MISSISSIPPI SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
BY-LAWS
Adopted by the membership by mail in September 1971
Revised and Distributed at the Spring Meeting, Millsaps College, 1972
Revised and Distributed at the Spring Meeting, Jackson, 1977
Revised - Fall Meeting, USM Gulf Park campus, 1979
Revised - Spring Meeting Jackson, 1981
Revised - Spring Meeting, Jackson, 1983
Revised - Fall Meeting, Mississippi College, 1984
Revised - Fall Meeting, Biloxi, 1997
Revised - Fall Meeting, Jackson, 2009
Revised – Fall Meeting, Biloxi 2023
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the association shall be Mississippi Science Teaching Association (MSTA).
ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The objectives of the association shall be:
● to promote the improvement of science teaching at all education levels - locally and statewide.
● to advance the professional standards and relationships of science teachers through conferences, workshops, and professional associations.
● to promote science activities which the association deems appropriate under existing conditions.
Section 2. Means for achievement of the objectives of the association shall be provided through committees named by this association and the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. All persons interested in the objectives of the organization, as stated in Article II, Section 1, shall be eligible for regular membership in the association. Any interested full-time undergraduate or full-time graduate student shall be eligible for student membership.
1 2023 - proposed
Section 2. A member is in good standing if the dues for the current school year have been received and recorded by the Treasurer.
Section 3. Voting privileges are extended only to regular members in good standing. Student members do not have voting privileges.
ARTICLE IV - AFFILIATIONS
Section 1. The Mississippi Science Teachers Association will maintain state chapter status with the National Science Teachers Association in accordance with the constitution of that organization regarding state chapters.
ARTICLE V - ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section 1. Annual dues for membership shall be set by the voting members of the MSTA Board of Directors. Individuals paying dues to the association will send the dues directly to the Treasurer. Student membership dues will be half that of regular members, which entitles the student to full membership privileges except in voting (see Article III, Section 3).
ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTIONS
Section 1. The officers of this association shall be President, President-Elect, SEcretary, Immediate Past President, Executive Officer, Treasurer, Parliamentarian/Historian, Membership Director, six District Directors, and nine members-at-large. These members-at-large shall represent the respective areas of College/University, Community College, Private School, High School, Middle School/Junior High, Elementary, Informal Science Education Centers, Professional Associations, and Preservice Teachers.
● Elected officers and appointed officers and committee chairs must be regular members in good standing.
● The President-Elect shall be the only elected officer. Ther President-Elect shall be elected for a 6 year term- 2 as President-Elect, 2 as President, and 2 as Immediate Past-President.
● The offices of Secretary, three District Directors (Districts A, C, and E(, and four members-at-large (College/University, Middle School/Junior High, Private School, and Professional Association Liaison) shall be appointed by the President on odd years for two-year terms.
2 2009 - current
Section 2. A member is in good standing if the dues for the current school year have been received and recorded by the Treasurer.
Section 3. Voting privileges are extended only to regular members in good standing. Student members do not have voting privileges.
ARTICLE IV - AFFILIATIONS
Section 1. The Mississippi Science Teaching Association will maintain state chapter status with the National Science Teaching Association in accordance with the constitution of that organization regarding state chapters.
ARTICLE V - ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section 1. Annual dues for membership shall be set by the voting members of the MSTA Board of Directors. Individuals paying dues to the association will send the dues directly to the Treasurer. Student membership dues will be half that of regular members, which entitles the student to full membership privileges except in voting (see Article III, Section 3).
ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTIONS
Section 1. The officers of this association shall be President, President-Elect, Secretary, Immediate Past President, Executive Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, Treasurer, Parliamentarian/Historian, Membership Director, six District Directors, and nine members-at-large. These members-at-large shall represent the respective areas of College/University, Community College, Independent School, High School, Middle School/Junior High, Elementary, Informal Science Education Centers, Professional Associations, Preservice Teachers, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Representative, and Social Media Liaison.
● Elected officers and appointed officers and committee chairs must be regular members in good standing.
● The President-Elect shall be the only elected officer. The President-Elect shall be elected for a 6-year term - 2 as President-Elect, 2 as President, and 2 as Immediate Past-President.
2 2023 - proposed
● The offices of Parliamentarian/Historian, three District District Directors (Districts B, D, and E), and five members-at-large (High School, Community College, Elementary, Informal Science Education Centers, and Preservice Teachers Program Coordinator) shall be appointed by the President on even years for twoyear terms.
● The Executive Officer, Treasurer, Membership Director, Newsletter Editor, Bulletin Editor, and Awards Coordinator shall be standing appointed members but serve at the pleasure of the Board.
