LINN  — Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) representatives on Thursday presented Linn Middle School Social Studies teacher Brianna Harmon with a $500 Public School Retirement System (PSRS) grant for a “LEGACY LOCKER: Safeguarding Social Studies Treasures” cabinet to store and display historical artifacts and educational materials in the classroom.

The grant would allow the purchase of a durable cabinet to enrich the students’ understanding of history and culture, foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter, ensure the safety and efficient organization of artifacts, and enrich their knowledge through hands-on experiences and engagement with history.

MRTA and Region 7 Vice President Georgia White, MRTF Board member Linda Orscheln (also of Central Missouri unit), Region 7 Legislative Committee Chair Martin White, Central Missouri MRTA Unit President Joan Bish, and members of the MRTA and Central Missouri Unit attended the presentation. MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden sent a letter of congratulations.

Representatives thanked Superintendent Bob James and Principal Erin Sassmann for arranging the presentation and recognizing Harmon.

The Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF), a part of the MRTA, is an organization of all retired public school personnel whose purpose is to promote the economic welfare of all retired school employees while continuing to support those currently working in schools. MRTA’s Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that raises funds to carry out the charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes of the MRTA.

This year, MRTF is giving six $500 classroom grants in Region 7 and one Maggie Elder PEERS Grant for a total of $3,500 per region. In 2024, 98 grants of $500 each across 14 regions will provide $45,000 to current teachers and school employees given by school retirees.

MRTA fundraises throughout the year to present these grants to deserving public school personnel.