BTU Helps Honor Educators of the Year

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BOSTON TEACHERS UNION, LOCAL 66, AFT Non-Profit Org. The Heart, Mind and Muscle of 180 Mount Vernon Street U.S. Postage Boston, Massachusetts 02125 PAID Education 2 Boston, MA 02109 Permit No. 52088 Visual Arts Teacher Presents Students Work at Exhibition 6 & 7 Appreciation of the Union’s Educational Efforts 10 BostonBostonUnion Teacher The Award-Winning Newspaper of the Boston Teachers Union AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO • Democracy in Education • Volume XLIII, Number 11 • July-August, 2011 BTU Helps Honor Educators of the Year Not Enough to Honor Teachers: Equally Important to Honor Teaching By Richard Stutman BTU President (The following remarks were given by BTU President Richard Stutman on the night of June 20th at the Educator of the Year Celebration.) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ood evening, and on behalf of the GBoston Teachers Union and its 10,000 members, I am honored to help welcome you as we congratulate our out- standing educators. Mayor Menino, thank you for your commitment to our public schools. Dr. Johnson, thank you for your leadership. Reverend Groover, Thank you for your service. This is a wonderful event. We honor and congratulate those who are at the top of our profession. We thank you for your service. The accolades you receive are richly deserved. You work hard every day, being the best you can. You teach, you nurture, you guide, you comfort, you challenge, you do it all – and you do it well, you do it selflessly See List of and you do it without Educator of the Year Honorees include: Ruth Allukian, School Nurse at for Health Careers (Mission Hill); Caitlin Hollister, Grade 3 Teacher at Educator receiving accolades TechBoston Academy (Dorchester); Christopher Burdman, Grade 6 Richard J. Murphy K-8 School (Dorchester); Sheila Johnson, Grade 2 on a daily basis. You Math and Science Teacher at Mildred Avenue K-8 School (Mattapan); Inclusion Teacher at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School of the Year Fernadina Chan, Artistic Dean/Dance Teacher at Boston Arts Academy (Dorchester); Sabine Pierre-Jules, Grade 2 teacher at Mather Elemen- do it because you (Fenway); Isilda Colonette, Grade 2 teacher at Beethoven/Ohrenberger tary School (Dorchester); Ingrid Roche, Spanish Teacher at Boston Award have chosen to be- School (West Roxbury); Kati Delahanty, English Teacher at Charlestown Latin Academy (Roxbury); Yolande Thomas-Easterling, Grade 1 Teacher Winners come true educators. High School (Charlestown); Jennifer Doyle, Grade 7 Inclusion Math and at Donald McKay K-8 School (East Boston); Debra Vinci, School Nurse at We are here tonight Science Teacher at Mary Lyon K-8 School (Brighton); Alison Galanter, Lee Academy and Joseph Lee Elementary School (Dorchester). on page 2. to honor you, and you Grade 9-12 History/ELL/SPED Teacher at Edward M. Kennedy Academy deserve our praise. bubble sheet – it’s about generating a The skills they taught me were neither as we honor the teachers here tonight. You have received the highest honor: discussion. It’s about promoting thinking measurable nor quantifiable. They were Those honored here fall into both catego- recognition from your peers. There can and challenging ideas. The best teachers lifelong skills that could not be evaluated ries: they are great teachers and they be no higher honor than one received I had when I went to the Boston Public by marking off “a” through “e” on a bubble practice great teaching. We congratulate from those who know you best, who know Schools were teachers who encouraged sheet. you, we are proud of you, and thank you your work best. me to think, who encouraged me to chal- So let’s acknowledge tonight the im- for being the best we can be. To truly honor great teachers, we must lenge, who encouraged me to question. portance and distinction of great teaching also honor great teaching. That is a distinction often lost in today’s highly- charged debate about what education is truly about. It is also to our detriment that great teaching is in danger of being marginalized in the test-crazy environment that has captured the national dis- course. Let’s talk a little bit about great teach- The BTU delegation at the ing: Teaching is about generating a pas- AFT Convention in sion for learning. It’s about encouraging Washington, D.C. inquisitiveness and promoting deep understanding. Teaching is not the same as See more photos preparing someone for standardized test- on page 12. ing or measuring progress on discrete – Photo by topics, as if all learning can be quantified Michael J. Maguire and measured. Teaching is more than getting a right or wrong answer on a BTU Honors 2011 Educators of the Year Award Winners

Ruth Allukian, TechBoston Academy, School Nurse 19 years of BPS service “To say that I revere, admire, am in awe of, aspire to be just like Nurse Allukian would be an understatement. She encompases all the characteristics and qualities of not just Christopher an amazing nurse, but also a teacher, social worker, mother and beyond…” Burdman, right, of – Colleague Mildred Avenue K-8 School. Christopher Burdman, Mildred Ave. K-8 School, Grade 6 – Math & Science 10 years of BPS service “My sixth grade with Mr. Burdman was awesome and if I could rewind time I would.” – Student “When Mr. Burdman asks to see a parent it’s always a two-way conversation – he listens and never judges.” – Parent

Fernadina Chan, Boston Arts Academy, Artistic Dean/Dance Teacher 33 years of BPS service “Her passion for teaching is matched only by her love for her students, many of whom, Educator of the Year upon graduation, continue to call her Mama Chan.” – Colleague reception at the Wang Center. Isilda Colonette, Beethoven-Ohrenberger School, Grade 2 20 years of BPS service “Ms. Colonette is adored by her students, my son being one of her biggest fans…she discoveres who her students are, where their strengths lie, and their opportunities for learning. Then she puts effort into building those opportunities – guiding, encouraging, and (boosting) the child’s confidence and self-esteem…” – Parent

Kati Delahanty, Charlestown High School, English Teacher 5 years of BPS service “Any student can detect a ‘real’ teacher and Ms. Delahanty is the true definition of reality. She connects with her students. Her style of teaching has definitely helped us to make progress (and) she has transformed good writers into great writers and great analyzers.” – Student (who has gone from 104 absences last year to near perfect attendance and no grade lower than an A- this year)

Jennifer Doyle, Mary Lyon K-8 School, Grade 7 inclusion Math and Science 6 years of BPS service “…I have witnessed Jen lift not only her students, but also her colleagues. Her classroom is always open and she is always willing to lend an ear. She is a dynamic force…” – Colleague

Alison Galanter, Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, Grade 9-12 History, ELL, SPED, 4 years of BPS service “Ms. Galanter has made me a better person. If there is something about my (work) that concerns her, Ms. Galanter does not hesitate to pull me aside and discuss it with me…She makes sure that all her students are on the same level without embarrassing Fernandina the ones who might be behind.” – Student Chan, center, of the Boston Arts Caitlin Hollister, Richard J. Murphy K-8 School, Grade 3 Academy. 6 years of BPS service “Ms. Hollister stands out because of how she plans for ALL her children…(In her class), she has children with autism, some with reading comprehension disabilities, some with speech delays. Ms. Hollister doesn’t look at that student who may learn differently and judge them. She judges her methods of teaching and come up with multiple ways to teach…” – Colleague