● All individuals identified in the five bullets listed above are voting members of the Board.
● Committee chairs shall be nominated by the President and approved by the board to be non-voting members of the Board. The Science Specialist associated with the Mississippi Department of Education, the Science Fair Executive Director, and presidents of affiliated local science teachers associations will be ex-officio Board members.
● All voting Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings while nonvoting Board members are encouraged to attend all Board meetings.
● The Executive Officer shall be a permanent contact person for MSTA.
Section 2. Every member in good standing will be given an opportunity to vote for President-Elect.
● The Board of Directors will serve as the nominating committee.
● The nominating committee shall present at least two names to the membership for consideration.
● Biographical sketches of the nominees and printed ballots shall be provided to every member in good standing.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, PresidentElect, Immediate Past-President, Executive Officer, and Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall act between Board meetings to implement Board goals.
ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The duties of the officers shall be described here.
Section 1. President:
● Preside at all meetings of the general membership and the Board of Directors.
3 2009 - current
● The offices of Secretary, Parliamentarian/Historian, District Directors, the members-at-large (College/University, Middle School/Junior High, Independent School, High School, Elementary School, Community College, Informal Science Education Centers, Pre-service Teachers Program Coordinator, Professional Association Liaison, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Representative, and Social Media Liaison) shall be appointed by the President.
● The Executive Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, Treasurer, Membership Director, Newsletter Editor, and Awards Coordinator shall be standing appointed members but serve at the pleasure of the Board.
● All individuals identified in the four bullets listed above are voting members of the Board.
● Committee chairs shall be nominated by the President and approved by the board to be non-voting members of the Board. The Science Specialist associated with the Mississippi Department of Education and the Science Fair Executive Director will be ex-officio Board members.
● All voting Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings while nonvoting Board members are encouraged to attend all Board meetings.
● The Executive Officer shall be a permanent contact person for MSTA.
● Other positions as deemed necessary by the board will be filled by the current president with board approval.
Section 2. Every member in good standing will be given an opportunity to vote for President-Elect.
● The Board of Directors will serve as the nominating committee.
● The nominating committee shall present at least two names to the membership for consideration.
● Biographical sketches of the nominees and ballots shall be provided to every member in good standing.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, PresidentElect, Immediate Past-President, Executive Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, and Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall act between Board meetings to implement Board goals.
ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The duties of the officers shall be described here.
3 2023 - proposed
● Preside at all meetings of the general membership and the Board of Directors.
● Schedule regular meetings of the Board of Directors for the purpose of conducting business of the association in the interim between general meetings of the membership.
● Assume all duties to the office of president.
● Schedule regular meetings of the Board of Directors for the purpose of conducting business of the association in the interim between general meetings of the membership.
● Assume all duties to the office of president.
● Appoint chairs of standing and temporary committees and advise on the selection of membership of the committees.
● Appoint, with the advice and consent of the Board, persons to fill all Board vacancies.
● Assume joint responsibility with the President-Elect for planning the annual meetings.
● Attend meetings of local science teacher associations to the greatest extent possible and when not possible to attend in person, to arrange for a president’s representative.
● Serve as an ex-officio member of all other committees.
● Plan, along with the President-Elect, a meeting for teachers at the State of Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair.
● Serve as chair of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. President-Elect:
● Assume the duties of the president in the absence or incapacity of the president.
● Make arrangements (meeting rooms, food, lodging, etc.) for all Board meetings.
● Serve on the membership committee.
● Assist the president in planning annual meeting.
● Plan along with the District Directors a meeting for teachers at all regional science and engineering fairs.
● Represent MSTA at any state, regional, or national meeting that the president cannot attend.
● Plan along with the President a meeting for teachers at the State of Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Secretary:
● Assume all duties normal to the office of Secretary.
● Serve as Recording Secretary for all meetings of the general membership and Board of Directors.
4 2009 - current
Section 1. President:
● Schedule regular meetings of the Board of Directors for the purpose of conducting business of the association in the interim between general meetings of the membership.
● Appoint chairs of standing and temporary committees and advise on the selection of membership of the committees.
● Appoint, with the advice and consent of the Board, persons to fill all Board vacancies.
● Assume joint responsibility with the President-Elect for planning the annual meetings.
● Serve as an ex-officio member of all other committees.
● Plan, along with the President-Elect, an outreach for teachers at state competitions/events.
● Serve as chair of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. President-Elect:
● Assume the duties of the president in the absence or incapacity of the president.
