Group that protects teachers to celebrate 50 years

Butler County Retired Teachers and School Personnel will celebrate its 50th anniversary Wednesday.

Formed in 1969, just nine years after the birth of the state organization, the Butler County unit promotes fellowship and service among members, but also works closely with the state organization to stay abreast of issues that affect both retired public school teachers and retired public school personnel.

All Butler County retired teachers and support staff, and those who will soon be retired, are invited to attend the anniversary reception from 10 a.m. to noon.

Gladys HillDAR/Nancy Nelson Vines

The commemorative celebration will be held in the Missouri Room at Central Office, 1110 N. Westwood Blvd., in Poplar Bluff. The Poplar Bluff mayor will sign an official proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary, and the annual scholarship will be presented.

Gladys Hill's senior high school graduation photoPhoto provided

Longtime retiree, Gladys Hill of Poplar Bluff, shared her feelings about the importance of maintaining membership in the local organization.

“I retired from teaching in 1980, after 30 years in the classroom,” says Hill. “I have belonged to the Butler County Retired Teachers organization ever since I retired.”

Hill goes on to say that she is a member of both the Missouri Retired Teachers’ Association (MRTA) and the Butler County unit, known officially as Butler County Retired Teachers and School Personnel (BCRTSP).

“The retired teachers’ organization is a wonderful source of fellowship and service,” Hill observes, “but it also provides peace of mind knowing there are people who are working to help protect our pensions.”

Hill says that while the day-to-day pension watchdog activity takes place in Jefferson City, membership on the local level is equally important.

“Our Butler County unit gives us the opportunity to come together when our pension is threatened,” the longtime member observes. “There are retired teachers out there who don’t believe that our pension is in danger.

“By belonging to the Butler County unit,” she added, “we are kept informed about legislative maneuvers to take over or dissolve our pension plan. When action is needed, we can come together to write letters and make phone calls.”

Hill began teaching in a three-room rural school near Fisk in 1943. She taught elementary classes and special education. She has served in various leadership capacities during her membership in BCRTSP.

Butler County unit President Linda Surber says she would like to see all retired teachers and support personnel become involved in the local organization.

“Many retirees join MRTA,” said Surber, “but membership on the local level is important, too.”

Surber observes the need for a strong local organization is vital to continued growth and strength of the Butler County group.

“Our organization gives retired teachers and support staff a voice in the future and security of our teacher retirement,” Surber says.

She adds, “Though our teaching and supporting roles may differ, we have a bond of unity because of our shared experiences.”

Surber reveals the organization, though small in membership, has continued to support the Butler County community. One of their proudest accomplishments is their effort to promote teaching as a career.

According to information provided by Jan Duffy, who serves the organization as secretary, BCRTSP began awarding a $300 scholarship in 2007. It is awarded to a graduating Butler County senior who plans to pursue a degree in education.

Surber states the scholarship is rotated annually among the three county public school districts of Poplar Bluff, Neelyville and Twin Rivers.

For those interested in attending a meeting, Surber advises the organization meets at 10 a.m. every third Wednesday, in the even numbered months. The meetings are held in the Missouri Room.

Prior to assuming the role of unit leader, Surber served as legislative chair and vice-president. She retired from teaching in 2011, after 32 years in the classroom. Surber primarily taught eighth grade English and spent the majority of her teaching career in Poplar Bluff. She served as English Department Chairperson from 1999 to 2011.