Sheila Johnson, Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School, Grade 2 inclusion 9 years of BPS service “Ms. Johnson (is) my favorite teacher in the entire world. She taught me how to write and to do place value…I feel so confident about the things (she) taught me. Ms. Johnson should be proud of herself and maybe one day, (she will) be a famous teacher.” – Student

Sabine Pierre-Jules, Mather Elementary School, Grade 2 23 years of service “I do not think it is incorrect to say that I would not have made it through my first year of teaching without her.” – Former colleague Isilde “When I walk into her classroom, I feel inspired – just like her children.” Colonette, Beethoven- – Principal Ohrenberger School. with Ingrid Roche, Boston Latin Academy, Spanish some of her 9 years of BPS service students. “Ms. Roche is one of the most involved and deeply concerned teachers I have encountered… She regularly keeps her students as well as parents informed of assignments/projects due, grades, and most of all, extracurricular programs and activities.” – Parent

Yolande Thomas-Easterling, McKay K-8 School, Grade 1 Superintendent 25 years of BPS service Dr. Carol “Each year, every child who enters her first grade has the good fortune to experience Johnson, BTU a master teacher: the focused passionate fervor of a new teacher in combination with President the efficiencies and savvy of a well-seasoned veteran.” – Colleague Richard Stutman and School Debra Vinci, Lee Academy/Lee Elementary School, School Nurse Committee 10 years of BPS service Chair Gregory “Deb gives our complex a unifying force and draws both schools together.” Groover – Colleague reacting to the “When I bumped my head, Nurse Deb gave me ice and made me feel all better.” stories of Nurse Ruth Allukian. – Student, K0/K1

2 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 The Heart, Mind and Muscle of Education These are the remarks of AFT President the children we serve and the profession these connections—that is the heart. Randi Weingarten at the TEACH Confer- we love. And we do so with the strength The content underlying that connec- ence on July 11, 2011. that comes from solidarity, by summon- tion, the understanding we bring to it – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ing the might to advance good ideas and that’s the mind. ur work is born in the heart. We do to fight bad ones, and by reaching out to While our quality agenda has some Othis work because we care, deeply, community and growing stronger very specific proposals, everything we about children. In the words of Ralph through those bonds. have proposed is guided by four funda- Waldo Emerson, “The greatest gift is a Beyond our own hearts, our schools mental principles: portion of thyself.” That is who we are and are at the heart of the community. They’re Evidence – because evidence about what we do. not just the bricks-and-mortar structures what works, and not ideology about what What begins with the heart is given where communities come together to should work, must always be our guide; AFT President Randi Weingarten addresses shape by the mind – to make sure that we vote, or meet, or seek shelter when trag- Equity – because all children deserve the TEACH Conference. give our students the best knowledge, edy strikes. It’s the way that educators a great education; cycles and political shifts, and must outlast the most useful tools and a clear trajec- make the school a hub, bringing commu- Scalability – because we are not satis- changes in school, district and union lead- tory for success. Mind is what allows our nity members into the school and moving fied to provide that great education to ership. union to learn from experience and evi- students out into the community. The only some children in only some schools; There have been countless efforts to dence, to develop a true quality agenda bond between teacher and student forms we must provide a quality educational change education from on-high, and we for providing all children with access to the foundation for so many other bonds: opportunity to every child in every school; all know how likely that is to succeed. an excellent education. parent to teacher, teacher to school, school and We’re working with administrators and This work of the mind is buttressed by to community, and community back to Sustainability – because school im- with community partners to make sure the muscle – to fight for what is right for school. The strength and primacy of all of provement needs to withstand budget that, this time, it’s done right. We’ve taken major steps toward New Site Exposes Secret Efforts to Kill Workers’ Rights strengthening the teaching profession from within. For example, we’ve devel- non-profit investigative reporting vouchers and attacks on teacher tenure of American life and often directly benefit oped a comprehensive development and A group called the Center for Media and seniority. huge corporations. ALEC has written evaluation system for teachers, one that and Democracy has unveiled a trove of The center reports that “through the measures that limit workers’ rights, drain is about supporting, not just sorting – more than 800 “model” bills and resolu- corporate-funded American Legislative labor unions of resources for protecting providing a means of continuous improve- tions secretly voted on by corporations Exchange Council, global corporations employees, undermine consumer protec- ment that will ensure all kids are taught and politicians through the American Leg- and state politicians vote behind closed tions, attempt to funnel tax dollars to for- by the skilled and knowledgeable teach- islative Exchange Council (ALEC). The doors to try to rewrite state laws that profit corporations through privatization ers they deserve. bills and resolutions on ALEC Exposed govern your rights.” These so-called schemes, and push the “free trade” agenda But we need to do more than write include model legislation supporting model bills reach into almost every area that has shipped well-paying American standards. Now those standards need to jobs overseas. be put into effect, not sit on a shelf. Again, ALEC-written bills, which largely ben- we’re leading the way. Bill Would Undermine Support efit the organization’s corporate mem- This past May, the AFT introduced 38 bers, have been introduced in legisla- recommendations to improve the stan- for Disadvantaged Students tures in every state – but without disclo- dards rollout, with rich and meaningful sure to the public that corporations had he House Education and the who need them most. For example, fund- curriculum as the centerpiece of these previously drafted or voted on them Workforce Committee on July 13 ing intended to help English language recommendations. And we’re already T through ALEC. The corporations involved marked up H.R. 2445, the State and Local learners or low-income students could be working with national organizations, foun- spend thousands of dollars in unreported Funding Flexibility Act, an amendment redirected to schools serving less-needy dations, parent groups – even the people contributions to ALEC. to the Elementary and Secondary Educa- students. who design the assessments – to advance Before the Center for Media and De- tion Act that could have a devastating “This open-ended expansion of exist- (continued on page 9) mocracy published this collection of bills, effect on the education of disadvantaged ing flexibility, as proposed under H.R. it was difficult to trace the numerous children. 2445, could lead to districts and states controversial and extreme provisions “This bill would undermine the origi- changing their focus from closing popping up in legislatures across the coun- Phone nal purpose of the Elementary and Sec- achievement gaps to other purposes try directly to ALEC and its corporate ondary Education Act (ESEA) by dis- not related to improving the academic Numbers underwriters. The center obtained copies of mantling 45 years of legislative policy achievement of disadvantaged students. the bills after one of the thousands of people committed to ensuring that disadvantaged Helping needy students gain access to Office ...... 617-288-2000 with access shared them, and a whistle- Health & Welfare ...... 617-288-0500 children are provided a high-quality edu- a high-quality public education is a com- blower provided a copy to the center. AFT Massachusetts ...... 617-423-3342 cation that allows them to compete on the mitment and responsibility that must The Nation has a detailed story on Function Office ...... 617-288-3322 same level playing field as their more be sustained, and cannot be interrupted ALEC and its model bills. Lounge Office ...... 617-288-3322 advantaged peers,” says AFT president by arbitrary changes in focus and fund- (Submitted by Priscilla Nemeth, the Cen- Vision Center ...... 617-288-5540 Randi Weingarten. “That is why Title I, ing. ter for Media and Democracy.) Tremont Credit Union ...... 781-843-5626 the cornerstone program of ESEA, al- “We do not believe the overly broad ways has targeted resources to districts flexibility authorized under this bill would serving high concentrations of needy stu- serve the interests of the children ESEA dents and included safeguards to ensure was designed to assist. We urge Con- that those funds are spent on the chil- gress to consider the potentially harmful dren. consequences of this bill, and to stand “H.R. 2445 would end these safeguards instead with students who need ESEA’s BostonUnionTeacher and allow states and school districts to targeted assistance.” redirect funds away from the students [AFT press release] Published by the Boston Teachers Union AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO EDITORIAL NOTE: The Boston Union Teacher The opinions expressed in the Boston Union is published eleven times a year Teacher do not necessarily represent the September - July, inclusive. views of the Boston Teachers Union, or those of its members. President RICHARD F. STUTMAN WHEN WRITING: All correspondence to the Boston Union Vice President Teacher must be typewritten and include the PATRICK CONNOLLY author’s name and school or department if Secretary-Treasurer not school-based. CHARLES R. JOHNSON All articles must be appropriate to the publi- Co-Editors cation, and in good taste. MICHAEL J. MAGUIRE Letters to the Editor should be sent to GARRET VIRCHICK [email protected]. Editorial Board DEADLINE: Caren Carew The deadline for submitting articles for Angela Cristiani the next issue of the Boston Union Teacher is August 10th. Jenna Fitzgerald All copy should be e-mailed to Robert Jango [email protected] and Michael McLaughlin [email protected] Eileen Weir This deadline will be strictly adhered to. 180 Mount Vernon Street ❖ Boston, MA 02125 617-288-2000 ❖ 617-288-2463 ❖ Fax 617-288-0024 ❖ www.btu.org BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 ❖ 3 Teach. Education. Innovation.