● Make arrangements (meeting rooms, food, lodging, etc.) for all Board meetings.
● Serve on the membership committee.
● Assist the president in planning annual meeting.
● Plan, along with the District Directors, an outreach for teachers at all regional science competitions/events
● Represent MSTA at any state, regional, or national meeting that the president cannot attend.
● Plan, along with the President, an outreach for teachers at state competitions/events.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Secretary:
● Assume all duties normal to the office of Secretary.
● Serve as Recording Secretary for all meetings of the general membership and Board of Directors.
● Maintain and distribute a list of Board members contact information for current Board members.
4 2023 - proposed
● Prepare and distribute a list to all Board members of contact information pertaining to the Board members
Section 4. Executive Officer/Treasurer:
● Service as a member of the Executive Committee.
● Other duties requested by the President.
Section 5. Treasurer:
● Receive, record, and be accountable for all receipts and expenditures of the association which are transmitted to the treasurer in accordance with established business procedures and these by-laws.
● Provide a written statement of the finances of the association to the Board of Directors at each meeting.
● Assist the Membership Director in maintaining an up-to-date membership list.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 6. Parliamentarian/Historian:
● Bring a current edition of Robert’s Rules to meetings and be able to advise the president when rules are questioned or when proper procedures are not followed.
● Compile a historical document of board minutes and bring a historical document of board minutes for two years to each board meeting to be used as reference when necessary.
● Compile historical documents of MSTA.
● Make a historical display annually to show accomplishments of MSTA.
● Perform other duties assigned by the president.
Section 7. District Directors:
● Serve as liaison to the membership in the region.
● Serve as a member of the membership committee.
● Appoint a membership chair for each county in their region.
● Plan along with the President and President-Elect a meeting for teachers at the regional science and engineering fairs.
Section 8. Immediate Past President:
● Serve on the membership committee.
● Aid the Membership Director and District Directors in securing new members.
5 2009 - current
● Assume the duties of the president in the absence or incapacity of both the President and President-Elect.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
Section
● Service as a member of the Executive Committee.
● Service as the legal representative for all contracts.
● Other duties requested by the President.
Section
● Receive, record, and be accountable for all receipts and expenditures of the association which are transmitted to the treasurer in accordance with established business procedures and these by-laws.
● Provide a written statement of the finances of the association to the Board of Directors at each meeting.
● Assist the Membership Director in maintaining an up-to-date membership list.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
Section
● Bring a current edition of Robert’s Rules to meetings and be able to advise the president when rules are questioned or when proper procedures are not followed.
● Compile a historical document of board minutes and bring a historical document of board minutes for two years to each board meeting to be used as reference when necessary.
● Compile historical documents of MSTA.
● Perform other duties assigned by the president.
Section
● Serve as liaison to the membership in the region.
● Serve as a member of the membership committee.
● Plan, along with the President and President-Elect, an outreach for teachers at regional competitions/events.
Section
● Serve on the membership committee.
● Aid the Membership Director and District Directors in securing new members.
● Assume the duties of the president in the absence or incapacity of both the President and President-Elect.
● Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
4. Executive Officer
5. Treasurer:
6. Parliamentarian/Historian:
7. District Directors:
8. Immediate Past President:
5 2023 - proposed
Section 9. Membership Director:
● Develop ways of attracting new members to the association.
● Serve as chairperson of the membership committee.
● Maintain an up-to-date list which shall be given to the President, President-Elect, and District Directors.
● Provide the President, President-Elect, and District Directors with names, addresses, and teaching positions of new members on a regular basis.
ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS
Section 1. At least one state meeting shall be held annually.
Section 2. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President or shall be called upon request of a majority of the members of the Board of the Directors.
Section 3. Based on notification of the entire membership, business may be transacted at any meeting of the state association in accordance with these by-laws. A quorum shall be the members present and a simple majority may transact business.
ARTICLE IX - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall have general supervision of the affairs and business of the association between the general meetings of the membership, set the hours and place of meetings, and perform such other duties as are specified in these by-laws.
Section 2. The Board of Directors is subject to the orders of the association and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the association.
Section 3. The Board of Directors shall, on the recommendation of the President, approve the appointed officers as outlined in Article VI Section 1.
Section 4. The Board of Directors will meet at each annual meeting. They may meet on call of the President and shall meet upon request of a majority of the members of the board.
Section 5. A quorum shall be the Board members present and a simple majority may transact business.
6 2009 - current
Section 9. Membership Director:
● Develop ways of attracting new members to the association.
● Serve as chairperson of the membership committee.
