Kelvin O. Buck ** 6 662-427-8281 E. Forrest Hamilton *, ***7 Booneville *, Taylor*** Wanda Jennings 8 Thomas John "Trey" Lamar **9 Southaven Olive Branch 662-728-9951 Burnett *,Henderson Clara ** Senatobia Tunica 662-895-5765 662-349-3673 662-340-0080 662-562-0434 662-893-7400 601-359-2438 662-562-6537 601-359-4075 601-359-2431 10 Mettetal Nolan **, ***11 Dr. Joe* C. Gardner 12 Mayo Brad *, ** 13 Steve *, Massengill ** Sardis 14 Margaret Ellis Rogers ***15 Mac**, Huddleston ***16 Steve Holland 17 New Albany Aldridge Brian 18 Pontotoc Jerry R. Turner 19 662-534-8886 P. Randy Boyd * 20 Brown Chris 21 662-489-5157 *** 22 Preston *** E. Sullivan 23 Jim Beckett *** 24 Kevin Horan 25 26 Okolona Espy Chuck *, ** 27 Smith Ferr 28 Tommy Taylor ** 29 662-447-5719 Coleman F. Linda *** 30 Robert E. Huddleston 31 Thomas Richardson Sara * Indianola 662-887-2628 DstMississippi Representatives of House Name Gunn Philip Speaker

www.mpe.org PAGE 15 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-359-9492 601-359-4074 601-359-3339 601-359-3770 601-359-2433 601-359-4073 601-359-2428 601-359-3131 601-359-3343 601-359-3336 601-359-3369 800-595-6244601-415-7274 601-359-3133601-630-8004 601-359-9382 601-359-3367 TBD 11/27/12in election runoff 662-967-2015 662-289-8888 601-359-2861 601-939-9633 Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email CharlestonSchlaterAckerman 662-473-2571West PointColumbus 662-658-1241 662-647-3203 662-547-9818Starkville 662-494-6559 Columbus 601-359-9394 662-285-4663 662-328-7769Southaven 662-323-6564Columbus 601-359-3339 662-327-0777 662-327-0407 662-393-6210 662-324-5433Preston 601-359-3364 662-328-2711 662-327-5294 Philadelphia 601-359-4084 Carthage 601-359-3343 601-656-1765Kilmichael 662-773-3543Pickens 601-389-9675West 601-656-5841 662-262-7171 Greenville 601-359-3334 Greenville 601-359-3311 662-834-4074Belzoni 662-335-5310 662-834-6133 662-335-9704Bogue Chitto 662-335-1966Vicksburg 601-359-2845 662-247-2728 662-334-9444Vicksburg 601-359-9311 662-836-9235 601-359-3755 CantonMadison 601-359-2421 BrandonBrandon 601-859-4202 601-856-4977 Pearl 601-829-9701Florence 601-859-1567 601-825-5031Raymond 601-939-4910 601-359-3371 601-845-2017 601-591-4100 601-371-9119 601-359-2425 601-359-3330 601-540-1211 601-359-3339 Clinton 601-924-8438 601-355-8321 601-359-3300 Speaker Philip Speaker 32 Perkins, *** Willie J. Sr. 33 Tommy Reynolds 34 Whittington Linda 35 ** Greenwood36 David*** Gibbs 37 GaryChism A. * 662-453-410838 Tyrone Ellis 39 Smith Jeff 662-455-121140 Pat Nelson *, ** 41 Esther M. Harrison 601-359-4082 42 Reecy L. Dickson *, ***43 Michael T. Evans 44 C. Scott ***Bounds 45 Bennett Malone Macon46 Bobby HowellB. *** 47 Bryant W. Clark 48 49 662-352-6582 Willie L. Bailey 50 W. Hines John 51 * E. Straughter Rufus 52 53 Bobby Moak 54 55 *** Jr. George Flaggs, 56 57 Blackmon, Edward Jr. 58 Rita Martinson * 59 Kevin McGee * 60 L. John Moore *, *** 61 Ray Rogers 62 Tom Weathersby * 63 64 William C. Denny,*** Jr. Jackson 601-956-6807 Dst Name