By Angela Cristiani sage best reflected in three days of Teacher Jerry Pissani presented a ses- ing records, is- BTU Political Director TEACH workshops/activities. An entire sion on Teacher-Led Schools as an Im- sues, and allows uly 2011. Educators come together conference geared to building a solid provement Strategy. Sessions were infor- members to Jfrom across the country. Union mem- educational and grassroots infrastructure. mative and drew participants from around contact con- bers. AFT union members in Washing- No matter your “track” of choice… the country. gress. ton, DC. Acronyms. Meaningful acro- Best Practices for English Language In addition to educational workshops, What did I nyms. AFT= American Federation of Learners, Common Core State Standards, delegates were keenly aware of a build- take away most Teachers. QuEST = Quality Educational Early Childhood Education, Engaging ing a grassroots movement. A “buzz” from AFT Standards in Teaching. TEACH = To- with the Community, Ensuring Safe and different from previous conventions. The TEACH? As Angela Cristiani gether Educating America’s Children. Orderly Schools, Healthy Students use of social media as a communication technology is changing, our members Once AFT QuEST is now AFT TEACH. Healthy Schools, High School and Ado- tool was more evident than ever. Del- are quickly adapting and applying new TEACH Theme? “Making A Difference lescent Learners, Instructional Strategies, egates of all ages were using Facebook, tools adeptly and skillfully. Our profes- Everyday.” Make a difference? We do. Investigating Mathematics, Pathways to Twitter (tweeting using the hashtag sionalism remains constant with children We know we do. Literacy, Plenary Sessions, Promising #Tch11), blogging, and texting on and education our focus. It’s about com- Acronyms yes, buzz words resound as Models, Schools to Watch Special Events, smartphones and iPads. The conference munication, involvement, honing our well. They’re recognizable to all. The top Strengthening and Teaching Practice, and could be seen on the internet via live message and sharing that message. Our ones are education reform and quality Supporting Special Education stream. Plenary sessions and workshops message shapes our direction and be- teaching. Energy level is high and some- Students…each delegate was afforded felt more like conversations. Delegate comes our talking points. Our talking how all attending delegates are eager to useful information each could use in his input seemed more valued than ever. points are part of the political landscape. share, learn, and move in a direction or her respective classroom. Notable edu- Most impressive was the introduction Change is in the air. We are the teachers. that betters education, supports teach- cational innovations were exemplified by of the 2012 Elections Matter website http:/ We are the stakeholders. We are the ers, and benefits children. Randi several of our presenting BTU members. /www.aft.org/election2012/. The website movers and shakers with the ability to Weingarten said it best in her keynote Edwards Middle School Teachers Ted affords AFT members the opportunity to collectively bring positive change in diffi- speech, that “It takes a community to Chambers and Ondrea Johnston pre- find out what’s new, the legislative impact cult times. The key is solidifying our edu- educate all of our children.” sented about extended learning time and of the 2010 elections, what’s at stake in cational and grassroots infrastructure in Weingarten’s metaphor of the heart, Boston Teachers Union School Co-Lead 2012, the Presidential Candidate Biogra- conjunction with heart, mind, and muscle mind, and muscle underscored a mes- Teacher Besty Drinan and Kindergarten phies, voter registration information, vot- as one.

