MTA recommends Representative Mike Capuano for U.S. Senate ‘A champion of public education’ — See pages 4 and 7
A publication of the Massachusetts Teachers Association Volume 40, No. 2/October-November-December 2009 #1 – AGAIN! State keeps top spot on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ Request for Proposals MTA 2010 Summer Conference the mta will hold its 2010 summer conference at Williams College in Williamstown from Sunday, August 8, through Thursday, August 12.
Pre-conference workshops will commence Each presenter submitting a proposal should state on Sunday and will be limited to Emerging how the workshop will apply to the curriculum for 20 use in the classroom. MTA Summer Leaders, New Presidents, Experienced All proposals must be submitted electronically, Presidents and New Members. Conference along with logistical requests. For further details The MTA is seeking proposals in the following and to access the Request for Proposals forms, general categories: go to: www.massteacher.org/rfps w Building Stronger Locals — Bargaining, Representation, Leadership Development Proposals must be received by and Organizing January 8 to be considered. w The Professional Educator: Education Policy and Instructional Practice Submit your proposal online at: w Personal Growth and Lifestyle Enhancement 10 www.massteacher.org/rfps
MTA’s Mission Statement On the cover The Massachusetts Teachers Association is in this issue a member-driven organization, governed Massachusetts students are BESE members focus on key issues 3 by democratic principles, that accepts ranked first once again on “The Editorial: Many reasons to like Mike Capuano 4 Nation’s Report Card.” Their and supports the interdependence of Letters to the editor 4 performance points to the A reminder on MTA Today delivery choice 4 professionalism and unionism. The MTA success of Bay State is again #1 on ‘The Nation’s Report Card’ 5 promotes the use of its members’ collective collaborative Report reveals charter schools’ exclusionary practices 6 power to advance their professional and MTA recommends Capuano for U.S. Senate seat 7 efforts such MTA members join AFT colleagues for QuEST event 7 economic interests. The MTA is committed as those at MTA wins key changes in education bill 8 to human and civil rights and advocates for the Arthur MTA partnerships inspire students to succeed 9 quality public education in an environment T. Talmadge New fund promotes single-payer health care 9 SEAM conference builds skills, confidence 10 in which lifelong learning and innovation Elementary Schools and colleges fight spread of flu 11 flourish. School in Just for New Teachers event to be held December 4 12 Springfield, Gathering boosts retiree liaison effort 13 where MTA President Retirees honor ‘incredibly involved’ contest winner 13 fifth grade Higher ed conference to spotlight important issues 14 Anne Wass teacher Higher ed contracts at various stages in process 14 MTA Vice President Ethics training required for municipal employees 14 Sandi Rovelli is shown giving Paul Toner EMAC event seeks to build ‘a stronger union’ 15 a high-five to student Haley MTA retirees press case for fairness on COLAs 16 Executive Director-Treasurer Leger-Hurst. Rovelli believes that NEA Minority Leadership Training event held in Boston 17 David A. Borer high expectations and teamwork Push to repeal offsets continues in Congress 17 Communications Director/Editor are crucial for inspiring students Review of insurance coverage a good idea 19 James Sacks to learn. For coverage, please Regional retirement consultations available 20 see page 5. Meanwhile, on Nomination papers available from MTA 21 Staff Assistant Resolutions Committee accepting proposals 21 Janice Morrissey the political front, the MTA is Delegate nomination form 22 recommending Representative Publisher RA delegates to be elected by mail 23 Mike Capuano for the U.S. David A. Borer Regional ethnic minority delegates to be chosen 23 Senate. For more information, Bylaws and Rules Committee accepting proposals 23 Graphic Arts Assistant turn to pages 4 and 7. Procedure for selection of statewide retired delegates 24 Jacqueline Feng Obituaries 25 Classifieds 26 Suit seeks health insurance for adjunct faculty members 28 Cover photo by Christine Peterson
This issue of MTA Today also includes the fall edition of the MTA Advantage
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2 October/November/December 2009 Board members focus on key issues A Q&A with Harneen Chernow and Ruth Kaplan on challenges and opportunities
lthough the Board of Elementary and You compare that with Sharon, which is right next Kaplan: I am a very concrete thinker. Rather Secondary Education was expanded from door, and there’s no comparison. How are you going than applying top-down notions and jargon about A nine members to 11 in 2008, state law still to be able to be the best that you can be? And what standards and accountability, I’d like to see us as a prohibits teachers or school administrators from are we doing to create equitable opportunities for all state show better leadership about really understand- serving because the board regulates their profession. children in the Commonwealth? ing which schools are Fortunately, several members of the BESE represent succeeding by solicit- constituencies of interest to MTA members, most Q: Do you support lifting the cap on charter ing more grassroots notably labor and parents. These representatives schools? input and sharing best often seek out the views of educators when debating practices. and voting on public policies. Chernow: I have a problem with public dollars For example, there Harneen Chernow, vice president of the board, is being used to create a two-tiered educational system was a recent article the labor appointee. Nominated by the Massachusetts that allows some kids to enroll in schools that have about the Holliston AFL-CIO, she has served since 2004. Chernow some characteristics schools. They made directs the Massachusetts Division of the 1199SEIU of private schools and a conscious decision Training and Upgrading Fund. She has two children, puts everyone else into to create a French one a preschooler and one enrolled in a Boston public schools. immersion program public school. A number of years knowing it was going Ruth Kaplan Ruth Kaplan, the parent representative, was ago we had a Boston to affect their literacy nominated by the Massachusetts Parent Teacher charter school up for scores on MCAS in Association. This position remained vacant under the renewal. It had zero the early years. (The school offers all parents three Romney administration but was finally filled in 2007. students who were lim- choices for their elementary school children: French Kaplan works for Combined Jewish Philanthropies. ited English proficient. immersion, Montessori and a traditional program.) Her two daughters both attended and graduated from I asked how it could That was a very telling article. That showed a lot of the public schools in Brookline. be that they didn’t courage to take an enriching and innovative approach In October, Laura Barrett of the MTA have any LEP students to education even though it would affect MCAS Harneen Chernow Communications Division interviewed Chernow when in Boston that’s scores for a few years. and Kaplan about some of the issues affecting MTA about 20 percent of the members that are being dealt with by the board. Some population. The headmaster of the school responded Chernow: One challenge in education is the of their answers are edited for brevity. that they really only accepted kids in kindergarten, so issue of leadership in schools and districts. We’ve by the time they’ve been in his school for a couple of seen a lot of examples of strong leaders, but in Q: What are some of the biggest issues facing years, they’re no longer LEP. underperforming schools we’ve seen a high degree educators and the board right now? When I asked how it was that they only accept of turnover. It makes me wonder about the organiza- students in kindergarten, he said that they really tional cohesiveness of a school if you have Kaplan: One is how the federal Race to the didn’t want to bring in kids in any other year because a revolving door at the top. I think the question of Top funding is going to impact policies regarding their culture is so important to maintain that if the how we recruit strong leaders and prepare them is teachers. I am concerned about the top-down nature kids don’t start with them at the beginning they don’t critical. of federal policy as applied to our state. Part of my want to add them into the school. That sounds like a role is to make sure we’re not giving up the kind great educational experience, but is that public? How Q: What do you say to those who think collective of culture of cooperation and collaboration that we can we fund a closed system for some kids and then bargaining is the problem? value in order to chase federal dollars. put all the kids who are transient or changing schools I continue to be a proponent of educating the in the regular public schools? Chernow: My sense of the board is that people whole child. This includes trying to provide the kinds do talk about the importance of the culture of schools of supports kids need to be successful — trying to Kaplan: I came onto the board of education with and how teachers are treated, but that there is a lack remove emotional and social barriers to learning. no particular bias on charter schools. To this day, of awareness of the role of organized labor in schools. What are we actually doing in terms of public policy however, I have seen very little evidence of innova- There’s a lot of mythology and sound bites. “The to make those kinds of choices? tion in the charter school proposals that have come union won’t let me … The union makes it hard to …” before us, though that was supposed to be a major One sound bite I’m very concerned about is, Chernow: What feels hard for me is that we have rationale for creating charter schools. Also, I do “You need to be able to offer merit pay,” or other come at the issue of school reform and transformation think that the funding formula is a huge problem for comparable practices, even though the research from many different places, but nobody really has a districts. I’m not in favor of shifting resources from shows these strategies haven’t led to student and plan for how to move schools that are struggling to a under-resourced public schools to charter schools. school improvement. I think unpacking a lot of that place where the kids, the teachers and the leadership Also, regardless of how it happens, charter is something that we’ve never done. There are some are all getting what they need to do the best that they schools clearly do not reflect the demographics of interesting examples of how labor-management can do. NCLB still feels very punitive. Teachers in their sending districts. I’m not necessarily blaming partnerships have worked to transform a work low-performing urban areas experience it as blame. them for that, but that has been the result. Whenever environment in a positive way. We need to bring Maybe “blame” is too strong because I do feel it has we are comparing them with district schools, we’re those out more. Even what the MTA does around gotten better. But I don’t feel like the board has been comparing apples with oranges. I’m not in favor of professional development. I mentioned this to a successful in providing the necessary supports or lifting the cap at this point. I am disappointed that the couple of board members a couple of years ago and helping to create an environment that allows schools federal policy has moved in that direction. they had no idea. or districts to create meaningful change. It was always interesting that (former As a parent of an urban school student, I feel Chernow: Charter school outcomes in Commissioner David) Driscoll would say, “These like the issue of equity is huge. I don’t know how we Massachusetts are all over the map — some are bet- contracts didn’t just come out of thin air.” Because move beyond that. The differences in what kids get ter, some are worse, some are comparable — but we he had been a superintendent, he knew that contracts based on their ZIP codes has been one of the most haven’t seen a demonstrable difference that would came out of a long, historic process. There was a overwhelming things I’ve seen. I’ve visited many lead me to say that lifting the cap is going to improve reason for them. schools during my time on the board. Some have so education in the Commonwealth. many resources and clubs and technology and art and On the other hand, we have a situation where Kaplan: It would be very helpful for union the opportunities are amazing. Then you go to other some parents are so anxious about where their kids leadership to educate the board about the reality of schools and you see few electives and opportunities. are going to school that they’ll try anything. How do collective bargaining. I do not believe most board Their focus is on the basic education. we deal with that? I know a number of parents whose members really understand union contracts or the A couple of years ago, we went to Randolph and kids are in charter schools because the parents feel process by which they’re developed. met a student who said she couldn’t fill her whole that they don’t have a choice. schedule with classes because there weren’t enough Extended excerpts from this Q&A are posted on the for her to take at Randolph High School. And she Q: What are some alternative strategies for MTA Web site, www.massteacher.org. The conversa- was the president of their National Honor Society. promoting innovation and school improvement? tion will also continue in the next issue of MTA Today. October/November/December 2009 3 Editorial Many reasons to like Mike Capuano .S. Representative Michael Capuano, the Elimination Provision, which unfairly reduce or MTA-recommended candidate for the open eliminate our Social Security benefits. U Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat, has a new I like that he is down n Advocates for giving teachers and education button with the slogan “I like Mike.” That really to earth. He grew up support professionals a living wage. expresses how I feel about Mike Capuano. n Supported increased S-CHIP funding to I like that he is in Somerville and has expand health care for thousands of children and is very straightforward. a strong supporter of President Obama’s national He answers questions never forgotten where health care reform proposals. directly and doesn’t he came from. He has n Voted “no” on the No Child Left Behind law say one thing to one because he opposed the unrealistic and unfunded audience and something the courage to stand up mandates in it. He is continuing to work to change else to another. That is for what he believes in that law. refreshing in a politician. n Has fought for public education both in our I like that he is down even when it may be nation’s capital as a member of Congress and at the to earth. He grew up in unpopular. local level as the mayor of Somerville. Somerville and has never We are fortunate to have several pro-education forgotten where he came candidates for the Senate seat. MTA’s elected from. He has the courage services that help kids, college students and families. members on the Candidate Recommendation to stand up for what he In fact, he has a very impressive cumulative 96 Committee interviewed all who accepted our Anne Wass believes in even when percent rating from the NEA on our issues. invitation, reviewed their records and studied their MTA President it may be unpopular. Mike Capuano: responses to our survey about education issues. He takes no guff. He n Co-sponsored “Teachers at the Table” — a In the end, the CRC voted to recommend Mike left Somerville for the Ivy League, graduating from bill that will give teachers a greater voice in public Capuano for U.S. Senate. Dartmouth College and Boston College Law School. policy. His proven leadership ability will make him a I guess you could say he has a good combination of n Fought for and delivered millions of dollars in superb senator, and his passion and enthusiasm will street smarts and book smarts. That’s an excellent education funding. make him an effective champion of public education mix of skills to take to Washington, D.C., where n Helped make college a reality for students by — both for our students and our members. passing laws is part contact sport and part knowhow. increasing access to Pell Grants. Please consider Mike Capuano and give him I like that he has a long track record of voting n Co-sponsored legislation to repeal the your vote in the primary election on Tuesday, in favor of public education and other programs and Government Pension Offset and Windfall December 8.
