President-elect

Joan E. Jarrett

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

Biographical Statement
Inspired by working with adolescents for 35 years, Joan Jarrett's true passion and belief in "middle school" allows her to offer every middle level child the opportunity to find excellence. This enthusiasm influences her role as NMSA East Region Trustee. In addition, she has joined John Lounsbury and other eminent scholars of adolescent education by representing teachers on the William Alexander Panel.

She served as chair of the NMSA Nutrition/Physical Activity Task Force and various roles while active in the Pennsylvania Middle School Association. As a tribute to her dedication, determination, and compassion, the Outstanding Middle Level Student Award she established while president of PMSA was named in her honor.

Given the opportunity to serve as president-elect in this organization that she holds close to her heart, Joan will serve as an advocate among policymakers. She hopes to provide educators with resources that will allow all middle level children to aspire to their very best.

Briefly describe how, if elected, you would promote NMSA's mission.
If elected, Jarrett would stretch beyond the traditional walls of education to communicate the mission of NMSA. She would help instill in pediatricians, counselors, coaches, and other youth leaders the belief that they are valuable and necessary advocates for adolescents. Jarrett's mission would be to share the goals of NMSA and labor to shape policies, thus, weaving a safe cocoon around each middle level child.

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.
Balancing a data-driven school while educating the whole child can be a real challenge for those working with adolescents. Promoting a mission that continually strives to enhance the "whole" middle level child must be the heart work of every educator. Data cannot become paramount while relationships with the child become secondary. NMSA can empower its members to meet this challenge by providing research and user-friendly resources to all who work with adolescents.

Professional Contributions to NMSA

• East Region trustee (2003–present)
• Nutrition/Physical Activity Task Force chair (2005, 2006)
• Curriculum Committee (2001–2002)
• William Alexander Panel teacher representative, Annual Conference 2000

Most Noteworthy Achievements in Middle Level Education

• PMSA student award named in my honor
• Created a "Transition to the High School" program for eighth grade girls with a focus on leadership/self-esteem, which is being used in middle schools through Pennsylvania
• Being the teacher representative on the William Alexander Panel
• Chairing the Nutrition/Physical Activity Task Force for NMSA