Message from the President

Janet Vernon

Greetings middle level educators! The 2008−2009 school year is here and opportunities await middle level students. Middle level educators spent the summer reviewing student data and preparing to work effectively with students. Students need educators who are ready to embrace them, nurture them, and target their individual academic needs. They benefit from our ability to motivate, differentiate, facilitate learning, and celebrate their successes. This school year brings endless possibilities for connecting with students in a variety of ways.

I am excited to serve as your NMSA president. Theresa Hinkle, our immediate past president, moved our board into a higher realm of thinking and strategic planning, and it will be my job to take the organization to the next level in our quest to provide cutting-edge professional services to our membership. I look forward to the challenge and will periodically solicit participation from NMSA members as we move forward.

There are two major items surrounding the work of the board this year. One is to consider a name change for our association. The idea for a name change was recommended by the Visioning Task Force in its January 2007 report to the Board of Trustees. This recommendation was based on two main reasons. First, there is a need to recognize the various configurations of schools serving middle level students. We promote the middle level philosophy, which includes teaming, advisory, relevant curriculum, and appropriate assessment as key aspects of the educational environment for young adolescents. Yet, we represent any school that serves10- to 15-year-olds, whether or not it is a middle school. Second, we have members in 45 countries, and affiliates in Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Does a name with “national” as the first word unintentionally send a message of exclusion? We are part of a global society, and NMSA’s continued international growth reflects that.

Therefore, Task Force 2010 has been established to research the possibility of a name change. This group is soliciting feedback from members, affiliate leaders, past board members, founders, business leaders, and other stakeholders. There will be a member survey and opportunities for you to give your opinions and suggestions at the annual conference in Denver. Once the feedback is in, the task force will make a recommendation to the board at its January 2009 meeting. If a name change is the recommendation, a new name will be submitted for a vote of the membership in the spring of 2009.

Another item on the table for the board is working to help educators better understand how globalization affects teaching and learning for middle grades students. I attended Asia Society’s summit in July. Programs and practices that help students understand and appreciate other cultures, learn world languages, and connect to the global nature of our society and economy will be key to students’ success. Many resources are available to help middle schools, and we will give you more details in the months to come.

On a final note, the staff and local committee have designed the 2008 NMSA Annual Conference and Exhibit in Denver, October 30−November 1, 2008, to be one of the best conferences ever. In addition to more than 500 sessions on all aspects of middle level education, Alan November will address middle level education in the digital age. The 21st Century Classroom promises to be an inspiring experience in the exhibit hall. Jim Collins will address how we can move our middle schools from good to great, and Marlee Matlin will share how courage and dreams lead to success—a critical topic for our students. You will find it a wonderful opportunity to learn from others. I look forward to seeing you there.

Janet Vernon
NMSA President