Letters to the Editor
Article did not reflect for now, we are waiting for a response to our latest ratification vote. The contract is covered in a story DCE contract situation proposal, submitted over two weeks ago. on Page 14 of this edition of MTA Today. While I am hopeful that we will be sending a To the Editor: tentative agreement to our membership sometime soon, there is no guarantee that this will actually Letters policy Your article on our higher ed union contracts in happen. the August-September 2009 MTA Today disappointed Please be aware that I am writing as an TA Today welcomes letters to the editor Mfrom MTA members. Letters should be no me. Your statement that MCCC members “are individual. I have not consulted with the other team longer than 200 words. Each letter submitted scheduled to vote soon on ratification of their members before responding to your article. for publication must address a topic covered in contract” was misleading. MTA Today, must be signed and must include the writer’s telephone number for confirmation As I write to you on Sept. 14, only the Betsy Smith purposes. Opinions must be clearly identified day contract has been sent to the members for Adjunct Professor of ESL as belonging to the letter-writer. We reserve ratification. After more than a year of negotiations, Cape Cod Community College the right to edit for length, clarity and style. To submit a letter, mail it to MTA Today, 20 Ashburton the DCE bargaining team, representing more than MCCC DCE Contract Bargaining Team Member Place, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02108 or e-mail it to two-thirds of the MCCC faculty members, has not [email protected]. For additional reached a tentative agreement with management. Editor’s note: Since this letter was written, a information, please refer to the guidelines posted Perhaps by the time the next edition of MTA proposed contract covering DCE members has been at www.massteacher.org/news/mta_today. Today comes out, we will have a ratified contract, but prepared for sending to the members for a mail-in
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4 October/November/December 2009 Bay State again leads nation on key progress assessment By Laura Barrett The NAEP results suggest eadiness Schools. Charter that policymakers, schools. Growth models. R Tougher accountability instead of always asking systems. Merit pay. With the flurry what our schools are of activity on the “education reform” doing wrong, should front, the public might believe that also be asking what our Massachusetts schools are in crisis and that a key solution is to weaken the teachers and schools are influence of unions in education. doing right. It is important, therefore, to take stock of the fact that Massachusetts, time can be spent on math and English one of the most highly unionized states language arts. in the country, once again ranks first Rovelli said educators at the in the nation by almost every measure, Talmadge don’t pick sides in the including a test known as “The so-called math and reading wars, Nation’s Report Card.” but instead use a balanced approach The state announced on Oct. 14 and “whatever works.” For math, for that — for the third time in a row — example, they have a traditional text
Massachusetts students ranked or tied Photo by Christine Peterson that emphasizes facts and standard algo- for first on the National Assessment of Sandi Rovelli works with students Taylor Mickens, left, and Kaylyn rithms, but they also have adopted the Educational Progress mathematics exam Fountain at the Arthur T. Talmadge Elementary School in Springfield, “Investigations” series, which requires in grades four and eight, the two grades where collaboration and dedication have inspired students to achieve. students to solve problems in their own tested. Bay State students also outscore way to help them develop number sense the country on the NAEP reading test in sought out by parents in Springfield staff is both stable and experienced. and problem-solving skills. those grades. In addition, Massachusetts under the school choice law. Not all “One advantage is our small size,” They use homogenous grouping students have one of the highest college successful schools follow the same she said. “We also do a lot of parent for some subjects. Although not all attendance rates and some of the highest path, though there are some common outreach. All the research tells you if successful schools take this approach, SAT scores among states with high themes, particularly in the areas of high you have good home-school communi- Rovelli said she believes the strategy participation rates on that exam. expectations for students and good cation, the child is going to do better.” is helpful at the Talmadge. For English “Our members should be extremely communication among staff members. language arts, for example, the two proud of their accomplishments,” said Sandi Rovelli, who taught in ellow fifth grade teacher fifth grade classes are combined and MTA President Anne Wass. “The suc- parochial schools for 25 years and has Camille Twining stopped by the students are grouped by ability. cess can be attributed to many factors, worked in public schools for the past F with coffee. Asked the same Struggling students are in the smallest but none is as important as the hard 10, was enthusiastic about teaching questions, her answers were almost group and get the most individual at- work of teachers, paraprofessionals, at the Talmadge, where she is in her identical. “Every teacher has high tention, while more advanced students administrators and, of course, students. fourth year. expectations,” she said. “Also, we can move ahead at their own pace. Parents who encourage their children Her classroom walls are covered review, review, review. And we make The two teachers and Principal Beth to do their homework and show up to with colorful posters with educational that connection with parents.” Crowley had similar views on why school on time also deserve credit.” themes. Her fifth-graders waited pa- They both agreed that the new their school works. Crowley noted that The NAEP results show that tiently outside the door and then filed school uniform policy in Springfield the staff is not only experienced, but Massachusetts, like every other state in quietly and politely when allowed in. is a plus in their school. Students must highly skilled and dedicated. in the country, still has achievement For part of the class they sat in rows and wear solid tops and slacks, and the “Our teachers are killing gaps. But in Massachusetts, the gaps for part they worked in small groups. color choices are limited. Twining themselves to get the job done,” she are narrower in 2009 than they were During group instruction, Rovelli asked admitted that she is very “individualis- said. “Many are here by 7 a.m. and 17 years ago, when the tests were first them to define the term “teamwork.” tic” and didn’t expect to like uniforms, then work at home until God knows administered. Many hands shot in the air, and the but said she found that they reduce what hour.” The results suggest that policy- students appeared engaged and alert. the distractions that had been caused The Talmadge would benefit makers, instead of always asking what When asked to read on their own by girls wearing revealing clothes from more resources, she added. The our schools are doing wrong, should while Rovelli worked with two of their and boys wearing low-slung pants. kindergarten and first grade classes also be asking what our teachers and classmates, the students all moved “Even in fifth grade, their hormones have upwards of 30 students, and schools are doing right. quickly into pairs or small groups are raging,” Twining said. “It was the school has no general education MTA Today recently visited a fifth and read to themselves — though out distracting.” paraprofessionals after kindergarten. grade class at the Arthur T. Talmadge loud — so there was a low murmur Before-school tutoring from 8 “We could certainly use another set of Elementary School in Springfield to throughout the room, like a hum of to 8:40 a.m. is also helpful, said hands in our classrooms, particular in ask two teachers and the principal that bees in an active hive. In short, it Rovelli. At-risk students are asked those large classes,” Crowley said. question. The Talmadge enrolls about looked like an orderly and happy to attend, and about half the students There is no ESL teacher in the 270 students in prekindergarten through classroom anywhere. participate. whole school, and there is no specialist grade five. Thirty percent are black, 33 The school’s curriculum is aligned in technology instruction. The comput- percent are Hispanic and 26 percent are s Rovelli acknowledged, there with the state curriculum frameworks, ers are aging. The Talmadge offers art white. More than three-quarters — 77 are no magic bullets for creat- which in turn are spelled out in but not music. The before-school tutor- percent — are low-income. A ing good schools, but there district lesson plans. Rovelli said the ing program is paid for with grants The Talmadge was selected are some strategies that work. lesson plans are used, but experienced from private businesses that Crowley because it is one of several Springfield First on her list: “We’re all on the teachers modify them to fit the needs has to obtain, not by the district. schools identified in a recent study as same team at the Talmadge. We all of their particular students. Despite these limitations, the performing well on MCAS relative to have very high expectations for our There is a lot of emphasis on educators on the Talmadge staff make other schools with similar demograph- students, and we push to raise the bar. MCAS, along with other school and do with what they have and seem to ics. In addition, the school made We have a saying posted out front: district assessments. “We are very data especially value the sense that they are Adequate Yearly Progress last year, had ‘Success is the only option.’” driven,” Rovelli said. She acknowl- all in it together. Collegiality is key. largely favorable Teaching, Learning Rovelli also credits good com- edged that social studies, in particular, That could explain why none of the and Leading Survey results, and is munication and the fact that the school is sometimes neglected so that more Please turn to Principal/Page 25 October/November/December 2009 5 Attrition rates high at charters CEPP report reveals exclusionary practices at ‘high-performing’ schools By Laura Barrett Boston Charter: Grade 9-12 Enrollment - Classes of 2005-2009 Boston charters: Grade 9-12 enrollment – classes of 2005 to 2009 uiz of the day: What kind of school does the following list Q describe? Grade 9 1,384 n The discipline code is very strict, resulting in large numbers of Grade 10 1,078 students being subject to in-school or out-of-school suspension. Grade 11 808 n Parents must agree to certain requirements in order for their children Grade 12 668 to attend. n Students are enrolled in the 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 lowest grade — and in an effort to make sure all students are on board CharterCharter SPED SPED Students Students BPSBPS SPED SPED Students Students with the school culture, mission and Boston charters: SPED students BPS: SPED students rules, no new students are admitted in later years. Enrollment is also limited 3%3% to keep class sizes small. 6%6% n Academic and behavior standards are set at levels that strongly 33%33%33%33% discourage students with learning, MildMild MildMild behavior or English language problems 48%48%48%48% from attending. ModerateModerate ModerateModerate n Teachers are employees at will SevereSevere SevereSevere and often work exceptionally long MildMild 91%91% ModerateModerate 19%19% hours. They do not have to be licensed SevereSevere 19%19% for the subjects they teach. You may have guessed this school is private or parochial, but a high percentage of Commonwealth charter of BPS special needs students are schools in Massachusetts fit these ‘If we are to have charter schools paid for either taught in substantially separate particulars. classrooms or placed out of district, MTA’s Center for Education with public dollars, they should serve all compared to only 3 percent in the Policy and Practice highlighted some students. They should be accountable to their charter schools. of the characteristics of charter schools communities. And they should be funded in a Low-income students: Boston in Boston in a recent report titled way that does not hurt the quality of education charters serve nearly the same number Charter School Success or Selective of students qualifying for free or Out-Migration of Low-Achievers? The provided to students who remain in the district reduced-price lunches as the BPS report was released on Sept. 16, on the schools.’ system: 71 percent versus 74 percent. eve of a legislative hearing on lifting But a closer look reveals that they the cap on charter schools. Since then, —MTA President Anne Wass serve fewer very low-income students. it has generated much discussion on The family income limits Beacon Hill and in education policy students between grades nine and 12, a BPS students — 19 percent — but to qualify for a free lunch are circles. far higher rate of attrition than is found only about one in 200 students in significantly lower than those for a “Far too many charter schools in the Boston Public Schools. Boston’s high-performing charter reduced-price lunch. Two-thirds (65 have established enrollment and exclu- In the aggregate, there were 1,384 schools. In addition, a recent report by percent) of BPS students qualify for a sion practices that have winnowed students enrolled in Boston’s five Multicultural Education, Training & free lunch, while only half (52 percent) out students with greater needs,” said charter high schools in grade nine for Advocacy Inc. found that ELL students of Boston’s charter school students do. CEPP Director Kathleen Skinner, the classes of 2005 to 2009. By grade who are enrolled in charter schools MTA President Anne Wass the report’s primary author. “By law, 12, that number had dropped to 668. have typically been in the country far said that charter schools were first public schools are supposed to serve That scenario plays out in school longer than ELL students enrolled in established to be laboratories of ex- all students in the Commonwealth. In after school. For example, the MATCH the public schools. perimentation. “Over time,” Wass said, practice, charter schools do not fulfill charter high school is often cited as Special needs students: Twenty “they have changed into something that mission. We need to face this real- a success story because the school percent of BPS students have special else — essentially a state-managed ity as the Legislature and the public claims that 99 percent of its graduates learning needs, compared to 15 percent system of publicly funded private debate whether to increase the number are accepted by four-year col- in the charters. More significant, schools.” She noted that many are of charter schools in this state.” leges. However, that is 99 percent of however, is that the charter school opened by the state over the objections The MTA is seeking amendments a greatly diminished pool of students. students on Individual Education Plans of the local residents and taxpayers to the governor’s proposal on lifting For the class of 2009, 72 students were have milder special needs. who must fund them. the cap on charter schools to address enrolled in grade nine, but only 34 Special needs students are classi- “If we are to have charter schools these concerns and others. were enrolled by grade 12. fied by levels: full inclusion (mostly paid for with public dollars, they The CEPP report focuses on “If a school district’s public high educated in the general education should serve all students,” Wass said. charter schools identified as “high- school lost half of its students over classroom), partial inclusion (in the “They should be accountable to their performing” in studies that claim they four years, that would be on the front middle), and substantially separate communities. And they should be are doing a better job of educating stu- page of the newspaper,” Skinner said. (mainly or exclusively taught outside funded in a way that does not hurt dents than the Boston Public Schools. The report also documents several the general education classroom). the quality of education provided to Recent national studies, in contrast, ways in which charter schools enroll Students with the most severe needs students who remain in the district continue to find that most charter students who have fewer academic are placed outside of their districts. schools.” schools perform the same or worse challenges. Most notable are differences Nine out of 10 (91 percent) of than comparable district schools. in English language ability, severity of the special needs students in Boston’s To download the charter school The CEPP report documents special needs and income levels. charter schools are full inclusion, com- report from the MTA Web site, go to that the high-performing charter English language learners: pared to only one-third (33 percent) of www.massteacher.org/news/headlines/ high schools lose about half of their ELL students comprise one in five BPS students. Nearly half (48 percent) charterschools0909.pdf.
6 October/November/December 2009 MTA recommends Capuano for Senate he MTA is recommending that its members support T Congressman Michael Capuano ‘Mike Capuano to fill the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. Support for Capuano by has long been MTA’s member-elected Candidate Recommendation Committee was a champion based on the congressman’s voting record, experience and positions on of public key education issues. “Mike Capuano has long been a education, champion of public education, and he and he will will make a superb senator,” said MTA President Anne Wass. “He has a strong make a superb pro-education track record along with a deep understanding of the challenges senator.’ facing urban public schools,” she continued, noting that Capuano was the mayor of Somerville for eight years — Anne Wass before he was elected to Congress. MTA President The MTA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association. The NEA Fund for Children and Public $100 billion in education funding and ensure that “any achievement standards American Dream a reality for every Education, the NEA’s political action state fiscal relief over two years under are thoughtful, based on clear goals, and boy and girl,” he wrote to the MTA. committee, also voted to recommend the economic recovery bill, for chil- flexible enough to recognize the abili- The MTA will inform its 107,000 Capuano in the upcoming special dren’s health legislation (S-CHIP), and ties and limitations of all students.” He members of the recommendation via election. for additional funding for Pell grants also favors increased federal funding phone calls, mailings and other means. Capuano has voted for pro- for low-income college students, com- for Head Start, educating students with The Democratic primary will be held on education positions supported by the munity colleges and early childhood special needs and school construction, Dec. 8, 2009, and the final election will NEA 96 percent of the time, among the education. among other measures. be held on Jan. 19, 2010. highest of any member of Congress. Capuano informed the MTA that “My first priority for public For more information, please visit These include votes for more than one of his education priorities is to education: that our schools make the massteacher.org or mikecapuano.com. QuEST for lifelong learning helps unite members of MTA and AFT By Kerry Costello
hree MTA members had a great opportunity not long ago to continue forging relationships T with colleagues from AFT Massachusetts while taking part in thought-provoking workshops and engaging plenary sessions. Thanks to MTA President Anne Wass, I was one of the members who got to attend the AFT national professional development conference known as QuEST. The other two were Deb Kozik of Sutton and Bonnie Page of Malden. The Quality Educational Standards in Teaching event is held every two years and is open to any member of the AFT. The MTA and the NEA have sponsored attendees for the past six years as a component of our partnership with our sister union. This year’s gathering was held in Washington, D.C., in mid-July. The theme was “Children — Collaboration — Community — Curriculum.” A key focus of the conference was the message “With us not to us.” This motto, which refers to the need for change to stem from collaboration with educators and not be forced from the top down, was prominently displayed on all conference materials, MTA members Deb Kozik, Bonnie Page and Kerry Costello, left to right, joined AFT Massachusetts including the name badges and buttons. President Tom Gosnell at the QuEST conference in July. The event was held in Washington, D.C. Following U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s address to the delegation, AFT President The president of AFT Massachusetts, Tom I offered the thought that listening to Duncan and Randi Weingarten presented him with a button that Gosnell, was a gracious host who made us feel wel- education policy expert Linda Darling-Hammond, read “With you not to you” to reflect that spirit. come as he introduced us to our colleagues from the both of whom also spoke at the NEA RA in San Between the three of us, we managed to cover Bay State. We all engaged in spirited conversations Diego, was a stark reminder of the challenges facing almost every workshop offered. The sessions that re- on education and politics. Not surprisingly, there was both of our unions. lated to charter schools were of particular note, given much common ground, and there were virtually no The consensus was that educators are always that the AFT organizes charter school employees. areas of major disagreement, though there are some on a quest for knowledge and lifelong learning that The first Massachusetts site in Brighton had recently clear cultural differences between the two unions. transcends any philosophical differences. completed bargaining its first contract, and a staff As the conference drew to a conclusion, Tom Overall, the experiences we had at QuEST re- member from that school was on one of the panels. asked each of us to reflect on an experience at the minded us yet again that history tends to repeat itself Delegates to the MTA Annual Meeting may conference that left an impression, either positive or and that some universal tenets continue to apply. In recall the vigorous debate on this issue and the action negative. Bonnie commented on the level of energy the words of Aristotle, “The one exclusive sign of a to refer it to a committee that will report back to our that permeated the workshops. Deb remarked that the thorough knowledge is the power of teaching.” 2010 Annual Meeting. As such, it was very interesting conference had broadened her perspective by giving Costello, a school psychologist in Andover, is a to hear about the experiences of AFT in this area. her a chance to view issues through the AFT lens. member of the MTA Executive Committee. October/November/December 2009 7 MTA wins key changes in education bill s the clock ticked toward the make a genuine effort to serve diverse It says that if a change is proposed in close of the 2009 legislative ‘We can’t let up now.’ types of students. The legislation a collective bargaining contract as part A session, the MTA succeeded — Anne Wass provides important new oversight and of a turnaround strategy for an under- in winning key battles to protect MTA President accountability rules. It also calls for performing school, the local union and collective bargaining and ensure a fair the creation of “Innovation Schools” school committee must bargain for 30 process for turning around underper- unfolded. “The MTA supports innova- that would be designed to help close days. If no agreement is reached, an forming schools. tive solutions to the problems facing the achievement gap. expedited final and binding arbitration A complicated education bill students in underperforming schools, While the Patrick administration process is required. That amendment containing several provisions strongly and we made that crystal clear,” Wass says the legislation is important for passed 35 to 4. opposed by the association emerged said. “We also made a real difference the state to have in place as it seeks Another vital amendment, on the floor of the state Senate on in helping legislators understand that to qualify for federal Race to the Top introduced by Senator Gale Candaras Nov. 16. But thanks to the work of key educators are part of the solution — money, the MTA and others believe (D-Wilbraham), prevents teachers in senators and Governor Deval Patrick’s not the problem.” that the state could qualify for the underperforming schools from being willingness to support important The association’s face-to-face lob- funds without the legislation. fired at will. The provision, passed changes, the bill was significantly bying was complemented by a flood of The association’s main focus on a voice vote, would protect due improved by the time it passed a day more than 7,000 e-mails and numerous during the Senate debate was on the process rights. later on a vote of 28 to 11. phone calls, Wass noted. She summed need for teachers in underperforming Wass applauded the legislators The legislation was then sent to up her message to members as: “Thank schools to have meaningful input in who helped pass the amendments and the House of Representatives, where you! Thank you! Thank you!” turnaround planning and not be treated praised the governor for “recognizing Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) “Educators in the Commonwealth punitively. When the bill came to the the necessity of going beyond the said that insufficient time remained have helped to make Massachusetts floor, it provided an unreasonable school building to work with parents to consider it. DeLeo said the House schools the best in the nation,” she amount of power for superintendents, and the community to create the sup- plans to take up the bill, currently said. “Now we have helped our allowing them to abrogate contracts, portive and healthy environment that is called the Education Reform Act of students in another way by increasing dismiss teachers without cause crucial to help students learn.” 2009, when the Legislature resumes the odds of a successful process for and implement so-called “last best She noted, however, that obstacles formal deliberations in January. assisting underperforming schools.” offers.” The association warned that remain, including a possible ballot “That means this is far from over,” The legislation that passed the such provisions, along with sections initiative that would entirely lift the said MTA President Anne Wass. “We Senate combines and modifies two providing unilateral authority for the cap on charter schools. She also will need to remain vigilant and make measures filed months ago by the state education commissioner, would reiterated that MTA members will have sure the final legislation contains the governor, one establishing “Readiness drive good teachers away from the to continue to work hard for a positive provisions passed in the Senate.” Schools” and the other lifting the cap high-poverty schools where they are outcome when the House takes up the Wass hailed the efforts of MTA on Commonwealth charter schools. most needed. education bill in the new year. lobbyists and the many members and The Senate-passed bill would lift the One extremely important amend- “We can’t let up now,” she said. leaders who went to the State House cap on charter schools and, as the ment to the bill was introduced by Visit www.massteacher.org for to meet with legislators as the debate governor proposed, require them to Senator Ken Donnelly (D-Arlington). updates.
