Meet Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Jr., MRTA’s 2023 Distinguished Retiree

The Missouri Retired Teacher Association (MRTA) presents the Distinguished Retiree Award annually to a retiree who has demonstrated sustained, long-term and meaningful engagement and commitment to public education, our public schools and the Association. These retirees have a passion for Missouri’s public schools not just because it is where they were employed, but because their hearts are still there, too.

This year’s distinguished retiree, Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Jr., was honored during an awards luncheon held September 19 at the 2023 MRTA Annual Meeting.

Dr. Beckwith embodies the term, “educational and community leader.” His 54-year career began with a teaching position in the St. Louis Public Schools, where he later became the district’s youngest principal at age 29. He served in that capacity for seven years before being named Director of Federal Programs and then leaving to become Superintendent of Schools in University City.

In 2000, he joined UMSL as the Superintendent in Residence, and then as the Endowed Professor of Urban Education, preparing teachers for positions as school principals. Since retirement, Lynn has remained active, continuing to share his knowledge, passion and expertise with students of all ages, and faculty and staff throughout the St. Louis area.

He is entering his seventh year as President of the St. Louis Area Unit of MRTA and served as Region 14 Vice President in 2017-2018. His dedication and organizational skills helped him develop a program relevant to all retirees and grow the Unit’s membership to a new high. He is honored to receive this award. “It is a high honor to receive the prestigious 2023 MRTA Distinguished Retiree Award. I consider it a validation of my continued efforts and volunteerism during my retirement years in support of the field of education and my community.”

Dr. Beckwith’s service to education and to the education community since retirement includes numerous achievements, board appointments and public speaking engagements, including service for several area school districts and higher education institutions, the United Way, Rotary Club, the American Red Cross and the St. Louis County Library District, which named the Lynn Beckwith, Jr. Administrative Building, in his honor.

“I owe much of my success to the strong foundation I received from my mother and father. While my mother was not an educated woman, she believed strongly in the power of education and set high academic expectations for my four sisters and me.” He continued, “As a result, all five children earned advanced degrees, two of which were at the doctoral level. My father was a postal worker, and I am indebted to him for teaching me through his words and deeds the true meaning of the words responsibility and perseverance, as well a deep understanding that a man's word is his bond.”

Dr. Beckwith understands the importance of the work done by MRTA. “To me, MRTA is like belonging to a family of retired school employees who have come together during our retirement years to provide continued support for the field of education and to legislatively assist in the protection of our pension.”

“Also, as president of the local unit of the Retired School Employees of St. Louis for the last six years, I have gained additional skills and knowledge by participating in the MRTA Annual Unit Presidents' meetings, especially the importance of succession planning for the future of the local Unit.”

Dr. Beckwith encourages new PSRS and PEERS retirees to join the cause. “I would highly recommend that a newly retired teacher, administrator or support staff join MRTA in order to receive its multiple benefits that far exceed the cost of the membership. Also, being a MRTA member is another important way of remaining involved in the field of education during our retirement years.”

MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden congratulated Dr. Beckwith on his achievements. “Lynn is an exceptional community leader; a gracious and kind man who has made a positive impact for so many people in his community, and for his fellow educators,” she said. “We are in awe of his many accomplishments, and we are pleased to able to honor him as this year’s Distinguished Retiree.”