Know Your Rights: Caren Carew, BTU Secondary Field Representative What is considered ‘corporal punishment’ in BPS? eferring to Superintendent’s Circu- If the act can’t be construed into corporal support each other. If each one of us Some people as- R lar LGL-20, ‘Corporal Punishment’: punishment, it could be interpreted as decides to take on a small piece of what sume that be- “Corporal punishment includes but is sexual harassment. Don’t laugh - there needs to be done, there’d be a more cause they have not limited to the following: have been many BTU staff who have empowered membership, stronger com- their job back, • Slapping or hitting students found themselves in the hot-seat disci- munities in our schools, and a better the insurance is •Pulling students by their arms, shoulders, pline wise over what they honestly viewed educational environment for our kids. automatically etc. as an inconsequential or innocent act. Re- While it is sometimes difficult to stand up reinstated – this •Pushing students from one location to reading the list is a good exercise in for what we know is right, it is far more is not the case. These deadlines are hard another prevention. difficult in the long run not to have done so. and fast. Open enrollment is the win- •Forcibly causing students to sit down dow of time when you can change your •Grasping students by any body part Who determines when Parent As an itinerate teacher, do I type of health insurance plan, or sign up Staff may restrain students only in order Open-Houses are held? get a desk? for the first time if you’ve missed another to protect students, other persons or them- deadline. This period is held annually for The BTU contract states, “Teachers Yes, the contract language mandates, selves from an assault and may only use 5 weeks in April and the first week of May. will be available to attend 2 evening par- “All teachers shall have an exclusive work- such force as is reasonably necessary to Those wanting to partake in open ent-teacher meetings during the school year. ing desk in one of the rooms that they use.” repel such an attack. Violation of the policy reenrollment must contact Group Health Such meetings shall be planned by the If you are a teacher who must travel and law will result in disciplinary mea- Insurance at City Hall. If a teacher takes a building administrator in cooperation with between rooms, in at least one of the sures and may result in the filing of abuse leave of absence and decides to let their the faculty senate and the parent council rooms you teach in, you must be provided and/or criminal charges.” The circular insurance lapse during their leave, they with one month’s advance notice. Such with a desk that is yours alone in good states, “…the use of corporal punishment must sign up to reinstate their health meetings shall not be scheduled to exceed 2 repair for your exclusive use. If this is not is strictly forbidden by BPS Committee insurance during the spring open-enroll- hours each. Adequate security will be pro- the case, please grieve it immediately. policy as well as by Massachusetts State ment period prior to their return in the vided by the School Department.” Health Insurance – when do new teach- Law G.L.c. 71. [37G].” fall. They will have to pay premiums out of Each school is strongly encouraged to ers sign up, when can we change our This information may seem self-ex- pocket beginning on July 1 - September 1 have an active faculty senate. However, if plans, what if someone gets rehired or planatory, but we all should be mindful of after which time; deductions will be taken that is not the case, the faculty still must returns from an unpaid leave…? the moments in the hallway when a chal- from their paychecks. Their insurance have a month’s advance notice of the City of Boston Employees join health lenging student isn’t moving in the direc- will take effect July 1 as a result. During meetings. No teacher can be compelled plans by contacting the Health Benefits tion so told, isn’t sitting down after re- the year if a teacher gets married/di- to attend longer than 2 hours, twice a and Insurance Division (Group In- peated requests to do so, is behaving in a vorced, has a baby, or the spouse who year. surance) located on the 8th floor of manner that is confrontational or overly carried the health insurance for the BPS Must elections be held for BTU Build- Boston City Hall, telephone 617-635- playful, will not extricate themselves from teacher loses their job, then the BPS ing Reps and/or School Site Council 4570. New hires have 60 calendar days a potentially volatile situation, etc. It is in teacher has 30 calendar days to notify and Members if the # of candidates running is from the time they are hired in order to these moments that our intellectual fil- submit proof to Group Insurance of this equal to/less than that allocated? sign up for health insurance. Provisional ters can slip and exasperation or despera- event in order to qualify for the change to Yes, according to the BTU by-laws, or permanent teachers, who were laid off tion can rear its ugly head resulting in a be made in their health insurance coverage. elections must be held. Running elec- and then recalled/rehired, must contact momentary lapse which in some cases tions allows for write in candidates pro- Group Insurance within 60 days of being United we stand – divided we beg. can result in ruining one’s career. Even if moting increased participation and ca- rehired from lay off in order to reenroll. Let’s stand together! BTUnity! there have been no repercussions for pacity building within our union. Many previously putting one’s hands on a stu- times in buildings with long time BTU dent, it is just a matter of time that there Reps, people assume it’s pointless to run will be. When in doubt, do not touch at all. Does someone you know even if interested because it is unlikely they’d win. Even if that likelihood is the work at a charter school? case, getting their name out there allows AFT Massachusetts needs your help reaching out to employees of for increased interest in the positions on Massachusetts charter schools in order to share with them the ballot as well as for future elections, important information regarding: committees, etc. It is in the membership’s ☛ A voice in decision making best interest to have more people being ☛ Quality professional development opportunities mentored to familiarize themselves with ☛ a variety of roles for teacher leadership in Job security schools and within the BTU. Without ☛ Competitive salaries and benefits active participation, rights and benefits ☛ Classroom resources we have long fought for will steadily erode. We cannot sit back and rely on someone For more information, contact Dan Justice at else to stand up in our stead. We all must [email protected] or call 802-324-5886. do our collective part in order to remain AFT National Representative Glenn Scott Learn more about AFT’s Alliance of Charter came to Boston to help organize charter strong. We can only be divided and con- Teachers and Staff by visiting: www.aftacts.org schools. quered or isolated and bullied if we don’t 4 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 We’re Learning Here A project by Amika Kemmler Ernst, Ed.D. Another Course to College (ACC) is a small pilot school in Brighton with approximately 200 students in grades 9-12. It has a rigorous college preparatory focus with few electives and “more reading and writing assigned than any other high school” in BPS. Almost a quarter of its students have special needs, but ACC’s 1:13 staff to student ratio and 3 hrs/day of after school homework support helps these young people succeed academically. The school’s low drop out rate (7.4% in SY 2008-09) is also significant.

The language arts curriculum certainly includes impressive traditional literature; I enjoyed listening in on discussions of Candide, The Odyssey, and The Great Gatsby during my visit. After each student shared his or her perspective, others responded with their own ideas. Math teacher Jerry Howland says that what he likes best about his school is the “level of thinking” demanded of students, showing me an ambitious syllabus posted outside the AP English classroom.

When I asked about a class full of only girls, Headmaster Lisa Gilbert-Smith explained that they had been experimenting with same-sex classrooms for their ninth (now tenth) grade students ~ with mixed results. We know there are no “easy answers” to closing the achievement gap, but clearly a combination of high expectations and We were listening to Mr. Foy during a class discussion of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott substantial personal support can make a difference. Kudos to ACC for their efforts in Fitzgerald. We’ve learned that novels present a snapshot of the times. If aspects of reality are taken away (such as changing the word “nigger” to “slave” in Huckleberry Finn) it’s like this direction! a robbery of our history. 11th Graders Jonathan Kotomori, Sashawn Sutton, & Angelique Johnson

We were listening to a discussion of Candide in our AP English class. Sitting in a circle creates an academic atmosphere. Mr. Comeau helps us go deeper in our analysis and understanding of our readings. An important thing we’ve learned from this text is that the line “cultivate your own garden” means to do your part in this world instead of trying to change the whole world. I was taking a quiz in pre-calculus. In this Dario Hernandez, with 12th grade classmates class I’ve learned how to solve logarithms Jasmine Cespedes, Maureen Jimenez, Darnell Normil & Colin Redd and much more! Bruce Bolling, Jr., Grade 11 This was in English class and I was reviewing Candide to find a counter-argument to one of my classmate’s points. I’ve learned how to analyze a book and to compare it to real life. Rachael Delorme, Grade 12

We were working together on a basketball project. We’ve learned Newton’s First Law, which explains that inertia makes Kevin Garnett stay in motion with the ball. 10th graders Adrian Reyes & Deaundria Killings, with Ashlee Nemrod & Emmanuel Merlain in the background I was in world history class and we were talking about Ancient Greece. The most interest- ing thing I’ve learned is that our government is built on Greek ideas of democracy. Rucely Rodriguez, 11th Grade

