The document summarizes the founding of Missouri NEA in 1973 after MSTA disaffiliated from NEA. Educators were concerned about the disaffiliation and met to create a new NEA affiliate in Missouri called Missouri NEA. The new organization pledged to give teachers a collective voice and power to advocate for better schools, salaries, and teacher rights in Missouri. Missouri NEA declared its independence from past groups not committed to teachers and looked forward to working together to improve Missouri education.