A Message from OMLEA Past-President
Sherry Rowan

A Message from current OMLEA
President Dedra Stafford

 

 

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Dear OMLEA Members,

I am delighted that you have made a choice to be dedicated to Oklahoma’s young adolescents. I truly believe that serving students in the middle level setting is a “calling” not a career. On a daily basis, the middle level educator interacts with 11-15 year-olds at a crucial time in their lives. Sometimes without even realizing it: you will inspire, encourage, and touch your students in ways you may never know! I applaud you.

Because of your dedication, I am inspired to serve you in the best ways possible. Middle level educators need to stand in support of their beliefs and practice. I encourage you to become a member of OMLEA, your voice will join with middle level educators across this state to send a strong message to all that middle level is unique and has needs unlike that of it’s counterparts. This organization's purpose is to support the people who put effective middle level education into practice and the concepts, which they practice. 

Please take the time to register as a member of OMLEA benefits.  The benefits of this membership are e-mail updates to middle level happenings, access to our educator’s library, regional networking meetings, reduced registration at the annual conference, representation at the State Department of Education, and legislative updates involving middle level education.  As your president, I am dedicated to support you in your “calling” to serve middle level youth. I hope to see a gain in communication, access, and staff development through the upcoming events OMLEA has planned! OMLEA hopes to inspire, encourage, and touch you this upcoming year. Remember “The Best Stuff’s IN THE MIDDLE!”

If you are interested in becoming a member of OMLEA, please click on the following information:

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Dear OMLEA friends,

 The research continues to show that when middle level best practices are fully implemented, student achievement improves; school climate improves; and students’ sense of well-being improves.  Our young adolescents deserve developmentally appropriate education, and make no mistake, that doesn’t mean it’s “dumbed down.” On the contrary, one of the major elements of an effective middle level program listed in Turning Points 2000 is a rigorous academic program.  But good middle level educators know that simply having knowledge of the content is not enough.  It is equally, if not more, important that material is presented and assessed in ways that have meaning to the young adolescent. When that happens, student interest soars and academic achievement goes hand in hand.

We must continually strive to learn more about what works with young adolescents, and one great way to do that is to stay connected to an organization like the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association.  Through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of information and resources, we at the middle level can support each other’s efforts and celebrate each other’s successes.  In order for our communities and our state to know the wonder of what we do, we cannot afford to be shy. We need to educate the public to the great work that goes on daily with our young adolescents. And we need to be vocal and insistent about what we need to be able to do the best job we can with our young people.

I urge you to join OMLEA and be active in the association.  This year we plan to initiate regional meetings…please attend the one in your area! The dates and times will be posted on the calendar portion of this website.  Contribute to the OMLEA website! Share your stories and your concerns.  We want to hear from you.  And be sure to attend the annual conference. It is a great time to learn new material and to network with others who share your same joys and frustrations.  You will come away rejuvenated and enthused.

Thank you for choosing to be an educator to students at the most critical and change-filled time in their lives.  You have a very important mission!

 

If you are interested in becoming a member of OMLEA, please click on the following information:

Click To find more details on HOW TO JOIN

Click here to download an application to Join