Ms. King was checking our calculus homework. It’s hard! We’ve learned that derivatives are the slope of a function. We’ve also learned that side conversations make it We were talking about The Odyssey. We’ve impossible to participate in the class discussion. learned how to annotate text, take notes, and Susan Sisoutthichack & Zhao Chen, Grade 12 use critical thinking to look for more than one simple answer to a question. (Amika Kemmler Ernst is a recently retired BPS New Teacher Demetri Bryant Marshall, Developer with extensive experience as a classroom Lamar Dowman, & teacher, curriculum developer, and graphic artist. Her Tykwan Boswell, Grade 10 “We’re Learning Here” Project features images of everyday learning in our public schools, along with the words of the students pictured. )

BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 ❖ 5 Visual Arts Teacher Presents Student Work At Exhibition taught at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School this school year. The school’s population is 60% Asian and 40% a mixture of Caucasian, African-Ameri- Ican, Caribbean and African. I taught 338 students, in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Students in my class learn the fundamentals of art, and this exhibition is a testament to their hard work. To facilitate my teaching, I collaborated with classroom teachers in projects related to math, science, and history. Most of my students were ESL and SEI students. Their art is a testament to how much their visual and verbal expression improved from the beginning of the school year. Since the visual arts are essential to improving students’ aptitude in reading, writing, and math, I will continue to advocate for a student’s right learn the visual arts as a part of their core curriculum. – Submitted by Gilda Sharpe-Etteh

6 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 Class of 2011 Perry School 8th grade graduates donating checks for $500 each to the Jimmy Fund and to the BTU for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk with Perry teacher class advisors Michelle Woods & Richard Squillante and BTU Rep Caren Carew. Perry School Sharks Take a Bite Out of Cancer by Caren Carew what they intended to do with the money he Perry K-8 School’s Eighth grade raised, at their 8th grade graduation cer- Tclass spent the year as graduating emony. The only people who knew prior classes prior to them have done, conduct- to graduation were teachers Richard ing fundraisers in order to be able to go on Squillante and Michelle Woods. Richie an end of the year class trip to Thompsons’ called me the night prior to graduation to Island or an amusement park - the last ask if I could attend graduation as a repre- hurrah at their school as a group prior to sentative of the BTU to accept the ‘check’ for disbanding to attend different high $500 for the “Making Strides” charity and I schools in the fall. The Perry is a K1 - 8 was delighted to do so. Representatives school with approximately 240 students from the “Jimmy Fund” visited the school in South Boston with a strong focus on the week following graduation to accept science. By the time they graduate, kids their $500 donation from the graduates. know each other very well - like family. Graduation day was a warm and sunny The Oliver Hazard Perry School’s one. The Perry’s auditorium and balcony eighth grade class of 2011 wanted to do were full of proud parents, family mem- something different – they just didn’t know bers, friends, students and teachers. The what. During the year, the class of 22 Bruins were in the playoffs and there was eighth graders kept meeting but couldn’t a black and gold presence in the hall as a quite decide what event they wanted to do result with folks sporting support for the as a culminating end of the year activity. B’s as well as their best duds for their To raise money, they held 3 fundraisers graduates. Smiles, video and cell phone including raffling off “Patriots gear”, Yan- cameras shot as the 8th graders filed in kee Candles, and ran a pie sale. Teachers and up the steps to be seated on the stage Richard Squillante, Michelle Woods dressed in royal blue caps and gowns. and Doreen McCarthy assisted the stu- The school Principal did not know what dents in carrying out these endeavors. the surprise was that the students had in One day during lunch, one of the eighth mind as the ceremonial events unfolded. graders, Justin Roman, asked if the Once students received their diplo- class could give the money to charity mas, two students made the announce- instead of going on a class trip. The kids ment that they were donating the $1,000 were excited about that idea and then they’d raised as a class to charity. Any discussed what charity to donate to. student who wanted to present the check In the fall of 2010, about 25 folks at the was allowed to step forward while on Perry made up of students and staff, de- stage to do so. The ‘checks’ were repre- cided to participate in the “Making Strides” sented by large cardboard replicas made walk against breast cancer just prior to and signed by the graduating seniors. the event because their K2 teacher, It was a very proud moment for me to Catherine Flores was diagnosed with accept the ‘check’ from the students on breast cancer that September. It didn’t behalf of the BTU. To see students who take very long for the school community could have easily spent the money they to notice she was missing every Monday raised on a fun filled activity benefitting due to her treatments and then had to go themselves, donating it instead to two on a medical leave of absence. The school charities benefitting others was heart - team’s logo is the Perry Sharks and they warming. Students who have seen the walked in the “Making Strides” march aftermath of Katrina and other enormous wearing their bright green shirts with catastrophic events as well as personal purple lettering which stated, “Perry catastrophic events occurring to people Sharks Taking a Bite out Of Cancer.” they know and love in their school, fam- Just prior to the 2011 graduation after ily, or community and have decided to much debate, the eighth graders decided pay it forward, is an example we all can to donate the $1,000 raised by them for an learn from and hopefully replicate in our end of the year event, to two charities. own personal and school communities. They discussed what charities to donate Social justice is not just a concept, it is a to and the consensus was to split the way of life exemplified by acts such as money evenly between “Making Strides those modeled by the students at the Against Breast Cancer” and the “Jimmy Perry. Small individual steps add up Fund”. No previous graduating 8th grade within each and every one of us, shak- class at the Perry had ever fundraised for ing us up out of inertia and analysis pa- an event before. ralysis into action. Hope follows and is a At the last minute the students agreed very powerful lesson on which to scaffold. to make a surprise announcement about The Perry Sharks team is planning to participate in the upcom- ing “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk. Their site is main.acsevents.org/goto/ perrysharks. The morning of the Perry 2011 graduation as Ms. Flores was told about the donation to “Making Strides”, she responded full of emo- tion and is currently cancer free.

BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 ❖ 7 Widening the Curriculum: Students at the BTU School Learn Research Skills and Present Demands to Nutritional Services eventh graders have a lot to Gleason of the BTU School Governing really mushy,” said student Deidra S say about school lunch, and Board, were also in attendance. Eyma upon learning that it wasn’t pos- considerably more after their After identifying the problems that sible to prepare meals on-site. With this Youth Participatory Action Re- “school food is not good” and “Blacks obstacle in mind, some of their ques- search Project on school food. and Latinos are more affected by health tions and research had to be reworked. On Monday, June 20th, students problems,” students developed ques- Students compiled their findings and in Riana Good’s Spanish class tions including, “why are the portions demands into a bilingual PowerPoint at the Boston Teachers Union the size they are?,” “who decides what presentation, predominantly in Span- School (BTU School) presented is served?” and “is school food actually ish, and this bilingual video, predomi- their findings and recommen- healthy?” To dations for change in school food answer these based on their surveys, inter- questions, views and research. Attendees their methods included Interim Director of BPS included inter- Food and Nutrition Services views with caf- Shamil Mohammed, City eteria work- Councilor Felix Arroyo, Aliza ers, interviews Wasserman of the Boston Pub- with members lic Health Commission, Kim of food ser- Szeto of Farm to School, Daren vices, Internet Graves of Simmons College and research, view- cafeteria worker Raquel ing the film DeJesus. Berta Berriz, Betsy What’s On Our Nelson Lara and classmates make their own corn torti- Drinan, Melanie Allen, and Plates, surveys llas from scratch after learning about food of the Ameri- David Weinstein, all of the BTU of other stu- cas. – Photos by Riana Good School, as well as Sonia Caus dents, and vis- its from Laura Zientek of Haley House, Tatianna Montanez of Sociedad Lat- ina, Charlie Radosovich of Truck-Farm, and Jahlisa Rawles of UMass Bos- Lamonte Bond and Ruben Rodriguez make a strawberry yogurt smoothie ton. Students after learning that fast food smoothies contain over 50 ingredients, but no Brittany Har- actual strawberries. ris and Ray Crespo attended a school food-tasting nantly in English, with the support of event at Madison Park High School to Michael Cermak of Environmental Jus- weigh-in on which food-service-manage- tice Media. The project addressed differ- ment company would be selected during skill-levels and interests throughout. ing the current bidding process. Students who are fluent and near-fluent Because the BTU School has a satel- interviewed the Spanish-speaking cafete- lite kitchen without a sink or stove or ria workers and other invited guests in ovens, prepackaged food is shipped Spanish, while other students gathered from Pennsylvania and reheated. “No data by administering simple surveys in Elizabeth Eugene uses Spanish to interview first grade students about their school food wonder it’s always cold in the middle or Spanish to the younger grades. Some preferences. students did additional research in Span- ish, while others are gathering background information in English. To address their varying interests, students chose to work on data analysis, visual art, or PowerPoint and video-creation. At the presentation’s conclusion, students questioned the uniform portion size at K-8 schools and proposed changes to the cafeteria décor. Shamil Mohammed, Interim Director of Food and Nutrition Services for BPS, acknowl- edged that elementary and middle school students are supposed to get different portion sizes, but that this doesn’t happen in K-8 schools. As a result of the students’ request, he committed to institute a change in portion sizes. Betsy Drinan, Co-Teacher Leader of the BTU School’s Upper School, said that purchasing curtains and decorating the walls of the cafeteria was an issue the Student Council could take on in the fall. “We did it! They actually listened to us,” said student Zacary Rivera. While students still see school food as decent at best, and are aware of health disparities beyond the scope of their project, both of their primary demands were agreed to, and will improve their school dining experience. (Submitted by Spanish Teacher Riana Good of the BTU School.) 8 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 Commentary: Garret Virchick Summer Musings on the Train hhhhhhh...Summer! On my way back Academy in my hometown of Newark, schools, innovation schools, private this school choice? A from Washington, DC, where I at- NJ. It makes me proud to be a union schools, catholic schools, etc. Why all Gary Orfield of the tended this year’s AFT TEACH profes- teacher to see that teacher led schools are this effort if we all just want good schools? Civil Rights sional development conference, I decided proving that educating the whole child I had an opportunity at AFT TEACH to Project has shown to take a train. Yes it takes longer than a can improve the academic performance hear a presentation about the Finnish how this so called plane (it’s nice to have the time). And yes of urban children. The BTU school, after system of education. Finland consistently choice has made (to my astonishment) it costs more as only 2 years, has outperformed the aver- ranks at the top when it comes to student schools more seg- Garret Virchick well. But there is something about trav- age Boston school that has succumbed to performance. Set aside the fact that stu- regated than eling up the eastern seaboard, looking a narrowing of the curriculum in pursuit dents actually attend school LESS than they’ve ever been. Methinks Mr. out the window, and watching the con- of higher test scores. I hope this makes their American counterparts. Forget that Randolph would be marching in Wash- ductor as he punches the tickets that others begin to question the current Finland has 100% union representation ington again, this time with the Save inspires. So I got out my laptop and started dogma in education. for their teaching force. In Finland there Our Schools March on July 30th. to type. People seem nicer on a train, helping are NO private schools. ALL students Pulling into South Station my trip The relaxed ride up the coast makes each other with bags as each stop leaves attend unionized public schools. Our sys- from DC is complete. Invigorated from me wonder why so many people’s lives off some and takes on others. It would be tem of schools competing with each other my time at the conference I’m looking are just the opposite. Americans work nice if the foundations that control too is anathema to the Finns who value their forward to the rest of the summer. Some longer with less down time than almost much of our education dollars would re- system, where cooperation is key to edu- of that time will be relaxation (we all any other industrialized nation. For 40 ward the good work of the BTU school by cating ALL its students. In this age of free deserve a little of that). And some of it years profits have gone steadily up while helping with a healthy grant. But the market dogma it seems that ideology will mean more organizing. This week I wages after inflation have stayed pretty word seems to be that the “union tag” is wins out once again. will join other teachers and educators at much the same. Shouldn’t the wealth in keeping them away. The data shows their There was a time in this country when a barbecue for a showing of a new film this country be used to make all people’s success. But it seems that ideology trumps trains were segregated and the Pullman called The Inconvenient Truth About lives better? Why are so many, if they data. So much for putting kids first and company used racial divisions to divide Waiting For Superman. And next week can even find a job, forced to try and find providing resources to schools that do workers. As the train pulls into Penn I will join other teachers and supporters 2 just to get by? It shouldn’t have to be right by them. Station, NY I am reminded of the great of public education at the Save Our like this. Planes, trains, automobiles. I suppose labor and civil rights leader A. Philip Schools March back in DC. I will be As the train rumbles down the track I the different choices I had for travel is a Randolph. Not only was he instrumental flying in and out for that. It won’t be as was thinking about one of the workshops good thing. But I’m not sure if all the in organizing the Brotherhood of Sleep- much fun as traveling the rails. So maybe I attended at AFT TEACH. The session choices parents have for schools is equally ing Car Porters but he also was instru- I’ll leave the laptop closed and just take highlighted the great work that is being good. Traditional schools, charter schools, mental in the historic 1963 March On a nap. After all...it’s SUMMER! done at the BTU Union School and BRICK pilot schools, Horace Mann charter Washington. What would he think of all The Heart, Mind and Muscle of