● Maintain an up-to-date list which shall be given to the President, President-Elect, and District Directors.
● Provide the President, President-Elect, and District Directors with names, addresses, and teaching positions of new members on a regular basis.
ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS
Section 1. At least one state meeting shall be held annually.
Section 2. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President or shall be called upon request of a majority of the members of the Board of the Directors.
Section 3. Based on notification of the entire membership, business may be transacted at any meeting of the state association in accordance with these by-laws. A quorum shall be the members present and a simple majority may transact business.
ARTICLE IX - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall have general supervision of the affairs and business of the association between the general meetings of the membership, set the hours and place of meetings, and perform such other duties as are specified in these by-laws.
Section 2. The Board of Directors is subject to the orders of the association and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the association.
Section 3. The Board of Directors shall, on the recommendation of the President, approve the appointed officers as outlined in Article VI Section 1.
Section 4. The Board of Directors will meet at each annual meeting. They may meet on call of the President and shall meet upon request of a majority of the members of the board.
Section 5. A quorum shall be the Board members present and a simple majority may transact business.
6 2023 - proposed
Section 6. The Board of Directors shall serve as the nominating committee for the elected state officer.
Section 7. The Board of Directors shall review the financial affairs of the association at each regular meeting of the board and may pass or withhold approval of expenditures of the association.
Section 8. Each voting Board member is expected to attend all Board meetings. Any voting Board member who is absent from two consecutive Board meetings without notifying the President shall forfeit his/her Board appointment.
ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Chairs for the following standing committees shall be appointed by the president, on approval of the Board of Directors. The committee members shall serve two years and shall be appointed in accordance with Article VII, Section 1:
● The Membership Committee is charged with developing ways of attracting new members to the association and keeping the treasurer informed of the location and professional position of current members, for effective maintenance of membership files.
● The Auditing Committee is charged with reviewing the financial records of the association annually and any other time requested by the Board of Directors.
● The Nominating Committee: The Board of Directors shall serve as the Nominating Committee. Refer to Article VI, Section 2.
● The Awards Committee is charged with determining the nature of awards to be given, determining and an appropriate level of discretion in reporting the names of award recipients.
● The MSTA Scholarship Committee is charged with publicizing and receiving funds, implementing policies, and conducting business in the matter of receiving applications, reviewing applications, and notifying recipients of grants awarded, according to the amount of funds available, and according to established priorities.
Section 2. The President shall appoint committees other than the standing committees as deemed necessary for the most effective operation of the association. These committees shall be considered temporary committees.
7 2009 - current
Section 6. The Board of Directors shall serve as the nominating committee for the elected state officer.
Section 7. The Board of Directors shall review the financial affairs of the association at each regular meeting of the board and may pass or withhold approval of expenditures of the association.
Section 8. Each voting Board member is expected to attend all Board meetings. Any voting Board member who is absent from two consecutive Board meetings without notifying the President in advance shall forfeit their Board appointment. Voting Board members are expected to attend and participate in the annual conference as designated by the president. Failure to participate may result in the removal of the member from the Board.
Section 9. Each non-voting Board member is expected to attend all Board meetings and participate at the annual conference as designated by the president. Failure to participate may result in the removal of the member from the Board.
ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Chairs for the following standing committees shall be appointed by the president, on approval of the Board of Directors. The committee members shall serve two years and shall be appointed in accordance with Article VII, Section 1:
● The Membership Committee is charged with developing ways of attracting new members to the association and keeping the treasurer informed of the location and professional position of current members, for effective maintenance of membership files.
● The Auditing Committee is charged with reviewing the financial records of the association annually and any other time requested by the Board of Directors.
● The Nominating Committee: The Board of Directors shall serve as the Nominating Committee. Refer to Article VI, Section 2.
● The Awards Committee is charged with determining the nature of awards to be given, determining and an appropriate level of discretion in reporting the names of award recipients.
● The MSTA Scholarship Committee is charged with publicizing and receiving funds, implementing policies, and conducting business in the matter of receiving applications, reviewing applications, and notifying recipients of grants awarded, according to the amount of funds available, and according to established priorities.
7 2023 - proposed
ARTICLE XI - LOCAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Section 1. Local science teachers associations in coordination with the district Directors may be formed as units of the Mississippi Science Teachers Association. These local associations may elect to solicit their membership on a county-wide basis, parts of a county, or multiple counties in Mississippi.
Section 2. Governed by the by-laws of MSTA, local science teachers associations will write and ratify a constitution, and furnish MSTA with a copy of this constitution.