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8 October/November/December 2009 Partnerships inspire New MTA fund promotes students to succeed single-payer health care he MTA’s fall and winter student achievement pro- Rajon Rondo #9 By Sarah Nathan A universal health care system T grams are off to a great start. would be extremely beneficial SBLI, a partner of MTA TA members can now to educators, their families and Benefits, has taken over as the spon- contribute to a special their students. sor of the MTA Boston Celtics Honor M fund established to provide Roll program. A full-color promo- financial backing for Mass-Care, a reform is focused on expanding tional poster — pictured at right — is IF YOU WORK HARD, statewide coalition advocating for a access to health care to all American now available for downloading in YOU CAN WATCH THE CELTICS single-payer health care system. citizens, no proposal currently in play two sizes at www.readingmatters.org. PLAY HARD! The MTA has long supported goes as far as to establish a national Public school students who Earning a B average or having a perfect attendance record could get you a spot on the MTA Boston Celtics Honor efforts to create a single-payer financing single-payer system. The term “public Roll, presented by SBLI. If you make our honor roll, you could be eligible for a ticket to a Celtics game!*
* Certain rules apply. For rules and more information, go to Celtics.com or call 617.854.8064. Each student redeeming a certificate for a ticket must be accompanied maintain a B average or have perfect by a paying adult. system that provides everyone in the option” refers to varying proposals attendance records are eligible for Commonwealth with equal access to to create a government-run insurance the MTA Boston Celtics Honor Roll. comprehensive health care. With that plan or nonprofit insurance coopera- Honor roll members are selected by hockey and the Bruins into lesson goal in mind, delegates to the associa- tives to compete with private insurers. their school principals. plans tied to the Massachusetts tion’s 2009 Annual Meeting passed a A universal health care system They have the chance to Curriculum Frameworks. Students new business item creating a special would be extremely beneficial to purchase discounted tickets to receive certificates of completion fund through which members can make educators, their families and their select games — and a few lucky signed by Bruins players. Educators voluntary contributions to Mass-Care. students, especially those who miss a students are selected to greet the can win prizes and school appear- Single-payer health insurance lot of school or struggle in school due Celts as they take the court. For ances by Blades, the Bruins’ mascot. is a kind of publicly managed health to health issues that have not been ad- further information, contact Celtics Further information is insurance typically administered by a dressed because of financial obstacles representative Chris Sargent by available at http://bruins.nhl.com/ public or quasi-public agency charged or lack of insurance coverage. calling 617.854.8060 or e-mailing club/page.htm?id=41489 or by with organizing, financing and delivery Members can support the [email protected]. contacting team representative of near-universal or universal health Massachusetts campaign for Meanwhile, the Bruins I.C.E. Liz Serpico at 617.624.1923 or care services to residents. The term single-payer health care by sending School program has taken to the ice [email protected]. “single-payer” describes the funding contributions to the MTA, 20 for a new season. The programs — like the MTA mechanism — meaning that health Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. The I.C.E. School program — Red Sox Reading Game, which care is paid for by a single body from Checks should be made payable to the letters stand for “I Can Excel” recently celebrated the end of its a single fund — and is not related to the MTA and sent to the attention of — provides students and teachers in 10th season — are operated through the actual act of providing health care MTA Finance and Accounting Director kindergarten through grade five with Reading Matters, a nonprofit corpora- services. Kathleen Conway/Mass-Care. For curriculum materials that incorporate tion founded by the MTA. While the current debate in more information on Mass-Care, visit Washington, D.C., over health care http://masscare.org.
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October/November/December 2009 9 SEAM conference builds skills, confidence By Bob Duffy
hree years ago, Bridgewater State College did not T even have a chapter of the Student Education Association of Massachusetts. Now it is home to a vibrant one — a chapter so active that the campus recently hosted the MTA’s ninth annual Conference for Future Teachers. The growth of the Bridgewater State chapter is an illustration of the MTA’s success in connecting with the educators of the future. It also shows how one good thing can lead to another. The chapter was created following the participation in a future teachers’ conference by a group of BSC stu- dents. There are now SEAM chapters on the Bridgewater State, Fitchburg Photo by Bob Duffy State, Framingham State, Westfield Dr. David A. Almeida, an associate professor of special education at Bridgewater State College, shares a light State and Worcester State campuses. moment with SEAM conference participants during a workshop on classroom leadership. There is also one at Nichols College. They talked about the possible lack of own classroom. The MTA’s outreach how education opened the doors of op- Kim Auger, a co-chair of teaching jobs when they graduate and to students is vital, she added, because portunity to him, leading him to become the MTA’s Student Membership their ability to get jobs in the difficult it provides student educators with an a college president and Governor Deval Committee, said that many pre-service economic climate. But there was also understanding of the importance of Patrick’s special advisor on education. teachers are not aware of the associa- plenty of optimism. the association on the local, state and “It’s great to be around so many tion, the services it offers and the key “Conferences like these are really national levels. “Before I joined SEAM, people who are dedicated to the role it plays in public education. The important,” said Jaclyn Blute, presi- I did not really know very much about profession,” Mohler-Faria said. “It’s committee is determined to change dent of the BSC SEAM chapter. “They the MTA and the NEA,” Blute said. a profession that is about more than that, she said. provide a lot of practical hands-on Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, the just transferring knowledge; it’s about “If we continue to make the com- classroom leadership skills, new ideas president of BSC, addressed the social justice, it’s about fairness, it’s mitment to develop student affiliates and tips to use in the classroom.” conference crowd during a luncheon about transforming lives. You have the to educate future members before Blute said the experience helped between the morning and afternoon opportunity to engage your students and they enter the profession, we can help ease her apprehension about having her sessions. Mohler-Faria talked about lead them to their potential.” create a whole generation of teachers SoGs-for-MTA.qxp 12/15/2008 9:58 AM Page 1 entering the profession who are ready Paid Advertisement to become active members of the MTA,” Auger said. This year’s conference was held on Oct. 17, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of undergraduate students in education programs across Massachusetts. Those who attended left the event with a range of tools and strategies to use during their first full-time teaching positions. Studies have found that the attrition rate for new teachers is about 40 percent during their first five years in the classroom. The conference seeks Bridgewater State College to help prepare students to make the Educating offers postbaccalaureate difficult transition into the profession. programs leading to initial It also provides an opportunity to for the future licensure in: network with other students who are in similar situations. SINCE 1840 • Early Childhood Education “They primarily learn a lot of • Educational Leadership classroom leadership skills, and the • Elementary Education networking is the frosting on the One of the oldest • Health cake,” said Sydne Martins, co-advisor institutions of higher • Physical Education to the Bridgewater State SEAM • Secondary Education chapter. “In addition to the workshops, education for teacher • Accelerated Postbaccalaureate this conference allows them to meet preparation in the Program for Initial Licensure with other students, current and retired United States grades 5-12 teachers and even administrators from around the state.” Graduate programs leading to Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) include Workshops focused on a variety of • Counseling • Educational Leadership • Health Promotion • Reading topics, including classroom leadership, • Early Childhood Education • Elementary Education • Instructional Technology • Special Education teaching English language learners Other master’s degrees for educators and designing and using rubrics. • Master of Arts in Teaching • Master of Science in Physical Education Participants had the chance to do mock Post-master’s degree programs interviews and get information on what • Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership in Mental Health Counseling, Reading and School Guidance Counseling they should include in their portfolios. • A collaborative CAGS/EdD program in Educational Leadership and Reading with the University of Massachusetts Lowell Many conference attendees were eager to begin their careers, yet For more information, contact the School of Graduate Studies. worried about the short-term future. PHONE: 508.531.1300 • WEB SITE: www.bridgew.edu/SoGs • E-MAIL: [email protected]
10 October/November/December 2009 Schools and colleges fight spread of flu By Bob Duffy and Sarah Nathan “Most schools in Massachusetts Grafton High School both recently shut public health departments. Most are dealing with mild but increasing down for several days due to swine flu seasonal flu vaccinations are being chool nurses and public health cases of H1N1,” Stamer noted. fears. At Grafton High School, more provided by traditional outlets when officials around the state are Health officials say that although than half of the staff got sick, along they are available. But several commu- S now facing a two-front battle as there has been a lot of attention sur- with many students. nities’ H1N1 vaccination plans involve the seasonal flu ramps up while efforts rounding H1N1 — often called swine “Ideally we would have preferred using school facilities after hours. continue to stem the spread of the flu — it is still important to keep the school Meanwhile, on higher education H1N1 strain. to get a seasonal flu shot. open,” said Christopher campuses across the state, MTA “Flu of one sort or another is going Both types have the Underwood, the president leaders are closely involved in H1N1 to be an ongoing factor,” said Mimi ability to cause illness of the Grafton Teachers prevention efforts. Stamer, president of the Massachusetts that can be serious and Association. “It was a Massachusetts State College School Nurses Organization. “Most potentially fatal. safety issue because there Association President C.J. O’Donnell schools in Massachusetts are already School officials are was not an adequate is regularly in touch with campus dealing with increasing cases of H1N1, advised that any student number of faculty and administrators, and Massachusetts and the seasonal flu typically does not running a fever should be staff to maintain a safe Community College Council President begin until December.” kept at home until at least learning environment.” Joseph LeBlanc has prepared a one- Stamer said that during the 24 hours after his or her Many parents were page fact sheet on the H1N1 virus for holidays, when people are traveling