As teachers we are generally tied to rhythms of the school year – meaning we usually don’t have much time for the spring. While Mother Nature renews itself, it is not until the summer that we begin to catch up – refresh and recharge. But as we now have headed off into this season of travel, special projects, rest, and relaxation, let’s take a moment to reflect upon what we have done – and can do – here in the Guild:
The last five years have seen us tackle some big projects. We held a hugely successful Monster Concert, hosted the state MMTA conference and, most recently, launched a new website! Our regular programs continue apace, including our many engaging formal presentations, seminars, performers groups and, of course, the Student Achievement Test.
Yet we shouldn’t forget, all this take both time, commitment and – to be frank – a steady cash-flow! As Mary Bates informed us in this month’s Gazette, the annual renewal period for MTNA, MMTA and its local chapters closes at the end of the month. Missing the June 30th deadline is, of course, without monetary penalty to you; but a late renewal may well mean you are left out of the AAAPTG Yearbook, MMTA Directory, and off the websites of both organizations. Moreover, it creates numerous complications for those working behind the scenes. More than complicating the preparation of directories, yearbooks and mailing-lists, it also puts considerable strain on our budgets during the season when next year’s programs are being planned!
So please remember to renew your membership. This can be done quickly online, via MTNA’s website (click here).
Afterwards, please consider the many ways you can contribute to the Guild next year. Our organization is only as strong as its community is active (a vital point which was dealt with at length in this month’s MMT)! Plan to attend more meetings or to send more students to SAT; join the performer’s group; get involved with the board; invite someone you know to become a member; start a discussion on our new Twitter feed; write a blog post and contribute to the website; propose a topic to explore in a seminar or, for that matter, some exciting new avenue for the Guild to pursue. As we move into the future, we are striving to improve our existing offerings, and looking for new ways to support, educate, create, and interact with our membership. The possibilities are just about limitless – but they all start with YOU!
Best wishes for a relaxing – and inspiring! – summer!!