Mississippi Professional Educators
Building Representative Handbook 2025-2026
www.mpe.org PAGE 1
MEMBERS RECRUITED
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES!
• Five new members = one year’s free membership • 6-9 new members = one year’s free membership + $10 per member* • 10-14 members = one year’s free membership + $15 per member* • 15 or more members = one year’s free membership + $20 per member* You will receive $5 per student member recruited. Recruitment bonus checks will be awarded at the end of each quarter, with the first quarter beginning July 1 and ending September 30. Credit will be given for each new member who joins or re-joins** between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Free memberships will be credited towards the next year’s membership. * credit will be given for each additional member after 5 ** member must have previously been made inactive for a period of three months or more
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why MPE needs YOU!.....................................................................4
Steps to success.................................................................................5
The Philosophy of MPE..................................................................6
Why MPE? Member Benefits......................................................................7
Scholarship and Grants...........................................................................8
Providing member assistance................................................................9
Frequently asked questions about MPE.........................................10
This We Believe....................................................................14
Helpful Resources..................................................................15
MPE STATE OFFICE STAFF Toll free (800)523-0269
Kelly Riley, Executive Director ..............................kelly@mpe.org Professional advice, member legal issues, legislative and education updates Barbie Ferguson, Deputy Director .................barbie@mpe.org Regional trainings, grants and scholarships Stephanie Miller, Accounts Manager .........stephanie@mpe.org Bank draft accounts, building rep/recruiting info & supplies , graphic design Kathy Tucker, Office Manager .....................kathy@mpe.org On-line payments, member services Jessica Ridgeway, Receptionist .........................jessica@mpe.org Member services, invoicing & payments
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Building Representatives: · Represent MPE through their professional attitude. · Promote MPE and follow-up on a one-on-one basis with colleagues. · Are looked upon as LEADERS at their schools. · Distribute MPE materials and encourage others to join. · Answer general questions about MPE, and refer members to the state office when needed. · Serve as an information conduit, alerting members and future members to important education news and legislative alerts. · And, most importantly, influence, recruit and sign-up NEW MEMBERS! WHY MPE NEEDS YOU! MPE works because of members like you. Experience has taught us that the Building Representative is one of the best ways to promote MPE. By just being you and using some easy steps, MPE grows and stays strong in your building and area. Encourage members, as well as potential members, to visit the MPE website! Our website contains MPE News, scholarship and grant opportunities, regional training opportunities, legislative news, professional development, educator resources, and information regarding your member benefits. MPE members may access their MPE profile to update their contact information, pay or update their payment information, as well as to register for trainings and events. You will also find the MPE recruitment video on our homepage!
Visit our site at: www.mpe.org
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STEPS TO SUCCESS R ecruiting new members is the number one priority for building representatives. It should always be at the top of your MPE to-do list. However, just because it is an important job does not mean it has to be complicated. To prove our point, we offer you a step-by-step plan to successfully recruit new members. STEPS TO SUCCESS Step 1: Obtain updated membership materials from the state office or area membership director. They may include: • A list of prior-year members • Grants and Scholarship opportunities and deadlines • Recruitment posters to display at your school (Each poster contains blank spaces for you to fill in your name and contact information.) • Membership applications and brochures. Stamp or write your name on the “Recruited By” line on each brochure. Step 2: Distribute materials on your campus. • First, introduce yourself to your principal as the MPE Building Representative and get his or her approval to distribute and display MPE materials. • Place MPE materials in all employee boxes. Step 3: Promote MPE. Here are ideas for when, where and how to do this. • Make personal contact with all prior-year and potential members. • Place MPE promotional materials and box-stuffers in employee mailboxes with a note from you, an invitation to join, or a reminder for renewals. • Attend events for new faculty or host one of your own. • Ask to address a faculty meeting. Our MPE recruitment video is a great tool for such meetings. • Get to know substitute and student teachers and share what MPE can do for them!