temperature has returned keeping their children chapter presidents. and visiting friends and family, it’s to normal without home to avoid having “The idea is to give chapter vital for the entire school team to work medication. In addition, them catch the flu, he told presidents the information that they in partnership with everyone in the everyone with a flu-like MTA Today. Following need to address possible problems in community to keep students healthy. illness is being urged to “self-isolate” the school’s reopening, he added, flu keeping with our collective bargaining H1N1, which was first recognized to prevent illnesses from spreading. rates are “back to normal.” rights,” LeBlanc said. in April, has the potential to spread Last spring, more than 40 Underwood said that members of At the Boston campus of the rapidly because people have no natural schools closed in an effort to stem the the GHS staff are persistent in urging University of Massachusetts, the immunities to animal strains of the flu transmission of H1N1. The current social isolation for any students with administration has revised sick-day that have migrated to humans. guidance from health officials is to the flu. guidelines and updated its leave policy Health officials say it is too soon keep schools open as usual when pos- “We encourage kids who are sick to emphasize the need for employees to tell how long the current H1N1 sible. Still, some schools have closed not to get together and hang out at the who are sick to stay home. pandemic will last or how severe cases because the extent of illness has made mall or go to the movies,” he said. “It’s On the UMass Amherst campus, will be. They say, however, that the it difficult to keep functioning. So far a constant encouragement. We reiterate however, the policy currently in place widely reported vaccine shortages are this fall, there have been closings in it every day.” is not sufficiently progressive, accord- beginning to ease. Illinois, Wisconsin, New York and There are many seasonal and ing to University Staff Association Massachusetts is one of 46 states Florida, as well as in Massachusetts. H1N1vaccination models being tried President Donna Johnson. Johnson, considered to have widespread flu The Meadow Brook Elementary around Massachusetts this flu season, who is lobbying for a more flexible activity at this point. School in East Longmeadow and depending on the capacity of local policy, fears that employees who work in administrative roles and aren’t given the option of working off-site while recovering from an illness will either come to work sick or quickly use up their leave and be forced to go off the Let MTA Benefits help you payroll. “We don’t have the same oppor- tunities to work at home that are given get ready for the holidays! to faculty and professional staff,” Johnson said. “I want the university to recognize this and allow my members Go to www.mtabenefits.com and look under to utilize the sick leave bank in the event of a major health threat.” 1,000+ discounts for these savings! Johnson noted that administrators must be especially vigilant about prevention efforts on the Amherst campus, where thousands of students live in close proximity to one another in UMass-run dormitories. Paul Morse, who is project direc- tor of The New England Consortium, Bookstores Retail Gifts & Collectibles Jewelry a worker health and safety training organization housed at UMass Lowell, said that while he is encouraged by the prep work that is being done, he Traveling over the holidays? has concerns about how recent budget cuts, coupled with a spike in student MTAB can help you! enrollment, will affect plans if a major • Travel & Vacations – MTA Vacation Center outbreak occurs. and Orlando Vacations. “We are all forced to do more • Car rentals – Hertz, Alamo, National and Zipcar. with less, and that’s scary when we Be the are talking about something that has first to know • Hotel discounts – Choice Hotels, Wyndham the potential to be a major health Hotels, Red Roof and local B&Bs. Sign up now! crisis,” said Morse, a member of the Grant and Contract Funded Employees Association who also serves as co- Don’t miss out on the most up-to-date information on chairman of the MTA’s Environmental Health and Safety Committee. new discounts, sporting events and free giveaways. Subscribe to Quick Takes under e-Offers & News . 800.336.0990 For links to flu resources, please visit www.massteacher.org/flu. October/November/December 2009 11 JUSTFOR NEW TEACHERS JUSTFOR NEW TEACHERS
Educators Currently
JUSTFOR in Their First Four
NEW TEACHERS Years of Practice EG I H th A n n u a l C o n F E r e n c e
Friday, December 4, 2009 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough
Important Notes: AM4 – Differentiating Instruction – PM3 – English Language Learners L uncheon Speaker: Every Child Can Learn – MS/HS (ELLs) – for non ESL/ELL Licensed • This conference is appropriate Michael B. Flynn, This workshop will provide information Teachers for school district use in partially 2008 Massachusetts on differentiating instruction, especially Do you have English Language Learners fulfilling the obligation to provide Teacher of the Year an induction program for all new to address specific learning styles, in your school? Your classroom? This Michael B. Flynn teachers (602 CMR 7.00). academic readiness and common informational session for non ESL/ELL special needs, such as ADHD. teachers will review legal requirements teaches second • MTA will provide participants with and discuss where to turn to become grade at the a record of sessions attended. AM5 – Assessing Student Progress – an effective teacher for your ELLs. William E. Norris • The registration fee is $60 per person All Levels Elementary School and includes all sessions, materials, We will examine a wide range of PM4 – Autism Spectrum Disorders in Southampton. morning refreshments and lunch. strategies to assess student progress, (ASD) not only after we’ve taught a lesson or This session is informational (not skill- He is an innovative • Individuals should register online at unit, but as we teach. The goal is to use building). We will review the wide range teacher and an www.massteacher.org. assessment as continuous feedback, of student behaviors encompassed by active member of his community. In • A registration form posted to know when and why a student didn’t the broad term ASD that you are likely 2008, he served as the Massachusetts on the MTA Web site, “get it,” to intervene appropriately, and to encounter in your classroom. Teacher of the Year. He also www.massteacher.org, can be to do all this fairly and equitably. printed and returned by mail. PM5 – What Would You Do? won a 2009 Horace Mann Award AM6 – “Visualize” a Great Lesson A student is going to miss the big for Teaching Excellence and • Districts may register groups by Visual communication is an important game because he failed your class. providing group members with a worked last year as the Teacher skill for teachers and presenters. Your students are “evaluating” you on purchase order number and directing in Residence at Westfield State Research suggests we educate the Internet. These occurrences may them to www.massteacher.org or by College, teaching future teachers. best when we use pictures and text. sound like the stuff of education’s urban calling 800.392.6175, ext. 8300. As a teacher leader, he provides Participants in this workshop will legends, but they really do happen. • Prior registration is required. On-site explore new whole-brain approaches Participants in this workshop will professional development check-in is from 8 to 9 a.m. There are to using tools such as PowerPoint in consider a number of “What do I do throughout the country on topics exhibits and “good stuff free” during more powerful and effective ways in now?” scenarios and learn the right ranging from television production check-in. Workshops begin promptly their classrooms. answers to that question. to mathematics to storytelling. As at 9 a.m. Afternoon workshops a community activist, he serves conclude by 3 p.m. AM7 – Creating Balance PM6 – Keep Them Engaged and Wellness Many traditional classroom practices on local boards and commissions, MORNING SESSIONS: The first few years of being a new engage one student at a time and risk including the Northampton School Participants will teacher can be stressful. Just as the inattention of others. We’ll share Committee. Most important, Mike attend one there are strategies for classroom easy-to-use tips and tricks for keeping is an extraordinary teacher. His management, there are also strategies all of your students engaged all of the AM1 – Classroom Management students engage in authentic for self management that new teachers time. Leave with ideas to use in your – Managing the Inspired Classroom – learning experiences such as can use to create balance and wellness classroom tomorrow and in the future. Elementary/MS raising salmon to release into a in their personal lives. Acquire new This workshop will use a case-study PM7 – IEPs and 504s – local river, designing rockets that habits in relaxation, exercise and approach and focus on the kinds of for Regular Education Teachers are launched by air pressure and nutrition that will translate into better self-control students must master in This informational session for regular living and better teaching. developing segments for a television order to work effectively in a high- education teachers will explain what show that is shared throughout his stakes environment. AFTERNOON SESSIONS: IEPs and 504s are and are not. You’ll school and with families. leave knowing the basic requirements AM2 – Classroom Management – Participants will of the Individuals with Disabilities Managing the Inspired Classroom – attend one Education Act (IDEA) and the MS/HS PM1 – Licensure and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The Day at a Glance This workshop will use a case-study “Highly Qualified” and will be equipped to be a more 8 – 9 a.m. On-Site approach and focus on the kinds of This session will review effective teacher for students with Check-In self-control students must master in Massachusetts’ educator licensure special needs and medical conditions. order to work effectively in a high- requirements and procedures, as Prior stakes environment. well as the federal “Highly Qualified” PM8 – Working with Parents – Registration requirement. AM3 – Differentiating Instruction – All Levels Required Student learning needs to be the Every Child Can Learn – Elementary/MS PM2 – Legal Basics for New Teachers Exhibits and focus of home-school communication. This workshop will provide information This workshop will explore how This workshop will use case studies “Good Stuff on differentiating instruction, especially the many informal roles required of to present solutions to common Free” to address specific learning styles, teachers, from surrogate parent to challenges. With the first round of academic readiness and common counselor, affect our obligations and 9 a.m. – Noon Morning open houses and grades behind special needs, such as ADHD. liabilities. Sessions us, participants will reassess their interactions with parents and guardians Noon – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon and leave with new strategies for and Speaker immediate use. 1:30 – 3 p.m. Afternoon Sessions www.massteacher.org/cepp
12 October/November/December 2009 Gathering boosts retiree liaison effort By Meg Secatore a workshop on retiree health insur- ance, while private practice attorney lthough he has been retired Deborah Blum-Shore spoke about only a few months, Peter elder law. A Matrow recently attended his Health and lifestyle topics were first MTA Retired Gathering. a big draw, with workshops such as Matrow, a middle school math Am I Having Fun Yet? Taking Care of and science teacher, left the classroom Yourself, with Patricia Griffin-Carty of and the office of Monson Teachers Griffin-Carty Communications. Travel Association president last summer. He tips from Betsy Sheeran were shared was at the gathering to train for a new in a workshop titled There’s a Whole role — serving as a liaison between his World Out There!