Education… (continued from page 3) these recommendations. ing public schools and public educators, world, the goal is for teachers to para- profession. Through the AFT Innovation Fund, putting ideology over effectiveness, and chute in for a couple of years, work to the Give them credit for being consistent. our members are doing some of the most experimenting without regard to evi- point of burnout, and then go on with They don’t just want “bad” teachers to progressive thinking on implementing dence. And that must stop. their lives elsewhere. leave. They want most teachers to leave. the standards. For example, at the The problem with all of these experi- Look, I’m not advocating for a bygone It’s time to stop talking about the im- Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in ments is that our children are not lab rats. era, when most people took a job and kept portance of teacher quality. It’s time to Boston, Ted Chambers and his col- This is not about navigating through a it for life. But how many of you are better start building a high-quality education leagues are developing lesson plans that maze. It’s about navigating through life. teachers now than you were on your first system by cultivating high-quality educa- are aligned with the Common Core stan- And we have to help them do that. day? Better in your third year than you tors—from excellent teacher colleges, dards and are available online, free, for all That is why the AFT has put forward were in your first? Beyond the represen- with ample clinical experience, focused to use. this powerful quality agenda. And that is tative sample that I’ve just surveyed, a induction, and ongoing professional sup- And as we focus on quality, we’re learn- why you are all here – on your own time whole lot of other evidence backs this up. port throughout a teacher’s career, in an ing from the success of others. Many and, in many cases, your own dime – to In a field where everyone quarrels environment that fosters respect. Yet, the people talk about American exceptional- learn about new ways to enhance quality about everything, no one quarrels with itinerant worker model takes the United ism. America is an exceptional country. in your classrooms. the finding that teachers gain effective- States in the exact opposite direction. But American exceptionalism doesn’t jus- But, without muscle behind it, no ness over their first five years of teaching. Again, it costs a lot of dollars – and it’s tify American exemption from what works agenda will ever lead to a new reality. And the newest research goes even fur- totally centsless. elsewhere in the world. Why would we A quality agenda unites educators and ther – showing that teachers improve We know the realities we must change, deny American children the best ideas the broader community. The current dis- throughout their careers. The bottom and it will require muscle to do that: the world has to offer? cussion around education has been hi- line: Too many teachers are leaving be- Muscle to take back education from the Take Finland. Teacher training is de- jacked by a group of self-styled “reform- fore they get really good at their jobs. people who would lay all responsibility at manding, rigorous and extensive, with ers” who believe that public education in Unless we move teaching from a ser- the foot of the teacher. Muscle to ensure ample clinical experience. Finnish teach- America should consist of islands of ex- vice project to a sustainable profession, it that your voice is heard and our quality ers are esteemed and are compensated cellence staffed by passers-through, in- will exact a huge cost on our schools, our agenda moves forward. Muscle to ensure fairly, and their training is fully paid for by stead of dynamic school systems staffed children’s achievement and our progress that public education remains the defin- the government. And they’re virtually 100 by professionals. Islands versus systems. as a nation. The price tag for this churn is ing characteristic and crowning achieve- percent unionized, as teachers are in most Passers-through versus professionals. $7.3 billion a year, because this drop-in, ment of our democracy. That has been of the top-performing countries. Let’s really look at what these two differ- sink-or-swim model puts American our goal for as long as we’ve been a union. Look, I know America isn’t Finland. It ent views mean in practice. schools in a constant and costly cycle of We’ve never given up on our kids, and we doesn’t take a breakfast of herring to Let me start with the first distinction: recruiting, hiring, inducting and training. never will. realize that. But even though we’re not islands versus systems. We have all seen High-performing countries are So, brothers and sisters, it’s time. It’s them, we can learn from them. After all, – and many of us are lucky enough to shocked at the turnover in American pub- time to stop talking about the importance they readily admit that they learned from work in – extraordinary schools, schools lic schools. It is shocking: One-third of of teacher quality. It’s time to start build- us. But they took the best ideas, scaled that demonstrate what can be accom- new teachers leave teaching within the ing a high-quality education system by them up, supported and sustained them. plished when students take advantage of first three years, and nearly half leave the cultivating high-quality educators— I can’t talk about the international com- great teaching, complete with the re- profession within five years of being hired. whether from excellent teacher colleges parisons without noting how the so-called sources, services and support they need. Is there any other profession you could or even alternative routes – with ample reformers have distorted them: They use Some of these schools, charters included, say this about? Can you imagine if half of clinical experience, focused induction, and international comparisons to denigrate achieve their success by cherry-picking all physicians left the profession after five ongoing professional support through- American schools. But they ignore their students and soliciting outside funding. years? Airline pilots? Engineers? out a teacher’s career, in an environment lessons. Worse, they pursue policies that Their success should be celebrated. But In many ways, the passers-through that fosters respect. are completely antithetical to the suc- simply dotting the landscape with schools crowd wants that churn. They believe the After all, the heart is the strongest cessful strategies used in high-achieving like these will inevitably leave many chil- only way of getting the brightest young muscle of all. countries. It just doesn’t make sense. dren out. One or two or even two dozen professionals into the classroom is for a The heart to care. The mind to lead. While other countries were setting a schools like these is still an island chain of brief, temporary stay. The muscle to make a difference every course, one that was supported by invest- individual schools. That approach is, at its core, disdainful day. That will be a worthy – and notewor- ment and political will, what was the United We believe in strengthening school of the profession and the people who have thy – body of work. And when we use States doing? A series of stop-start experi- systems, not as systems where one size dedicated their lives to this calling. It’s them in concert, we’ll be able to improve ments: Stop-start on curriculum. Stop- fits all, but as systems that work for all. based on the assumption that we can’t the quality of teaching, the profession of start on standards. Experimenting with And this gets to the second distinction recruit the best, can’t develop the best, teaching, the esteem in which teaching is vouchers, merit pay, tour-of-duty teach- between world views. In our opponents’ and can’t keep the best – and that there is held, and more important than all of those, ing, and the latest experiment – Race to view, teachers are, in effect, an itinerant not sufficient will to create the conditions the vitality of our communities, the lives the Top. And many have started denigrat- sweatshop workforce. In their view of the to make teaching a respected, supported of our children and the life of our nation. BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 ❖ 9 Commentary: Jerry Pisani Appreciation of the Union’s Educational Efforts resenting at the AFT TEACH 2011 clear to me that every individual present the country sharing experi- Pthis June was an eye-opening experi- had “the heart, the mind and the muscle” ences, offering solutions and ence. It was my first time attending an to tackle the situations we all face every day. providing feedback. From educational conference. While there were I was surprised by the impact of the the perspective of a partici- many take-aways from the various work- workshops I attended. I expected to walk pant, there were stories and shops, there is one experience that will in, sit down, leave with some hand outs, experiences to share, com- stay with me throughout my career. In think about how I could used what I’d mon goals