MO Retired Teachers Foundation

10/28/2026

10/23/2026

what is protecting our public schools worth?

Public education doesn’t stop mattering when we retire. The schools where we taught, worked, led, drove buses, served meals, kept buildings running, and supported students are still part of our story.

That’s why MRTA stays engaged.

🍎 Advocacy for Missouri’s public education community
💙 Benefits that bring value to membership
🤝 Community connecting those who dedicated their careers to public education

Your MRTA membership adds your voice to thousands of others who believe Missouri’s public schools, education employees, and retirees deserve attention and representation.

You may have retired from your school.

But you never retire from caring about public education.

Join MRTA today!

https://portal.mrta.org/general/memberjoin.aspx

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

🐾❤️ A Little Puppy Love at the MRTA Office Today! ❤️🐾

We spend a lot of time sharing important information about public education, pensions, and advocacy, but today we thought you might enjoy something a little lighter!

With my hectic travel schedule this month, Lexi, MRTA’s Official Office Greeter, hasn’t been able to report for duty nearly as much as she would like. So today, we decided to bring her into the office for a special treat!

And wouldn’t you know it, one of her favorite people stopped by! ❤️

Meet Joe, our wonderful mail carrier! 📬

Joe absolutely loves Lexi, and the feeling is MORE than mutual! Their reunion today was just too sweet not to capture in pictures. As you can see, these two have a pretty special bond. We’re not entirely sure who was happier to see whom!

We also want to give a HUGE shout-out to Joe! He is hands down the BEST mail carrier, always friendly, dependable, and genuinely one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. We’re lucky to have him delivering more than just our mail. He brings a smile to our office, too!

Sometimes, in the middle of all the serious issues we’re working on, it’s nice to be reminded of the simple things that make our days a little brighter.

Today, that was Lexi and Joe. 🐾❤️

Now, back to advocating for Missouri’s retired educators and public schools… but first, enjoy these pictures of two very good friends!

10/22/2026

💙 Investing in Teachers. Investing in Students. Investing in the Future.

A heartfelt thank you to the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) and the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF) for continuing to support Missouri educators and for making a difference right here at Putnam County R-I!

During our August professional development days, MRTA members Carol Starbuck and Tracy Ockenfels stopped by with a special surprise for Mr. Jeremy Watt: a $500 classroom grant! 🎉

The funding will support a new high school course designed for students interested in exploring the nursing profession, helping provide hands-on learning opportunities and resources as students discover whether a future in healthcare might be the right path for them. 🩺

There’s something especially meaningful about retired educators investing in the next generation of educators and students. MRTA represents nearly 30,000 retired educators across Missouri, while MRTF has awarded more than $660,000 in grants to Missouri public school teachers since 2001.

We are grateful that some of that generosity found its way to Putnam County—and even more excited about the opportunities it will help create for our students.

Thank you, Carol, Tracy, MRTA, and MRTF, for continuing to champion public education long after leaving the classroom. Once an educator, always an educator. 💙🤍

Learn more about the MRTA by visiting www.mrta.org/foundation

Pictured left to right: Jonnie Beavers (Superintendent of PCR-I Schools, Tracy Ockenfels (MRTA), Carol Starbuck (MRTA), Tiffani Klinginsmith (PCHS Principal), and Jeremy Watt (PCHS Science Teacher)
Photo: Haley Watt

10/22/2026

Early voting is open in Missouri! 🗳️

Nearly 900,000 students attend our public schools. Yet this year’s state budget fell $190 million short of fully funding Missouri’s public school funding formula.

Supporting public schools shouldn’t be red or blue. Strong schools strengthen our communities and give every child an opportunity to succeed.

Before you cast your ballot, learn where the candidates in your area stand on public education. Ask questions. Review their records. Make a plan to vote.

Vote like your public schools depend on it—because they do!

Vote early or on Election Day, November 3, 2026.