local’s active and retired members. Photo by Meg Secatore Beth Oleson, an instructor/trainer Matrow was one of 28 liaisons who Mary J. Gilmore, a member of the Executive Committee and the Retired on health care topics, demonstrated were trained in a special track. The vol- Members Committee, is applauded during the MTA Retired Gathering. choke-save techniques and shared unteers are part of a program established other safety tips. Workshops provided in 2004 by the MTA Retired Members Town leaders took notice. “Being as Wilmington and Nancy Mickunas by Health Promotion Affiliates looked Committee with the help of an NEA organized as they were was a positive of Hanover spoke about their work at food safety and caring for caregiv- grant. There are 40 locals participating, for the local,” said Matrow. in Washington, D.C., to repeal the ers. The Health Promotion staff also according to Jo Ann Fitzgerald, MTA Gladys Durant, a former fourth Government Pension Offset and the offered blood pressure checks and retired members service specialist. The grade teacher who was one of the Windfall Elimination Provision, which seated massages during the morning goal is to have a liaison in each of the veteran liaisons in the training, has penalize some public servants and registration period. Also on hand to association’s locals. worked with three Attleboro Education their families. MTA Governmental meet members at registration were “I saw the liaison job as a way Association presidents. Services Consultant Catherine Fichtner representatives of MTA Benefits and to maintain some common interest “I help the president in any way provided an update about retiree issues the MTA Vacation Center, as well as with the teachers and the retirees, who I can,” she said. “And I’m always on Beacon Hill. Greenpark Mortgage. know how to organize, to be active and reminding people to join MTA Retired Former MTA president Steve Participants were welcomed dur- who can do things behind the scenes,” while they are still actively teaching!” Gorrie of Andover shared his ing a morning plenary session by Matrow said. In the last years of his In addition to the liaison expertise with a workshop titled Intro MTA Retired Members Committee active career, he saw the power of an participants, about 200 retirees enjoyed to Effectively Using Parliamentary Co-chairs Richard Liston of Everett organized retired membership when general workshop sessions during the Procedure. Robert Brousseau, a retired and Kathleen Roberts of Raynham. the town of Monson proposed changes annual gathering, which was held Sept. Wareham teacher and representative on President Anne Wass and Vice to retiree health coverage. 30 in Marlborough. They focused on the state Pension Reserves Investment President Paul Toner each urged retired “The retirees organized their own a wide variety of topics, from politics Management Board, provided a pension members to use their influence as re- 07075292_MLRads_MTA4c_v2little club and they started attending 7/23/09 11:41to pensions. AM Page NEA 1Social Security system update in another workshop. spected members of their communities selectmen’s meetings,” he recalled. Cadre members Margaret Kane of MTA attorney Sandra Quinn presented Please turn to Retirees/Page 15
Retirees honor ‘incredibly involved’ contest winner Your MetLife Resources aula Verrier, former Financial Services Representatives president of the Bedford P Education Association, was are available to assist you. honored during the recent MTA Retired Gathering as the winner of the MTA Retired Members Committee’s 2009 “Looking to For an appointment, call Honor One of Our Own” award. 800.343.4307, ext. 3108. Verrier was nominated by Christopher Zellner, current To request a brochure, president of the BEA. contact MTA Benefits at “When I was a senior at 800.336.0990, ext. 5226, Bedford High School in 1989, Paula Verrier or visit Paula Verrier was my class advisor,” Zellner wrote. www.mtabenefits.com. “Then I only knew her as a caring social studies teacher who was incredibly involved with students inside and outside the classroom. “When I returned to BHS in 2005 as a teacher, I got to know Paula as a professional. In When it comes to that capacity I learned that my perceptions of Paula as a teacher retirement funding were right. I also learned that the and financial security, time she dedicated to improving our school community was greater. we speak your language. And not only as a teacher — she ran the National Honor Society and our community service program, MetLife offers various products and services to MTA members through the MTA Benefits program. MTA Benefits receives a sponsorship fee from MetLife in connection with its endorsement of its she coached teams, and she was products and services. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [MLIC], New York, NY 10166. MetLife Resources is a division of MLIC MLR19000565019 L1208010322[exp1209][MA] 0708-5490 PEANUTS © UFS local association president.” October/November/December 2009 13 Higher ed conference to spotlight key issues TA members will have A range of 90-minute workshops an opportunity to network, will be offered on Saturday. They M learn about the issues fac- include: Political Organizing the ing public higher education and plan Wellstone Way, presented by MTA for the future at a two-day conference Training and Organizing Coordinator being hosted by the MTA and the George Luse and MCCC-North Shore Higher Education Leadership Council Community College Chapter President in December. Tiffany Magnolia; Social Media: Job- The 2009 MTA Higher Education Related Legal Concerns, presented Conference will be held on Friday, Dec. by MTA staff attorney Will Evans; 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Sheraton Workplace Bullying: Recognition and Framingham Hotel & Conference Prevention, presented by bullying Center. A mix of workshops and and violence prevention expert Photo by Sarah Nathan plenary sessions will focus on the theme Michael Dreiblatt; ESP Living Wage Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland, left, and MCCC “Professional Issues in Massachusetts Campaigns by the NEA, presented by President Joseph LeBlanc sign a contract covering full-time faculty Public Higher Education.” NEA Organizational Specialist Valerie and some part-time faculty at the community colleges, as well The conference opens Friday Wilk; Workplace Health and Safety, as professional staff. Looking on, from left to right, are Middlesex evening with dinner and a discussion presented by attorney Sarah Gibson; Community College Chapter President and MCCC Bargaining Team with MTA President Anne Wass and Staffing and Financial rendsT in Chairman Rick Doud, Bristol Community College President John Jim Rice, a Quinsigamond Community Public Higher Education, presented by Sbrega, MTA Consultant Katie D’Urso, Mount Wachusett Community College professor who heads the higher education policy research expert College President Daniel Asquino and Board of Higher Education National Council for Higher Education, John Lee; and What’s Happening Deputy Commissioner of Employee Relations Peter Tsaffaras. the higher ed caucus of the NEA. A in Congress: A Legislative Update, forum with NEA President Dennis Van presented by NEA Senior Policy Contracts at various stages Roekel opens the second day. Analyst Mark Smith. One MCCC agreement signed; DCE members voting by mail “It is my hope that people in The conference will conclude he Massachusetts Community College Council recently wrapped higher ed who have never been in- on Saturday afternoon after a session up contract negotiations with the state Board of Higher Education. volved in anything before will take this on state issues affecting public Members of the MCCC unit that represents full-time and some part- opportunity to learn not just about the higher education led by MTA Higher T time faculty members, as well as professional staff, ratified a multi-year issues facing public higher education, Education Director Arthur Pippo. agreement in September. but also what the MTA is about,” said A mail-in ratification vote for adjunct instructors, who are members Donna Johnson, chairwoman of HELC The deadline for registration has of the MCCC’s Division of Continuing Education Unit, is taking place in and president of the University Staff been extended and is now Dec. 1. November, according to MCCC President Joseph LeBlanc. The ballots, which Association at the Amherst campus The fee for the conference is $25. To will be handled by mail, are expected to be counted in early December. of the University of Massachusetts. register and to reserve a hotel room, Meanwhile, the contracts for several MTA higher education unions “We’ve made a real effort to build in visit www.massteacher.org/highered. representing full-time employees on a number of campuses have been ratified time for dialogue and discussion — we For further information, contact the and signed. They are now awaiting funding through the legislative process. want to hear from higher ed members MTA Higher Education Division at These unions represent faculty and staff at all of the state colleges and on the and learn more about their needs and 800.392.6175, ext. 8236. Amherst, Boston and Lowell campuses of the University of Massachusetts. priorities.” Municipal employees now required to take ethics training unicipal employees, law requires the state to provide the training that is currently available, they including educators, are The state Ethics Commission training and also states: “Every state, should be aware that the online program M now required by the state to has established April 2, 2010, county, and municipal employee shall, is geared toward state employees get training on professional ethics and as the deadline for completing within 30 days after becoming such an and was created before the new conflict-of-interest requirements. the first training. employee, and every 2 years thereafter, legislation took effect. The MTA An online training program is up complete the online training program.” Legal Division notes that this version and running, and MTA members may The process results from passage The state Ethics Commission has satisfies the ethics requirement and that complete it to satisfy the requirement. by the Legislature of a comprehensive established April 2, 2010, as the dead- members who wish to get the training The training will take 60 to 90 minutes ethics reform law, sections of which line for completing the first training. over with can use it. But the division for most people to complete. became effective on Sept. 29. The While MTA members can take the Please turn to Municipal/Page 17 MTA ad:MTA ad 2009 10/23/09 4:18 PM Page 1 Now MTA Members Can Save Even More To get the best value this heating season, sign up for the MTA’s heating oil discount program with HEAT USA (formerly Oil Buying Network) and enjoy significant savings and other exclusive advantages, including:
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14 October/November/December 2009 EMAC event seeks to build ‘a stronger union’ f you missed the MTA Ethnic Minority Affairs field representative Dorine Levasseur; The Bully- Committee Conference in April, you have Free Workplace, presented by MTA Training and I another chance to attend this year. Organizing Coordinator George Luse; and Managing The two-day conference, which is aimed Diverse Classrooms — How to Build on Cultural at growing the number of MTA ethnic minority Strengths, presented by MTA Regional Manager members involved in their schools and unions, has Michael Walker-Jones. The conference will officially kick off at 6 p.m. officially moved its place on the calendar from April Baker said the workshops range in scope and Dec. 4 with a cocktail hour featuring the Boston to December. content and will be useful to teachers and education Community Gospel Choir. After the choir performs The theme of this year’s conference, which support professionals working in both preK-12 and dinner is served, a disc jockey will be on hand, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Natick on schools and public higher education. She said she and the dance party will begin. Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, is “Working would like participants to leave the conference on A variety of workshops will be offered on Together to Create a Stronger Union.” Princess Saturday afternoon with a plan of action — specific the following day. They include Recruitment Moss, a member of the NEA Executive Committee, steps to take to get involved at the local or state level. and Retention of Teachers of Color, presented will deliver the keynote address on Saturday. “We want people to leave the conference feeling by Affirmative Action Recruitment Consortium “I want people to enjoy themselves, connect empowered, educated and ready to roll,” Baker added. consultant Samuel Turner and consortium Executive with others, learn some new things and make a The fee for the conference is $25 for commuters, Director Regina Caines; Cultural Mathematics, commitment to get involved in the union movement,” $100 for shared accommodations and $175 for a presented by University of Toledo Professor Tod EMAC Chairwoman Susan Baker said of her goals for single room. For more information or to register, Shockey; Helping Minority Teacher Candidates the conference. “If we don’t get involved, no one else members should contact Linda Ferrari in the Into the Profession, presented by NEA Senior will. We can’t wait for someone else to fix things. We MTA’s Braintree office at 800.479.1410 or visit Policy Analyst Richelle Patterson; Knowing and are the union, and we have to be the ones to roll up www.massteacher.org/emac. The registration deadline Enforcing Your Union Contract, presented by MTA our sleeves and change the things that need fixing.” is Nov. 25. Retirees are urged to use influence and look toward the future Continued from Page 13 part because they failed to organize when foreign au- Richard Connole of Auburn, Mary Gilmore of in upcoming elections, especially the special election tomakers built plants in the U.S. In a similar fashion, South Yarmouth, Nancy Green of Wakefield, Robert to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy. we have long been opposed to charter schools, only Lague of Woburn, Kathryn Rogers of Taunton, Nina Executive Director-Treasurer David A. Borer to see their numbers explode under changes in the Romano of Somerville, Gerry Ruane of Malden and looked at the troubled auto industry to draw a paral- law and the increase in federal funding. Louise Russell of Shrewsbury. lel to threats the association faces. “We can’t ignore this,” Borer said. “We have to Retired members will find more news and photos “The auto workers are now feeling the effects of rethink our position, and we have to organize charter about the liaison program and the gathering in the not responding quickly enough to the threat posed by schools, or we’ll find ourselves in a similar spot.” MTA Reporter newsletter. Anyone interested in the foreign competition,” Borer said. “They have been In addition to Liston, Roberts, Gorrie and Kane, liaison program should contact Jo Ann Fitzgerald by reduced to a fraction of their size and influence, in committee members are Eileen Cleary of Brockton, e-mailing [email protected].