and challenges her opening remarks at the conference, learned in my class and report back to my and great ideas to learn from. AFT President Randi Weingarten spoke school. I left with a much deeper under- From the perspective of a about “the heart, the mind and muscle” standing of the mission of the Union. I presenter I really believed I that it takes to establish a great education have always appreciated the union and was being heard and appre- for our students. the negotiating and support structures ciated. This is what the Union We spent three days diving into school- that they provide for each of us as employ- does for us every day. They wide issues, tackling classroom chal- ees. Now I have a firsthand account of listen, support and help us lenges and finding ways to strengthen how the Union is behind us as teachers. grow. our communities. As a first time delegate What I hadn’t had a chance to witness If you’ve never partici- to the conference I also had the unique prior to attending TEACH is that the pated in an even like this, I opportunity to be a presenter. The Ameri- union has the “the heart, the mind and suggest you do as soon as can Federation Teachers reached out to muscle” to do for us, what we do for our you get the chance. I have a the Boston Teachers Union School to students on a daily basis. new found appreciation for Jerry Pisani lead a talk that focused on teacher-lead During the three days at TEACH, the the team that supports me. schools and partnered us with school message being sent was that the union As teachers it’s easy to slip into the world together the heart, the mind and muscle leaders with from the BRICK Avon Acad- stands for far more than contract negotia- of our classrooms. We may not individu- only grow stronger. emy in Newark, NJ. At the heart of every- tions and benefits packages. I was treated ally know in how many ways the Union is (Jerry Pisani teaches at the Boston thing we did in those three days it was to an environment of peers from around working in our favor, but when we get Teachers Union School.) BTU Retired Teachers Chapter News RTC Executive Board Minutes, May 2, 2011 Members present: Anne-Marie ceived their flyers after sign-up dates. House approved the bill at 11 p.m. last Report Accepted. Adduci; Anne Broder, Treasurer; Sandy The Long Island trip was canceled; there Tuesday after almost no floor debate. Membership: We have about 2785 Carle; Mary Cahalane; Larry Connolly; were 7 or 8 requests for the trip after they Labor leaders have vowed to fight the members. Report Accepted. Dave Donovan, Chairman; Phil Fasano; were forced to cancel. Response to the plan in the Senate, where we have more Election: Co-Chair stressed the im- Eileen Ganley; Donna Cooley-Hilton; Portland, Maine, trip has been slow and a powerful friends and where President portance of voting on June 1. Ruthanne Kennedy; Marilyn Marion, Sec- determination whether this trip is a go Therese Murray has signaled she will New Business: Phil Fasano was unani- retary; Leonard Miraglia, Vice Chairman; will be made after today’s mail comes in. offer a more union-friendly bill. Ultimately, mously appointed chair of the Awards Mary Jo Murphy and Paul Tenney. Yankee will make a decision today about the bill will be hashed out in negotiations Committee. Excused: Bonnie Mitten, Linda the trip to Brandywine Valley as well. So between Murray, DeLeo and Governor Motion was made to send Marie McNamee and Marie Broderick. far, the June day trip to Wolfeboro, New Deval Patrick. Report Accepted. Broderick an Edible Arrangement. Chairman began the meeting at 10:15 Hampshire, is still scheduled. Data Processing: Jonathan, the IT Meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm. am. A trip is planned with Collette for No- person, the chairman and Paul are work- Respectfully submitted, vember 13-20 to New Orleans, Memphis ing to get more computers and looking Marilyn F. Marion, Secretary OFFICERS and Nashville. In order to show the four into having workshops on computer skills. Secretary’s Report: April minutes trips (1 for 2011 and 3 for 2012), they have were read and accepted. planned a travelogue presented by Pam Treasurer: Deposits made and certifi- Strand, the district manager for Collette, INFORMATION FOR NEW RETIREES th cates will be renewed. on Thursday, October 13 from 10:00 am When you retire, you are no longer a member of the Chairman: Chairman received sev- to 12:00 noon in Rooms A & B. No Euro- Union because you no longer pay dues. And, you eral calls regarding Blue Cross and Blue pean trips with Collette are planned. Re- are no longer a member of the Health and Shield Master Medical Plan that will no port Accepted. longer be available effective December Benefits: Chair stated that he will be Welfare Fund, which means you no longer have 31. Gene Pastore said that those affected conducting a utilization analysis and a full dental coverage and eyeglass coverage. will receive a letter to explain the change. report will be given at the next meeting. If you wish to continue your connection to the Data processing is improved. Chairman Report Accepted. Union, you can join the Retired Teachers Chapter received many congratulatory remarks Remembrance: No deaths – Report (RTC). The dues will be taken from your retirement on the website. Accepted. check each month ($5 for teachers, $2.50 for paras). Meeting went into Executive Session Scholarship: 9 Applications were re- at 10:30 am. ceived. Committee will meet to make a The RTC offers a dental insurance benefit to its members for a fee each Executive Session was closed at 11:00 decision on which of the applicants will month. Our Dental Plan covers members only and their spouse. You can am. receive the scholarships. Report Ac- also avail yourself of COBRA coverage through Health and Welfare for 18 Chairman’s report continued: The cepted. months after retiring. For info on COBRA, call 1-617-288-0500. change in the insurance agreement with Social: Menu is being planned for the FILL IN THE COUPON AND RETURN TO THE RTC TO RECEIVE A the City was discussed. Information will th June 7 luncheon. Report Accepted. PACKET OF INFORMATION ON THE RTC, Hopefully, after reading the be given to the membership via mail Legislative: Health insurance is an regarding this change. Report Accepted. important benefit that we need to keep a info, you will fill in the blue card and return it to us. Vice Chairman: Delta applications watch on and monitor the changes pro- (Eileen Ganley is RTC Membership Chairperson.) were slow at the end of April. We have posed. The City had come to an agree- 1,473 members. It was suggested that a ment with the unions; but as of this date, Complete the information below and we will send you the application form. letter be sent to the members to only join it is in limbo because of the legislation on Name ______Delta as part of the RTC as some mem- Beacon Hill. The Speaker’s legislation, bers were under the impression that they which would affect all of us, would give Address ______should join through Delta direct. It was the City the option to unilaterally set- City/Town/State/Zip ______also suggested that Delta be sent a letter copayments and deductibles for us after a Email ______in this regard. Report Accepted. 30-day discussion period with the union. Telephone ______Travel: Co-chair Ruthanne ran a very We would have to be offered a plan that is successful trip to Foxwoods on Wednes- at least as good as state employee cover- Circle your previous position: Teacher Paraprofessional day, April 27th. A great time was had by all. age. Bargaining over the share of premi- Send this form to: BTU-RTC, 180 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 Due to the mail delay, people have re- ums to be paid would still be allowed. The 10 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 The White House The Christopher Columbus Statue in front of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station

The Library of Congress

The United States Supreme Court Building

Waving o’er the land of the free

The Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol Building

Scenes from around Washington, The Washington Nationals D.C. mascot rallies the fans Photos by Michael J. Maguire

The U.S. Capitol Building, west view, showcasing the Senate side

The Washington Monument BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011 ❖ 11 Q – Who’s thrilled to attend summer workshops?

Betsy Drinan and Jerry Pisani, both of the BTU Pilot School.

Sherry Pedone and Gayle Marrow, both of Mildred Avenue MS.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-Washington, D.C.), whose mother was a teacher spoke to the AFT Convention Garret Virchick of Brighton HS with Occupational Therapists delegates. Maritza Agrait and Marjorie Crosby. Michael Crain, Career & Technical Education and John Enright of Madison Park TVHS.

Homework knows no vacation. BTU at the AFT Convention in Washington, D.C. Photos by Michael J. Maguire

Jill Duckowney and Sandra Baler-Segal, Happy conventioneers. both retired. 12 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2011