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Step 4: Follow up is crucial to recruit new and retain existing members. • Speak to each teacher and administrator about the brochure and application. • Ask if they have questions about the association and our benefits of membership. • Offer to send their application and payment option in with others you have collected. • Let them know that you are available to provide assistance or information. For instance, if someone has not received his or her invoice for renewal, offer to contact the state office and check on the status of his or her membership. • Send any updated member information forms to the state office, ASAP. Special Tips for Recruiting First Year Teachers and New Hires • Introduce yourself and MPE to colleagues during your school’s new-employee orientation. Set up a table or booth and have MPE information and goodies available. • Share the MPE recruitment video with potential members. • Inform potential members of our Grants & Scholarship opportunities. Utilize our Building Rep Stipend to host a meeting! MPE will reimburse you up to $50 for food and beverages if you would like to host an informational meeting at your school to share our benefits with your co-workers. Simply submit your itemized receipt to our office manager, kathy@mpe.org, for reimbursement. THE PHILOSOPHY OF MPE Beginning with a dozen members in 1979, MPE’s membership and influence have grown substantially, based on the proven premise that teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, teacher trainees, retired educators, and the public can work as a team to provide quality education for Mississippi school children. MPE fosters, en- courages and promotes the highest ideals of the education profes- sion. MPE believes that a positive working environment promotes an improved educational setting for Mississippi’s youth, which will, in turn, increase educators’ professional recognition and compensa- tion. MPE believes that working together works!
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Why MPE?
Professional liability protection of $2 million with $3 million maximum Legal assistance related to employment or professional matters per MPE policy $10,000 in accidental death & dismemberment coverage $2,500 assault related property damage Consistent and economical dues Identity theft coverage Graduate & undergraduate scholarships awarded annually NBCT scholarships Support personnel scholarships Administrator school grants
Student loan payment contest
College scholarships for children of members Classroom grant opportunities Free regional trainings offering CEUs to members at no cost Unlimited professional advice available 24/7 Every dollar of your dues stays in Mississippi for your benefit! MPE does not utilize dues to support political candidates. And the benefits continue... Staff monitors legislation at state capitol, with weekly updates provided to membership Weekly emails notify members of important MPE news/events, as well as state and national educational updates MPE Journal published three times per year BrightView Credit Union membership Member discount program Optional long-term care coverage at a discounted rate Optional vision and dental benefits
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MPE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANT INFORMATION FOR 2025-2026
All guidelines and applications will be posted on the MPE website (www.mpe.org). e following scholarships and grants are available only to MPE members. See scholarship guidelines for details.
$475 NBCT Scholarships MPE will award up to 10 National Board Certification Scholarships.
Posted on the MPE website in May/June Due Date: August 1, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. $1,000 Classroom Grants MPE will award up to 40 Classroom Grants. Posted on the MPE website late May/June Due Date: September 12, 2025, by 4:30 p.m.
$1,000 Administrator School Grants MPE will award up to 40 Administrator School Grants. Posted on the MPE website late June/July Due Date: September 30, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. $1,000 Non-Certified Personnel Scholarships MPE will award up to 10 Non-Certified Personnel Scholarships. Posted on the MPE website in July
Due Date: October 7, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. $570 NBCT Maintenance of Certification Scholarships MPE will award up to 10 National Board Certified Teacher Renewal Scholarships.
Posted on the MPE website in September Due Date: October 20, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. $500 Linda Anglin Teacher Preparation Scholarships
MPE will award scholarships to student members who will student teach during the spring of 2026 or during the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications sent to Deans of Education and Directors of Field Experience at colleges & universities.
Due Date: January 16, 2026, by 4:30 p.m. $1,000 Graduate Scholarships MPE will award up to 20 Graduate Scholarships. Posted on the MPE website in December Due Date: February 13, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.
$500 High School Senior Scholarships MPE will award up to 20 High School Graduate Scholarships.