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October/November/December 2009 15 MTA retirees press case for fairness on COLAs By Jo Ann Fitzgerald legislation has 46 sponsors, including several members of this committee. TA Retired members turned Certainly, this is a ringing endorsement out in force for a recent of how compelling are its reasons for M Public Service Committee passage,” Wass told the legislators. hearing on the continuing push to MTA members throughout the bring more fairness to the process for state were involved in supporting the cost-of-living adjustments. bill by participating in MTA’s Virtual They were briefed at MTA head- Lobby Campaign and e-mailing Photo by Bob Duffy quarters, then went to the State House their legislators to let them know the Robert Brousseau, the teacher representative on the state PRIM to urge passage of House Bill 2487, importance of an increased COLA. Board, testifies on H. 2487. MTA Retired Members Committee Co-Chair which has been filed by Representative For updates on the COLA bill, Kathleen Roberts, left, and MTA President Anne Wass, center, also Jay Kaufman, D-Lexington. please visit www.massteacher.org. called for legislators to increase the base for cost-of-living adjustments. Kaufman’s bill would immediately increase the base on which the annual inflation-indexed COLA for retired public employees is computed from $12,000 to $16,000. Subsequently, the bill would gradually increase that base over 15 years to an amount that approximates what Social Security uses for its maximum allowance when calculating an annual COLA. (For 2009, Social Security’s maximum benefit at full retirement age is $2,323 per month, or $27,876 annually.) As things stand, the COLA base has not increased for 12 years. The maximum annual adjustment that a retiree or survivor can receive has been $360 since 1977. The maximum monthly COLA is just $30 a month, or less than 99 cents a day. The COLA base was set at $6,000 in 1971 and has only doubled to $12,000 during the past 38 years. Meanwhile, the cost of living in Massachusetts has increased more than fivefold. Had the COLA base been indexed to inflation in 1971, it would now be $30,000 instead of $12,000. MTA President Anne Wass testified before the committee on Oct. 26 as part of a panel that included Mary Gilmore, a member of the MTA Executive Committee; Kathleen Roberts, a member of the MTA Board and co-chair of the MTA Retired Members Committee; and Robert Brousseau, the teacher representative on the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board. Wass testified that the MTA supported any and all bills that would improve the cost-of-living adjustment for all retired Massachusetts public employees. “Last session, a bill that is the same as H. 2487 was fashioned and reported favorably by the Public Service Committee. This year, the
Educators and students invited to tour memorial ducators planning school field E trips are invited to bring their students to the 4.3-acre Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Green Hill Park in Worcester, where they can talk with veterans and learn about an important part of America’s history. The visits are free, and the memorial is a good location for a picnic lunch. For more information, e-mail Fran Elliott at [email protected]. 16 October/November/December 2009 Looking toward the future
A number of MTA members participated in a session of the NEA Minority Leadership Training Program that was held Oct. 16-18 in Boston. The intense, hands-on training is designed to give ethnic minority members the skills and confidence to become association leaders. Members must take part in two weekend-long trainings held over the course of two years in order to become program graduates. Pictured from left to right are first-time participant Robert Grantham, MSP-Lowell; first-time participant Paulette Walker, Brockton; program graduate Christopher Gusman, Wareham; MTA Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Chairwoman Susan Baker, Falmouth; program graduate Barbara Lora, Brockton; first-time participant Deborah Lewis, Somerville; and NEA Director Julia Monteiro Johnson, Dennis-Yarmouth.
Photo by Sarah Nathan
Push to repeal offsets continues in Congress he MTA and the NEA are continuing to lobby for passage T of federal legislation that would repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, both of which unfairly penalize educators in Massachusetts and 14 other states. Bills have been filed in both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. The House version of the Social Security [email protected] Fairness Act of 2009 is H.R. 235. The Senate bill is S. 484. All members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation continue to be strong sup- porters of the repeal effort. The GPO reduces the spousal or survivor benefits of educators and other public employees by an amount equal to two-thirds of their public pensions. The WEP affects people who have worked in jobs in which they have earned Social Security and in public- sector jobs not covered by the system. To receive updates on the repeal effort, please send your name, address, MTA ID number, current or former local association affiliation and home e-mail address to Jo Ann Fitzgerald, MTA retired members service special- ist, at [email protected].
Municipal employees must get ethics training Continued from Page 14 cautions that it does not precisely address the parts of the law dealing with municipal employees. There are plans to devise targeted training programs for municipal em- ployees, but the schedule is highly uncertain because of a lack of funding. It is possible that the more specific municipal training will not be available by the April deadline. Staff at the state Ethics Commission have emphasized that the online train- ing is not a test, but a training tool. It is not possible to flunk, they advise. To take the online training, members may visit www.mass.gov/?pa geID=ethhomepage&L=1&L0=Hom e&sid=Ieth and click on “Mandatory Summaries and Training,” then click on “Online Training Program.” For more information, members should consult an MTA field representative. October/November/December 2009 17 The Voices of Customer Satisfaction Sound Remarkably Similar
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18MTA-136.inddOctober/November/December 1 2009 8/13/09 8:24:39 AM MTA Benefits A policy review can reassure you — or highlight insurance gaps o your insurance policies Auto or home claims may involve reflect your current and near- a lawsuit. Are your liability limits D term needs? Unfortunately, adequate to cover the value of your many consumers just renew their exist- assets and future wages? For instance, ing policies year after year, which can a settlement or judgment against you mean too much or too little insurance could include your retirement and col- to address the financial consequences lege savings as well as your home. Do of exposure to accidents, theft and you need an umbrella policy to provide other risks. additional coverage? To make sure you have the right If you lack comprehensive/collision coverage, your insurance policies coverages, you’re probably not covered should be reviewed by a professional for fire, theft, vandalism, glass breakage, insurance agent annually or when hitting an animal, road debris and more. major life events occur. Home insurance questions should What questions should you bring focus on coverage and limits for to a personal insurance review? What personal liability due to injuries such should you expect your insurance as those resulting from falls on your professional to cover? The following property. Are limits high enough for tips will help you prepare for the valuables that might be damaged or meeting, which may take no more than stolen — such as jewelry, cameras, mu- 15 minutes. sical instruments and artwork? Are you covered for water and sewer backups? How to start the process Do you have sufficient coverage in First, collect the pages of your today’s dollars to replace your home if existing policies, in particular the it burned to the ground? “declaration pages.” These list current Policy reviews highlight missing coverages and the dollar amount coverage, notable coverage gaps and maximum (“limits”) that might be your options for closing those gaps. paid as part of a claim. You probably While you probably invest most of your have auto insurance and insurance on insurance dollars covering your home a home, condo or apartment. Insurance and auto, you should ask about your for identity theft — as well as for need to cover identity theft, recreational Jet Skis, boats, campers and similar vehicles and situations requiring an recreational vehicles — may also be umbrella policy. part of your protection portfolio. auto and home policies with the same States that require it may set a lower While insurance can seem com- You may also have the extra insurer will save you money. limit than limits for other motorists. In plicated, the insurance professionals protection of an umbrella policy. economic downturns, the probability at MTA Benefits can help you make The key is to have all your What to look for in a review of encountering an uninsured motorist informed choices based on your current policies so you can look at coverages, In reviewing your auto policy, may be higher. Consider having UIM/ needs and lifestyle. limits and ways to save by combining start with uninsured and underinsured UM coverage limits match your bodily Call 800.336.0990 to set up your policies. In general, placing your motorists (UIM/UM) coverage. injury limits. no-cost insurance review.
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October/November/December 2009 19 Ronalegi retirement consultations available
The MTA conducts retirement consultations throughout the state to assist members. Proof of membership must be submitted when requesting retirement services. This schedule is in effect from September to June. In the event of inclement weather, it is advisable to call consultants in advance.
ASHBURNHAM — Robert Zbikowski: Road, Braintree; 781.380.1410, or at home, PITTSFIELD — Ward F. Johnson: second second Thursday of each month (walk in), 4 781.545.2069. Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to 8 p.m., Overlook Middle School library, MTA Berkshire Office, 188 East St., Pittsfield; front entrance, 10 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham; CAPE COD — Lawrence Abbruzzi: second 413.499.0257, or at home, 413.443.1722; e-mail: 978.827.1425, or at home, 978.297.0123; e-mail: Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. [email protected]. [email protected]. to 1 p.m., Barnstable Teachers Association (BTA), 100 West Main St., Suite #7, Hyannis; RAYNHAM — Sandra Stephenson: third Saturday AUBURN — Louise Gaskins: first and second 508.775.8625, or at home, 508.824.9194. of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MTA Saturdays of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 Southeast Office, 90 New State Highway (Rte. 44), p.m., MTA Central Office, 48 Sword St., Auburn; HOLYOKE — Dennis O’Connor: third Saturday Raynham; 508.822.5371, or at home, 508.747.2234; 508.791.2121, or at home, 978.448.5351. of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MTA e-mail: [email protected]. Edward Nelson: fourth Western Office, 55 Bobala Road, Suite 3, Holyoke; Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., BOSTON — Harold Crowley: Tuesdays, 413.535.2415, or at home, 413.737.7509. MTA Southeast Office, 90 New State Highway Wednesdays and Thursdays (by appointment (Rte. 44), Raynham; 508.822.5371, or at home, only), 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MTA, 20 Ashburton LYNNFIELD — Mary Parry: third and fourth 508.853.5769. Place, Boston; 617.742.7950, ext. 8240, or Saturdays of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 800.392.6175, ext. 8240. 1 p.m., MTA Northeast Office, 50 Salem St., Building B, Lynnfield; 781.246.9779, or at home, Higher ed At-Large — Edward McCourt, BRAINTREE — Mary Hanna: second Saturday of 978.372.2031; fax, 978.372.2035. Massachusetts Bay Community each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., College, Wellesley; 781.239.2207; e-mail: MTA Metropolitan Office, 100 Grandview [email protected].
Note: If you or your association would like to have a retirement workshop at your school, your local president should call Harold Crowley at 800.392.6175, ext. 8240. Please be aware that the MTA does not have a record of your service, so members are advised to bring that information along to meetings.