PAGE 16 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-359-9465 601-359-2435 601-359-3770 601-359-2434 601-359-9397 601-359-3017 601-359-5334 601-359-2438 601-359-3320 601-693-1961 601-359-2432 601-732-9511 601-469-7886 601-359-3311 601-649-7677 601-649-4972 Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email JacksonJacksonJacksonJackson 601-982-0496 601-362-8383Jackson 601-362-8105 601-352-3801Ridgeland 601-982-4123 601-949-7561 601-359-9395 601-969-2221 601-359-9396 601-948-1217 60-353-7464 601-502-2444Brandon 601-359-9392 Forest 601-359-2429 601-948-0517 601-707-5705 601-824-3297Braxton 601-359-2461 601-359-2433 Decatur 601-824-7455TaylorsvilleLaurel 601-847-0417 601-359-3388 Meridian 601-635-2044 601-785-4662Meridian 601-949-4789Meridian 601-260-3278 601-644-9974Quitman 601-359-1541 601-359-2430 601-482-1456 601-483-8809Waynesboro 601-776-3428 Montrose 601-735-3706 601-359-2424 601-693-5700Laurel Ellisville 601-739-3663 601-735-5708 601-359-3304 Monticello 601-359-9485 Brookhaven 601-477-9225Poplarville 601-587-9313 601-833-5953 601-477-3956Diamondhead 601-587-0615 228-518-0878 Magnolia 601-359-3337 228-255-6619McComb 601-359-3354 228-867-6005 601-783-4979 601-684-0281 601-359-3321 601-783-6600 601-359-3333 65 Mary Coleman H. 66 Cecil Brown ** 67 ***Banks Earle S. 68 * Credell Calhoun 69 Clarke *, Alyce ***Griffin 70 James "Jim" Evans * 71 Wooten Adrienne ** 72 Jackson Kimberly Campbell Buck **73 Oberhousen ** A. Brad 74 Mark Baker Jackson75 601-354-5453 76 Gregory Holloway, *, Sr. ** Jackson77 Gipson Andy 78 601-982-4277 Rushing Randy Hazlehurst79 "Bo" Blaine Eaton *** 80 601-956-5771 601-878-6833 81 601-894-4228 Steve Horne 82 601-359-4083 601-352-2990 ** Young, Jr. Charles 83 601-359-3305 Snowden Greg 84 601-359-2439 William Shirley 85 601-359-2435 America "Chuck" Middleton86 Lane Sherra 87 Port Gibson W. 88 Gary** Staples V. 89 601-437-8502 Bobby Shows **, *** 90 Joseph L. *,Warren ***91 601-529-9928 Bob Evans ** 92 Becky *, Currie *** 93 601-359-2436 Timmy Ladner Mount Olive94 Robert L. Johnson, ***lll 95 601-797-4702 Upshaw Jessica 96 Cockerham Angela 97 Natchez 601-797-4919 Sam C. Mims, V *** 601-359-3014 601-445-5690 601-442-9371 601-359-3355 Dst Name

www.mpe.org PAGE 17 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 601-359-3362 601-359-3352 601-359-3311 601-359-3354 601-359-4085 601-359-9466 601-359-2860 601-359-2430 601-359-5140 601-394-4400 601-359-2436 228-769-0501 601-359-3373 228-864-9095 601-359-3338 601-359-3175 601-359-3150 601-359-3100 228-348-2170 228-432-8480 601-359-4074 601-544-1877 228-297-2849 228-388-8087 228-806-7418 601-359-3349 Hometown Phone Home Phone Work Capitol Phone Email MorgantownSumrall 601-736-9688Hattiesburg 601-736-4136Petal 601-758-4265Leakesville 601-544-6490 601-359-2426 Poplarville 601-758-0800Lucedale 601-545-1051Picayune 601-359-2435 601-795-1675Moss Point 601-359-3351 601-947-3125 Moss Point 601-795-6285 601-798-8917Pascagoula 228-588-2763 Gautier 228-475-1293 601-359-3340 601-798-3800Ocean SpringsOcean Springs 228-875-4866 601-359-3359 228-497-9852 228-872-2994Biloxi 228-875-1097Biloxi 228-497-4090 228-875-1131Gulfport 601-359-3328 601-359-3366 601-576-2508 Long BeachPass ChristianBay St. Louis 228-863-6483 228-452-5029 228-466-0815 228-270-0001 601-359-3133 McCombTylertown 601-684-1709 601-876-5100 601-684-4000 601-359-9393 98 David W. Myers 99 Pigott Bill 100 101 Lott Hank ** 102 Toby Barker *, **, ***103 Percy W. Watson *** 104 105 Dennis DeBar,* Jr. 106 Hattiesburg Frierson *, Herb *** 107 Doug McLeod ** 108 601-307-3802 109 110 Billy Broomfield *** 111 * Busby Charles 112 O. Read *** John 113 lll Zuber, "Hank" H.B. 114 Guice * Jeffrey S. 115 Patterson H. Randall **, ***116 Casey Eure *** 117 Biloxi Scott DeLano *** 118 Haney Greg 119 Sonya Williams-Barnes120 Bennett ** Richard 121 * 122 David Baria Gulfport 228-864-9021 228-863-7712 601-359-2432 Dst Name Committee; ** Universities member of Education of * Member & Colleges Committee Committee*** Appropriations member of Governor Officethe of Governor Phil Bryant

