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FCSS Membership Committee Sets a Goal – You Can Help Us!

The membership committee is initiating a campaign to recruit enough members to develop an organization of one thousand members by 2007. Currently we are at 704 members, which makes this a truly lofty goal, but one we believe can be obtained.  Many of your colleagues might ask ‘Why should I join” and the answers are simple. First, Social studies teachers are currently under immense pressure to lay down their expertise and passions to teach other FCAT driven subjects.  By becoming a member, a social studies professional is voicing his/her passion to our state and national elected officials, letting them know that social studies education is a vital part to the development of the student and our society. Second, membership has it perks, such as:

• Annual State Conference and Regional Meetings: provide professional development opportunities
• Trends and Issues (quarterly publication): features teacher tested ideas, lesson plans, resources, professional news and opportunities
• FCSS Endowment Fund: sponsors mini-grant programs, scholarships, participant training and social studies program promotion activities
• Professional Recognition: Teacher of the Year Awards, Warren Tracy Beginning Teacher Award, International Relations (Agnes Crabtree) Award, Social Science Professional (B.J. Allen) Award, Outstanding Leadership (J.R. Skretting) Award, Golden Service Award (Wilma Simmons) Award
• Leadership Opportunities
• Fellowship and Collegiality with Dedicated Professionals
• Florida DOE Liaison
• Monitoring Education Legislation

With all of these benefits at a cost of only $35 a year, the appropriate question is “Why wouldn’t you join?”  To become a member, or to renew your membership, please visit our web site: www.fcss.org
Ted Banton, St. Johns County Schools