Posted on the MPE website in February Due Date: March 17, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.
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PROVIDING MEMBER ASSISTANCE
If a member has a question that is not covered in the next sections, refer them to the state office or Executive Director of MP E .
For questions relating to membership, such as invoicing, payments or renewals- • Contact the state office at (800)523-0269, or email jessica@mpe.org. For help with general recruiting information or to receive recruiting supplies - • Contact the state office at (800)523-0269 , or e-mail stephanie@mpe.org. For legal issues in regard to employment - • Contact the state office, or have the member call our office. In the case of an emergency after hours, you may contact the Executive Director, Kelly Riley, at (601)573-6169.
You may e-mail us anytime with questions at: mpe@mpe.org
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MPE
What is Mississippi Professional Educators? An independent education association, Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE) is the premier organization for professional educators in the state. As a non-union alternative, MPE serves and represents all facets of the educational community from pre-K through graduate education in public and private schools. Our membership includes teachers, administrators and support personnel. We provide a variety of services for a quarter of the cost of other associations. What does MPE do? MPE fosters, encourages and promotes the highest ideals of the education profession. As educators, we encourage respect for our profession through the practice of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. We do this through a variety of means, including the publishing of The MPE Journal , our professional magazine, three times a year. It contains helpful information regarding education policy, events around the state, and professional articles. We also host our annual convention with state and national keynote speakers on issues of importance to educators. Our weekly email updates notify members of important education and MPE news and events, especially during the legislative session. Members may also contact our office through our toll-free number for professional advice and guidance. Why should I join MPE? MPE continues to offer its members a premium package of services and benefits for the best price. With over 12,000 members, MPE is the premier, as well as the largest, association for professional educators in Mississippi. We are also the most respected by many in state government. We boast a large number of Nationally Board Certified teachers. What benefits do I receive when I join? In addition to our exceptional liability insurance protection, you receive a complete package of benefits. Regular (professional, first year professional, couples and non-certified/part-time) and
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student memberships carry professional liability protection of up to $2 million per member per occurrence. We also provide legal assistance related to employment or professional matters (i.e., suspension, termination, non-renewal). Added benefits include $2,500 assault-related property damage, identity theft coverage, scholarship and classroom grant opportunities, free regional trainings, the Working Advantage member discount program and unlimited professional advice available from our Executive Director. Optional benefits with group discounts available include long term care coverage with Great American Life as well as dental and vision benefits. As a MPE member, you are also eligible for membership with BrightView Credit Union. How much does MPE membership cost? MPE membership really doesn’t cost; it pays when you need it most! Ask someone who has had occasion to use his or her benefits. Dues are structured for professionals at $150, with couples that teach receiving both memberships for $250. Non-certified and part-time personnel may join for $75. Student teachers receive liability coverage for only $14 and may renew as a first year professional at a discounted rate of $120 during their first year of teaching. Retired membership is just $10 yearly, or a one-time charge of $70 for a “lifetime” membership. Membership extends twelve months from the joining date. Most benefits are effective from the time your membership is received and dated by the MPE state office. Professional liability coverage commences with your membership, while there is a 60-day waiting period for new or reactivated members seeking legal assistance related to employment or professional matters. Coverage does not extend to events prior to the member’s joining date.
Most professional educators find that their MPE membership provides a premium package of services and benefits for the best price!