PAGE 18 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 H l ow a bil becomes a law

Coa nt ct your local Legislator

Clicking on the “Contact your local legislator” link on MPE’s homepage (www.mpe.org) will take you to Project Vote Smart (www.votesmart.org), an online research tool which provides biographical infor- mation on state and national

elected officials throughout u Enter your our country. Simply enter address or your ZIP code in the “Find ZIP code Your Candidates” space of www.votesmart.org to identi- fy your elected officials. For those ZIP codes with multiple legislative districts, Project Vote Smart then requires your full street address. Proj- ect Vote Smart provides a wealth of information at your fingertips!

www.mpe.org PAGE 19 Classroom Grant Winners

D an FulLER Forest Hill High School Jackson Public School District

Bde mra l y A acker BilGvr l lo e Sh k ea Lea e Petal High School Prentiss County Vo-Tech Northeast Elementary Petal School District Prentiss County School District Meridian Public School District

Ct yn hia Balius Shi rLEy Hardman J eeSSica St phan Bay Springs Middle School Woolmarket Elementary O verpark Elementary West Jasper School District Harrison County School District DeSoto County School District

Mls e is a A. Bufkin Shau e na H dgepeth Gi T nGER edder North Jones Elementary Oak Grove High School Starkville High School Jones County School District Lamar County School District Starkville School District

Cr ar ie Chappelle Deb orah Herrin Bab r ara wendy Wade Corinth Elementary R aleigh Elementary Kemper Academy Corinth School District Smith County School District Sh l eila Wil iams Ta l bitha Dil ard Richa rd Jones Clinton Junior High School I ngomar School S pann Elementary Clinton Public School District Union County School District Jackson Public School District

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Shryer Appointed to State MPE member receives doctorate Committee MPE Member Andrea Pastchal-Temple recently MPE Member Charles Shryer has been appointed graduated from Mississippi State University with to the state committee to review and recommend a Doctor of Philosophy new textbooks for 7th in Elementary, Middle, and 8th grade history. and Secondary Educa- Mr. Shryer is a social tion Administration. Dr. studies teacher at Bay Temple currently serves Springs Middle School as principal of West in the West Jasper Oktibbeha County School District. He has Elementary School and been a member of has been a member of MPE since 2011. Con- MPE since 2011. gratulations, Charles Congratulations, Andrea Shryer! Pastchal-Temple!

PAGE 20 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 www.mpe.org PAGE 20 Tkinga a long-term our current retirees and members. perspective on The benefits we pay to our members not only give each of them a certain retirement security amount of financial independence and dignity in retirement, these benefits have a positive economic As you may know, I have consistently impact on each and every commu- reported since taking office as ex- nity in the state of Mississippi. ecutive director in 2005 that, while the funded status of the Public Em- Keeping the promises made to these Pat Robertson ployees’ Retirement System of Mis- retirees and members may seem Executive Director sissippi (PERS) is not ideal, benefits impossible in light of the fact that Public Employees’ are secure and PERS is financially we currently have 58 percent of the Retirement System of stable. The assets as of June 30, assets today needed to fund the ac- Mississippi 2012, were $20.1 billion, providing crued benefits and that our FY 2012 sufficient liquidity for years to come investment return was 0.6 percent. while allowing time to recover from Standing alone, these facts can be the effects of the recent downturn distressing; but perspective and Our rate of return is another area in the economy. Some have voiced understanding are needed to fully where PERS takes a long-term disagreement with my assessment realize what these numbers say. perspective. Just as we did not do of PERS’ financial stability and cartwheels over the 25.4 percent have asserted that drastic measures Our current funded status represents return last year, we are not la- should be taken to address the the accumulation of 58 percent of menting over the 0.6 percent. The funded status of PERS; however, I the assets needed if we were re- longer-term returns provide a more stand firm in my position that, time, quired to pay all promised benefits accurate picture of the results of the in conjunction with recent adjust- today. In reality, we would never investment philosophy in place to ments made to the benefit structure need to pay all promised benefits fund the benefits promised, and our will improve the funded status. Our at any one point in time; benefits three-year return is 12.9 percent, relationship with our members, on are paid over a lifetime after each ten-year is 6.2 percent, and the 30- average, spans more than three member retires. Our current annual year is 9.63 percent. decades, so remembering the long- payroll is approximately $1.9 bil- term focus of a defined benefit plan lion, which is roughly $600 million As with other sectors of the economy, like PERS is important. The liabilities more than we receive in contribu- PERS will continue to feel the effects reported today are payable over tions annually. From a back-of-the- of the Great Recession. Improving many years to come and assets are envelope perspective, this would PERS’ funded status is a challenge continually being accumulated to give us more than 33 years before that will be overcome; but, to quote pay tomorrow’s benefits. funds ran out if our only ongoing Leo Tolstoy, “The two most powerful source of revenue were contribu- warriors are patience and time.” PERS now provides monthly ben- tions; however, the reality is, under efit payments to more than 91,000 our current assumptions, our actuary e retirees, and we serve an active does not project that we will ever membership of more than 163,000. run out of money. However, our focus reaches beyond www.mpe.org PAGE 20 www.mpe.org PAGE 21 REtiree Reflections

MPE is here for you as a retired member and will keep you informed on issues. We know how important our retirement is to all of us.

