Trustee to Represent South Region

Janet Spence

Letter of Recommendation 1
Letter of Recommendation 2
Letter of Recommendation 3

Biographical Statement
Janet Spence is an energetic and passionate middle level educator with the nation's eighth largest school district, Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida. She is a principal on special assignment, responsible for academic policies, student scheduling, and related staff development for the 90 assistant principals serving the district's 45 middle schools. In addition, she serves as chairperson and the Region 5 director for the Florida League of Middle Schools. Janet has committed 25 years of combined teaching and administrative experience to providing the very best for middle level students.

Briefly describe how, if elected, you would promote NMSA's mission.
At a time when teaming and common planning structures are being jeopardized in middle schools across the country, small learning communities and professional learning communities in high schools are gaining national recognition and support. Parents, business communities, school boards, and legislators must be educated on the importance of these same structures for middle level students. As a member of the NMSA Board of Trustees, I would advocate user-friendly strategies aimed at building a united effort in support of middle level education. NMSA members and the affiliate organizations need to be equipped with talking points, speeches, and letters for specific objective and audiences.

In light of NMSA's mission, identify one challenge facing middle level education today and give an example of how NMSA could help its members respond to that challenge.
Teachers are inundated with data intended to drive instruction. Yet the ratio of student contact time to actual planning time does not allow for sufficient analysis and response. Teachers struggle with defining, recognizing, and implementing instruction that is developmentally appropriate, rigorous, and engaging. NMSA can increase support by continuing to expand and organize on-line resources tied to specific standards and topics that teachers can quickly access from desktops and other portable devices.

Professional Contributions to NMSA

• Promoted educational practices aligned with the principles of This We Believe (ongoing)
• Florida League of Middle Schools chairperson and regional representative (2007–present)
• Utilized NMSA resources for staff development (2006–present)
• Annual Conferences attendee (2005–2007)

Most Noteworthy Achievements in Middle Level Education

• Provided staff development, guidance, and resources for the leadership at 45 middle schools (2005–present)
• Developed a Code of Conduct program fostering a sense of community for students and staff (1997)
• National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Award co-author (1999)
• McLane Junior High School Teacher of the Year (1992–1993)