Section 3. Any local science teachers association formally affiliated with MSTA may have a portion of MSTA dues paid by its local members - excluding student membersreimbursed to the local science teachers association. When provided with a list of local members who have paid state dues and upon verification of those individuals as regular members of MSTA by the MSTA Membership Director, the MSTA Executive Officer will authorize the MSTA treasurer to reimburse the local science science teachers association with twenty percent of the state dues paid by the members of the local science teachers organization.
ARTICLE XII - DISSOLUTION
In the event of a proposed amendment to these by-laws calling for the dissolution of this association, each and all of the following conditions will be met:
Section 1. The proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Directors in writing and having the signature of at least fifty-one percent of the membership in good standing.
Section 2. The Board of Directors, upon receipt of the proposed amendment, will immediately make a comprehensive audit of the financial records of the association.
Section 3. The Board of Directors will schedule a Special Call Meeting of the membership, announced in writing to each individual member at least one month in advance of the meeting. The state purpose of this meeting will be to hear all arguments on the proposed amendment.
Section 4. A written report of the arguments and a ballot for vote on the amendment by roll-call vote will be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to each member in
8 2009 - current
● The Conference Committee is charged with planning and conducting the annual meeting of the MSTA membership. This committee is composed of the President, Immediate-Past President, President Elect, Executive Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, Treasurer, Registrar, Exhibits Coordinator and Evaluator. Other board members will assist this committee in fulfilling its duties.
Section 2. The President shall appoint committees other than the standing committees as deemed necessary for the most effective operation of the association. These committees shall be considered temporary committees.
Article deleted
ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION
In the event of a proposed amendment to these by-laws calling for the dissolution of this association, each and all of the following conditions will be met:
Section 1. The proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Directors in writing and having the signature of at least fifty-one percent of the membership in good standing.
Section 2. The Board of Directors, upon receipt of the proposed amendment, will immediately make a comprehensive audit of the financial records of the association.
Section 3. The Board of Directors will schedule a Special Call Meeting of the membership, announced in writing to each individual member at least one month in advance of the meeting. The state purpose of this meeting will be to hear all arguments on the proposed amendment.
Section 4. A written report of the arguments and a ballot for vote on the amendment by roll-call vote will be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to each member in
8 2023 - proposed
good standing. A period of fifteen days will be allowed for return of the ballots to the Board of Directors.
Section 5. A favorable vote of two-thirds of the members returning marked ballots shall effect passage of the amendment.
Section 6. Members in good standing at the time of the action on the amendment will be notified in writing of the results of the vote.
Section 7. In the event of passage of a proposed amendment to these by-lays dissolving the organization, the money of the association will be placed in escrow by the Board of directors for a period of twenty-four months. If a petition for reorganization of the association has not occurred at the end of the twenty-four month period, the escrow account will be contributed to the National Science Teachers Association, Washington, D.C., for use in the promotion of science education activities.
ARTICLE XIII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. These by-laws may be amended at the regular business meeting of the annual meetings of the association by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members in good standing in attendance, provided such amendment is presented to the membership prior to two weeks before the meeting.
Section 2. Any member in good standing may make recommendations on amendments to the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Amendments to these by-laws will be presented to the Board of Directors in writing in time for presentation to the membership as set forth in Section 1 of this article.
ARTICLE XIV - RATIFICATION
These by-laws will take effect immediately upon a majority favorable vote of the members attending an annual meeting.
9 2009 - current
good standing. A period of fifteen days will be allowed for return of the ballots to the Board of Directors.
Section 5. A favorable vote of two-thirds of the members returning marked ballots shall effect passage of the amendment.
Section 6. Members in good standing at the time of the action on the amendment will be notified in writing of the results of the vote.
Section 7. In the event of passage of a proposed amendment to these by-laws dissolving the organization, the money of the association will be placed in escrow by the Board of directors for a period of twenty-four months. If a petition for reorganization of the association has not occurred at the end of the twenty-four-month period, the escrow account will be contributed to the National Science Teaching Association for use in the promotion of science education activities.
ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. These by-laws may be amended at the regular business meeting of the annual meetings of the association by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members in good standing in attendance, provided such amendment is presented to the membership prior to two weeks before the meeting.
Section 2. Any member in good standing may make recommendations on amendments to the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Amendments to these by-laws will be presented to the Board of Directors in writing in time for presentation to the membership as set forth in Section 1 of this article.
ARTICLE XIII - RATIFICATION
These by-laws will take effect immediately upon a majority favorable vote of the members attending an annual meeting.
9 2023 - proposed
By Dr. Johnny Mattox, MSTA Historian