Philene Allen, MPE Board of Directors, Retirees

Hello Retired Educators (and those wishing and Good for us, wanting to be):

I hope you have Saturday, April 13 marked on your Better for you! calendar and are planning to join us at the Hilton in Jackson for our annual MPE conference. This is a ross & yerger was recognIzed wonderful opportunity for us as retirees. Dr. David as a “best practIces” agency Lee will be the featured speaker for the morning by the Independent Insurance session and we’ll leave proud of our profession. The agents & brokers of amerIca luncheon gives us a time to visit with other educators from around the state. Dawinna Davis from PERS will have a table in the vendor’s area and will be It’s the twentIeth year In a row we have presenting at both afternoon break-out sessions. If receIved thIs recognItIon. ross and yerger you are able to attend for the entire day’s confer- provIdes InnovatIve and cost-effectIve rIsk-management solutIons for busInesses ence, you can choose from another session in the across many IndustrIes natIonwIde. afternoon---or gather with me and other retirees as we share what we are doing these days. Registra- tion is $10 and will begin at the end of January. You can register online or by calling the office.

MPE is here for you as a retired member and will keep you informed on issues. We know how impor- tant our retirement is to all of us. I mentioned in an earlier email that we should be sure and use the Joey Hutto, Senior Vice PreSident SPecial accountS diViSion term “COLA check” (cost of living adjustment) when 662-840-5422 | [email protected] talking about our 13th check. Public reactions mean officeS in Baton rouge, JackSon, and tuPelo roSSandyerger.com a lot when the legislature is working!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can ever help you--or if you want to talk. My cell number is 662- 588-9011 and my email is phileneallen@bellsouth. ProPerty & Casualty InsuranCe emPloyee BenefIts Personal InsuranCe net. I’m here to represent you. fInanCIal InstItutIon servICes rIsk management ConsultIng Bonds

PAGE 22 MPE Journal - Fall 2012 ROS7326 MS Prof Educators Mag.indd 1 7/2/12 9:30 AM MISSISSIPPI ProFESSIonal EDuCaTorS BEST PraCTICES SYMPoSIuM

Dr. David Lee, associate Professor of educational Leadership at the university 2013 of southern mississippi and Director of the Leadership institute of the south, will Saturday, april 13, 2013 deliver our keynote address. The Hilton Dr. Lee has served as a Jackson, MS teacher, principal, superin- registration: 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. tendent of schools, deputy Program: 8:30 – 4:15 p.m. state superintendent of edu- cation for the state of Louisi- ana, college professor, and local school board member. Participants will have the opportunity to attend two of the fol- he has over 35 years of ex- lowing break-out sessions: perience driving change in • house Bill 1031: identifying young students with organizations and providing Dyslexia the motivation that enables • mississippi: Birthplace of america’s music (a people to be better at what teaching unit on mississippi studies) they do. • Professional Learning Communities’ role in effective implementation of m-star Dr. Lee will give you informa- • Public employees’ retirement system (Pers) 101 tion you can use, not just We’ll also provide the latest from the capitol. theory and what shouLD Ceus will be provided onsite for a minimal fee. work. his messages are both mPe has applied for semi credit. Do not miss informative and entertain- this opportunity for quality professional devel- ing. you will leave feeling opment, updates on mPe activities and great good about yourself and fellowship. online registration will begin in your profession! February at www.mpe.org.

www.mpe.org PAGE 23 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 39205 MPE Journal PERMIT NO. 682 P.O. Box 22550 Jackson, MS 39225-2550

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2012 - 2013 DUES MPE OTHER ORGANIZATION(S) Professional with liability insurance $120 $441* - $498* Couples with liability insurance $200 -NA- First Year Professional $90 -NA- Non-certified or part-time with insurance $60 $238* Student Teacher with insurance $14 $21* Retired Educator without insurance $10 $60* * May not include local dues

Professional liability protection of $2 million with $3 million maximum (other organizations provide only $1 million with $3 million maximum)

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PAGE 24Mississippi MPE Journal - Fall 2012 professional educators