Is MPE associated with NEA or AFT? No. MPE is an independent education association. We are not a union. We strongly support an individual’s right-to-work without
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being forced to join a union, or to surrender their constitutional rights to speak to an employer regarding an educational issue. Mississippi is a “right-to-work” state which means that you cannot be forced to join a “union-like” organization or forced to pay dues to that organization in order to work in your trade or profession. Does MPE belong to a national group? Yes. As a member of the Coalition of Independent Education Associations (CIEA), MPE networks with independent associations in fourteen other states. MPE and these other independent associations focus on educational issues at the state level. We do not engage in political campaigns or lobby for non-educational or partisan issues. Why are your dues so much less than other groups? MPE is a member organization. We elect officers and board members to oversee the operations and growth of MPE. The board hires an Executive Director to manage the state office on a day- to-day basis. Since MPE is an independent education association, we do not pay dues to or support a national office and staff. In addition, MPE does not contribute toward political campaigns or partisan issues at the state or national level. We focus on educating children. How does MPE lobby for education? MPE’s Executive Director is a registered lobbyist so as to monitor legislation and share our association’s legislative priorities with legislators. We have not made it a practice to try and insert our association into the writing of specific bills. MPE provides valuable legislative updates and information to our members so that they may be educated about legislation under consideration. MPE also empowers our members to become active in contacting their elected policymakers about educational issues of concern.
Does MPE have attorneys on staff to assist me?
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We have several attorneys around the state that assist our members with employment or professional matters (i.e., termination, non- renewal). Since most educators do not use attorneys very often, once it has been determined that your situation is eligible for legal assistance under MPE’s policy, we work with attorneys who have extensive experience with problems like the one you may face. Are there things that MPE does not cover? While we protect our members if legal action is taken against them, we do not provide any assistance for our members to take action against their district or someone else. We do not cover affirmative legal action. For any new member or member who has a “break” in membership due to lack of payment, a 60-day waiting period exists before the member may ask for benefits under MPE’s legal assistance policy. MPE will not provide coverage to new or reactivated members for incidents for which the member had actual, constructive, or other notice at the time of joining or reactivation.
MPE Recruitment Video!
check out our video on YouTube!
Please encourage your friends and co-workers who may not be MPE members to watch it, as the video features testimonials from several of our members about the benefits they have re- ceived from their MPE membership. This video is also available on the bottom of our homepage at www.mpe.org.
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THIS WE BELIEVE
1. The welfare of students must be placed above all other considerations. Our top priority is the education of children.
2. Educators are professionals and must be compensated adequately both with respect and salary commensurate with the training, experi- ence, and the importance of their work. 3. As educators, we encourage respect for our profession through the practice of the highest standards of personal and professional con- duct. 4. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students should work together to promote a positive environment to promote learning. Each group must interact with responsibility to and respect for others. 5. Students have the right to an uninterrupted education. Therefore, MPE will not participate in strikes, threats of strikes, walkouts, or other such actions. 6. The teaching and practice of citizenship rights and responsibili - ties in our democracy should be a high priority for every educator. As individuals, educators should be actively involved in the political process. However, as an organization, MPE does not participate in the campaign of any candidate or political party. 7. E very employee and every group should have the right to appear be- fore the Board of Trustees. No one group should ever be privileged to the exclusion of others.
8. Educators should not be forced to join or pay unified dues to any organization and we will work diligently to keep Mississippi teachers from ever being placed in such a position.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES
MPE STATE OFFICE www.mpe.org
800-523-0269 601-355-5517
COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD www.mccb.edu
601-432-6518
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Academic Affairs : www.mississippi.edu/academic-affairs 601-432-6501
MAGNOLIA magnolia.lib.ms.us
800-647-7542
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Accreditation : www.mdek12.org/OA/Accred 601-359-3764
Elementary Education: www.mdek12.org/OEER
601-359-2586
Secondary Education: mdek12.org/secondaryeducation
601-359-3461
Licensure: www.mdek12.org/OEL SPED: www.mdek12.org/OSE Student Assessment: www.mdek12.org/OSA
601-359-3483
601-359-3498
601-359-3052
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE www.legislature.ms.gov
601-359-3770
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PERS) www.pers.ms.gov
800-444-7377 601-359-3589
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Mississippi Professional Educators 222 North President Street, Suite 100 P.O. Box 22550 Jackson, MS 39225-2550 (800)523-0269 www.mpe.org
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