Joplin ESP launches
long-term employee recognition campaign

John Hoke has worked for the Joplin School District for 38 years. A graduate of Joplin High School, he’s maintained buses since he began his work in 1968 and before that as a student in the district’s vocational training program.

Hoke and many other long-term education support professionals in Joplin bring valuable experience and dedication to their work. Recognizing long-term employees like Hoke tops the list of public relations goals for David Guilford, Joplin ESP president, who received one of Missouri NEA’s public relations grants for his long-term-employee recognition project.

“Working for a school district requires a commitment to students,” Guilford says. “It’s not just a job. And long-term employees bring experience and knowledge that keeps our education system running smoothly and efficiently.”

To bring that message to the Joplin community, Guilford is planning a communications campaign that starts with pitching stories of long-term employees to the local newspaper. In addition to the stories, he and UniServ Director Sharon Matti are designing posters to bring recognition for long-term employees within the district.

To learn more about Guilford’s campaign, contact him at dguilford@joplin.k12.mo.us.

by Debra Angstead
MNEA communications director