ASTA in the News
September 21, 2007
Copyright © Benton County Record
Teachers association treats prospective members to chocolate
By Jamie Brunk Staff Writer
ROGERS - Teachers throughout northwest Arkansas were given the chance Thursday to nibble on chocolate and learn about an association just for them.
The Arkansas State Teachers Association held a Teachers and Chocolate event Thursday night at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
The event, which featured chocolate treats, was intended to let teachers and other school personnel learn more about the ASTA. Several people showed up to ask questions and gather information.
"We've grown so big in Bentonville because people are getting to know about us," said teacher Ronnie Flowers, president of the Bentonville Teachers Association, which is the Bentonville chapter of the ASTA. "But in the other districts, people haven't had a chance to get to know about us."
The Bentonville Teachers Association has grown from 33 members in February 2006 to nearly 160 members now. The ASTA and its chapter organizations are a nonunion, nonpartisan and nonprofit professional organization for any school district personnel.
The organization is designed to provide a voice for the teachers and other personnel on educational issues and to be a liaison between the school administrations and the personnel.
The organization often conducts surveys within its membership to get feedback on issues facing the members. That feedback is then provided to administrators to assist in the decision-making process.
"It's a way we can improve education by getting information straight from the people who are in education," Flowers said.
Flowers gave an example of when the organization was able to help provide feedback. Last year when Bentonville Superintendent Gary Compton was discussing when to have spring break, Flowers polled his members. He received 72 responses within a day or two, which gave Compton an immediate snapshot of what the employees would like to have happen.
Another advantage to the membership is having access to resources such as grants and being eligible for liability insurance discounts through the organization.
Steve Schultz teaches chemistry at Bentonville High School and is a member of BTA.
"I look at it as a professional society for teachers," he said. "It's a way to have the rapport and a voice."