ISTA-Retired member shares why #IamISTA
04/05/2016
Martha Byrnes taught at Brownsburg Community School Corporation. She shares her insights on the value of membership as both a former ISTA active member, and now, an ISTA-Retired member. She reflects on what she most enjoyed about teaching and how she sees the profession changing.
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Q: How many years have you been a member of ISTA?
A: I was a member of ISTA for 35 years of my teaching career. I actually became a life member of
ISTA-Retired before my retirement, which was almost six years ago.
Q: What did you love about teaching?
A: I loved the interaction with my students and colleagues. I still find myself thinking about how I could use news/entertainment items in the classroom. I most miss seeing where those discussions would take us.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for educators today?
A: Paperwork and rigid planning! I was lucky enough to teach at a time when I could be flexible with material. Too many teachers today must keep going down the same path as the next room to keep up with the all-important test! Teaching for the test often becomes the end result.
Q: What ISTA activities/events have been the most useful?
A: As I became more involved with the Association, the collective bargaining conference and summer leadership were very valuable. However, the professional development opportunities always kept me on the cutting edge. When NCLB was new, I was often the go-to person, because ISTA had prepared me for what was about to happen!
Q: Why should retiring members join ISTA-Retired?
A: ISTA-Retired keeps you in touch with education issues and old friends. There are also member benefits available.
Q: What is your wish for public education students?
A: My wish is that public education students continue to enjoy education. Mostly, I wish that their teachers are given the right to professionally handle what is best for their students.