As usual, Jennifer Barnett was buzzing around Mexico High School (MHS) on her plan period, making copies, visiting with a colleague, and stopping by the office to track down an administrator. As she hurriedly tried to cross the tasks off her list before the next class, she was unknowingly outrunning MHS Principal Bradl Ellebracht and Keri Cottrell, the Northeast Missouri State Teachers’ Association (MSTA) representative, who wanted to surprise her with an award. 

When the pair caught up to Barnett in Gooch Gym, they announced she was selected as an MSTA “Unsung Hero.” The award acknowledges members who have made a substantive yet unrecognized contribution to MSTA and its mission to advocate for and empower public educators so they can teach.

Barnett has been a teacher for 15 years and with Mexico Schools for 11 years. She is a Bulldog alum and currently teaches Mexico High School Biology & Earth Science. Barnett has been an MSTA and Community Teachers’ Association (CTA) building representative for over a decade and is the current CTA President. She has also been active with the salary and welfare committee for three years as the chairperson, a liaison between the Central Office and the building membership.

She became involved with MSTA because the organization advocates for teachers and staff. Barnett adds, “Especially now in education, we need people to take initiative to help lead others to do what's best for us as educators so we can help our students be successful.”

Barnett claims a recent win for MSTA is the local MSTA and CTA representatives working together this year to define MSTA and CTA to district employees. It helped gain some new memberships as well as bring back some members who had not renewed for a few years. Currently, the Mexico CTA and MSTA membership is focused on organizing more events and amping up internal communication between district members. They hope to have a more expansive presence in the Mexico district by providing staff members with opportunities to make connections with others in MSTA and CTA.
MSTA reports the “Unsung Hero” award is for those who quietly served without any expectation of recognition. Recipients of the 2023 Unsung Heroes of MSTA are chosen by the field service coordinators. Barnett’s award and photo will be featured in an upcoming edition of the MSTA School and Community Magazine.