There is a very special group of ladies in our town. They are people who used to be teachers.  They are now retired and busier than ever. Many of these people are now members of an organization called Missouri Retired Teachers Association(MRTA). The local group for this association is called Audrain County Area Public School Retirees (ACAPSR).  

This encompasses the school districts of Community R6, Mexico and Vandalia. The main goal of the group is to protect, promote, preserve and advocate for the retirement money that teachers pay into a retirement account with that amount being matched by their respective school districts. These people work for beneficial legislation on retirement issues as well as educate legislators on retirement issues. It is a non-partisan group and is not affiliated with other education associations.  

These retired teachers also maintain connections with our present school system, some by volunteering in schools. They stay in close contact with the MRTA in Jefferson City to assist in advocating for retirement issues and funds. They raise money to supply grants to our area teachers. The Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in grants to teachers across the state of Missouri to the tune of about $50,000 annually. This community spirited group can be found in many places volunteering to help assist our community and its people who are in need of assistance.  

The pictures seen here show $100 grants being awarded to one first year teacher in each of the ACAPSR school districts.  The teachers’ names were drawn to determine the lucky winner.  These grants were awarded to show good will for our first-year teachers as they begin their new career.  Teachers often spend a lot of their own money to challenge and encourage their new students.