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20 October/November/December 2009 2010 MTA Governance Postings Nomination papers available TA members who intend to seek election to MTA 2010C ELE TION TIMELINE M office at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Delegates or to run for NEA Director may now apply for NONT MI A ION DEADLINES nomination papers. Annual Meeting elections will January 8 Statewide/Regional and Retired Delegates to the NEA RA take place in May for vacancies in the January 8 Regional Ethnic Minority Delegates to MTA Annual Meeting offices of President, Vice President, Regional Executive Committee January 8 Statewide Retired District Delegates to MTA Annual Meeting Member, Statewide Retired District Director and District Director. January 8 NEA Directors There are two NEA Director March 5 President vacancies. The directors will be elected by direct-mail ballot. Ballots will be March 5 Vice President sent to the entire membership. Applications for nomination March 5 Regional Executive Committee Members papers for MTA office must be submitted in writing to the office of the March 5 Statewide Retired District Directors Executive Director-Treasurer, MTA, March 5 District Directors 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. Although there is no deadline March 5 Retired Members Committee for requesting them, nomination papers for MTA office must be filed with the April 9 Student Delegate Election to the NEA RA (if Applicable) Executive Director-Treasurer by 5 p.m. on March 5, regardless of postmark. FILING DEADLINES FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENTS Nomination papers for NEA Director posts may be requested in the January 8 Bylaws and Standing Rules same manner, but must be filed no later than Friday, Jan. 8. January 8 Resolutions No person may be a candidate for more than one office. Each candidate member** and must be employed in Each candidate must be an active **RIF’d members and members must specify the office sought, the education within the electoral region in MTA member** and an active or who have been granted leaves of term of the office, his or her MTA which the candidate seeks office. education support professional NEA absence by their employers may be membership individual ID number Statewide Retired District member, as determined by the NEA considered active members employed (which can be found on the MTA Directors*: There are two vacancies Constitution and Bylaws, for at least in education. membership card), home and school for Statewide Retired District Director. two years immediately preceding the ***Regional Executive Committee addresses, telephone numbers, fax Both are for three-year terms. election, and a non-supervisor member and Retired Region Executive numbers, e-mail addresses and local Candidates must be members of the as defined by the NEA. The policy pro- Committee: A bylaw revision concern- association. statewide retired district. There is a cedure for the direct election of NEA ing terms of office for these positions All candidates must comply with self-nomination process. The nomina- Directors and Alternate NEA Directors takes effect on July 1, 2010. Executive the nomination and election provisions tion deadline is March 5. is available upon request. Committee candidates elected by of the MTA Bylaws, which will be District Directors — MTA For information on nominations delegates to the 2010 Annual Meeting made available to candidates. Board*: There will be 14 vacancies and elections, please contact Diane will be subject to its terms. The bylaw President and Vice President*: for District Director positions on the Foley of the MTA Governance states: The term of office shall be for The President and Vice President will MTA Board. All terms will be for three Division by calling 617.878.8217, three years. Members shall be eligible be elected for two-year terms com- years. The open districts are 6A, 33C, e-mailing [email protected] or for not more than two consecutive terms mencing July 15, 2010. A candidate 36C, 41C, 39E, 40E, 12F, 13F, 24F, faxing inquiries to 617.742.7046. provided that an Executive Committee must be an active MTA member** or a 16G, 17G, 20G, 48H and 49H. Each *In accordance with Article IX, member who has been elected to one retired MTA member within the state- candidate must be an active MTA Section 2B, of the MTA Bylaws, all two-year term under the previous bylaw wide retired district. A local affiliate member** and must be employed in members of the Board of Directors shall nonetheless be eligible to serve shall not be represented on the MTA education within the electoral district (including officers; Regional Executive two more three-year terms. Anyone Board of Directors by more than one in which the candidate seeks office. Committee Members; the Statewide elected to two two-year terms under officer (President or Vice President). NEA Directors*: The vacant Retired Region Executive Committee the previous bylaw shall be eligible to Regional Executive Committee NEA Director seats will be filled by Member; District, Statewide, and At- serve an additional three-year term. If Members*: There will be four vacan- direct-mail vote in March and April, Large Directors; and NEA Directors) a member has filled an unexpired term, cies for Regional Executive Committee in tandem with the NEA statewide will be delegates to the MTA Annual he/she shall be eligible for election to Member positions. All terms will and regional delegate elections. The Meeting of Delegates. Election as two full terms, provided, however, that be for three years***. The regional term is three years, beginning Sept. 1, delegates will occur simultaneous to, the consecutive years served do not vacancies are for Regions B, D, E and 2010, and expiring Aug. 31, 2013, in and by virtue of, election to the above- exceed nine. The term of office shall H. A candidate must be an active MTA accordance with the NEA’s fiscal year. named offices. commence on July 1. MTA Resolutions Committee now accepting proposals roposed revisions to MTA be submitted by any member. The considered by the Resolutions Teresa Barut, Kathleen Comer, Ted resolutions are now being initial deadline for submissions to Committee, and those submitted by Kempinski, Sandra Moriarty and P accepted. Resolutions are the the Resolutions Committee is Jan. the January deadline are also brought Dorothy Scally. Laura Barrett is the organization’s statements of principle 8. Proposed resolutions may also be before the Board of Directors. To staff consultant, and Janice Morrissey on issues relating to members, public submitted by the end of business on become the official position of the is the staff assistant. education, the welfare of students and Friday, May 7, at the Annual Meeting MTA, a resolution must be adopted by For a copy of the current human and civil rights. of Delegates. The committee may also the delegates at the Annual Meeting. resolutions, go to the MTA Web site, A proposal for a new resolution propose resolutions. The 2009-2010 committee mem- www.massteacher.org, and search for or revision of an existing one may All resolutions submitted are bers are Chairwoman Diana Marcus, “Resolutions.” October/November/December 2009 21 2010 NOMINATION FORM FOR: m NEA DELEGATE ELECTIONS m REGIONAL ETHNIC MINORITY DELEGATES TO THE MTA ANNUAL MEETING m STATEWIDE RETIRED DISTRICT DELEGATES TO THE MTA ANNUAL MEETING
Important Message: A candidate must fill out a separate nomination form for each office sought. A candidate must file this nomination form or facsimile with the Executive Director-Treasurer by 5 p.m. on Friday January 8, 2010, regardless of postmark. ADDITIONAL FORMS MAY BE REQUESTED OR THIS FORM MAY BE DUPLICATED. FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO: DIANE FOLEY, MTA, 20 ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MA 02108
NAME OF CANDIDATE:______Please check the appropriate box that corresponds to the election. MEMBER ID #:______NEA DELEGATE ELECTION MTA REGIONAL ETHNIC (Listed on your MTA ID card) EDUCATIONAL POSITION: MINORITY DELEGATE TO personal E-MAIL:______(Check One) THE MTA ANNUAL MEETING q T eacher or Education ETHNIC MINORITY HOME ADDRESS:______DESIGNATION: Support Professional (Check One) q Administrator or Supervisor ______q Asian/Pacific Islander q Retired q Cape Verdean ______q Retired Life q Latino (See policy for definitions.) TELEPHONE:______q African-American I hereby declare my candi- q American Indian/ work e-mail:______dacy for: (Check One) Alaska Native q STATEWIDE - Non-Supervisor EDUCATIONAL POSITION SCHOOL ADDRESS:______q REGIONAL - Non-Supervisor q T eacher or Education q S TATEWIDE OTHER ______Support Professional (Administrator or Supervisor) q Administrator or Supervisor q RETIRED ______MTA STATEWIDE RETIRED TELEPHONE:______DISTRICT DELEGATE TO THE MTA ANNUAL MEETING LOCAL ASSOCIATION:______Candidate Eligibility: (Check One) ______q MTA Retired member q MT A Life member who is an DISTRICT/REGION:______1 2MTA Retired member INSTRUCTIONS 1. MTA Policy: Each candidate may submit a photograph and biography/ 8. Insert punctuation in the same box immediately after the word that statement containing no more than 50 words. Note: Only the first 50 you want it to follow. words will be printed. The Credentials and Ballot Committee reserves 9. Indicate intent to commence a new paragraph by inserting the para- the right to edit all bios. graph symbol (¶) in the same box immediately preceding the first word 2. Write out your statement on a separate piece of paper first, and then in the paragraph. fill out the grid. 10. A date represented as “October 1, 2008” shall constitute three words. 3. Type or print clearly, using both upper- and lower-case letters, as The same date represented as “10/1/08” is only one word. you expect the final statement to appear. 11. Send this entire nomination form and photo to: MTA, Governance 4. Insert no more than one word per box. Specialist, 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. Only the data on this 5. Do not combine words or numbers with hyphens or slashes. form and photos received by January 8, 2010, will be published with 6. “An,” “a” and “the” constitute one word. the ballot. PHOTO ON FILE MAY BE USED. The Credentials and Ballot Committee may request a new or more recent photo. 7. Acronyms, such as “NEA-RA” or “MTA,” count as one word.
BIO/STATEMENT GRID — PLEASE PRINT
Please select from the following and check the appropriate boxes: q 50-word (maximum) bio/statement grid enclosed. q I am not submitting a bio/statement grid. q Photo sent via e-mail (high-resolution JPEG headshot; 300 dpi). q I am not submitting a photo. q Use photo on file. q Please return photo. q Photo enclosed. My qualifications are in compliance with those of the designated3 position for which I am a candidate: Signature:______Date:______
22 October/November/December 2009 2010 MTA Governance Postings NEA RA delegates to be elected by mail tatewide, regional and retired Elected delegates are expected delegates from Massachusetts to comply with the accountability S to the 2010 NEA Representative The nomination period for delegates requirements set forth by the MTA. Assembly will be elected by mail is now in process and will close at 5 Funding will not be provided unless ballot next March and April. p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. accountability is met. The election for NEA Directors The policy procedure for the will be held simultaneously and in the election of MTA delegates to the same manner. RA should be reviewed carefully by The nomination period for allocation of statewide and regional regional and retired delegates from anyone considering candidacy. delegates is now in process and will delegates will be based on electoral Massachusetts will attend, in addition to The policy procedure for the elec- close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. regions A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. A delegates elected by local associations. tion of retired delegates is available The election period runs from list of local associations by electoral The Credentials and Ballot upon request. March 1 through April 23. Ballots for region is available upon request. Committee has adopted procedures for It states that this election “shall be statewide and regional delegates will The distribution of statewide the election that call for ballots and subject to all restrictions, procedures, be mailed to eligible active MTA/NEA and regional seats will be voted on other material to be sent directly to and deadlines set forth by the NEA members and will be accompanied by the MTA Board of Directors at its each NEA member in Massachusetts guidelines and MTA’s statewide and by bio/statements and photos of meeting Jan. 29-30; candidates will be in a self-mailer that bears the notice: regional election process.” candidates who submit them. informed of the final allocation plan “Important: Ballots Enclosed.” Inquiries concerning procedures Retired delegate ballots and and will be given an opportunity to Ballots will be returned directly to for the nomination and election of bio/statements will be mailed only alter the designation for the level they the Credentials and Ballot Committee NEA delegates may be addressed to to retired and retired life NEA seek to represent. at a post office box. Data from the Diane Foley in the MTA Division members. Tentative dates for the RA are July returns will be tabulated and counted of Governance. Her phone number The MTA will be notified by the 1 through July 6, and travel dates are at MTA headquarters in Boston under is 617.878.8217, her fax number is NEA in February of the number of del- June 30 and July 7. The RA will take the supervision of the Credentials and 617.742.7046 and her e-mail address is egates allocated to Massachusetts. The place in New Orleans. The statewide, Ballot Committee. [email protected]. Regional ethnic minority delegates to be chosen egional ethnic minority All terms will be for one year. The re- delegates to the 2010 MTA Ballots for regional ethnic minority gional vacancies are: Region A, seven R Annual Meeting will be vacancies; Region B, five vacancies; elected by mail ballot next March and delegates will be mailed to active Region C, seven vacancies; Region April in conjunction with the NEA MTA members, accompanied by D, five vacancies; Region E, five delegate/director elections. vacancies; Region F, six vacancies; The nomination period for re- bio/statements and photos of Region G, six vacancies; and Region gional ethnic minority delegates is now candidates who submit them. H, six vacancies. Each candidate must in process and will close at 5 p.m. on be employed in education within the Friday, Jan. 8. Nominations are open region in which the candidate seeks to all eligible ethnic minority members The election period runs from on MTA electoral regions and equal to office. through a self-nomination process. The March 1 through April 23. Ballots for the number of district directors from Inquiries regarding nomination, form appears on page 22 of this issue regional ethnic minority delegates will each region. No more than one del- election and the policy procedure may of MTA Today. be mailed to active MTA members, ac- egate from each district within a region be directed to Diane Foley in the MTA Regional ethnic minority delegates companied by bio/statements and photos will be elected, with the exception of Division of Governance. Her phone will be elected by mail ballots of candidates who submit them. 44H, which has two directors. number is 617.878.8217, her e-mail forwarded in the same self-mailer as The 2010 allocation of regional There will be 47 vacancies for address is [email protected] and the NEA ballots. ethnic minority delegates will be based regional ethnic minority delegates. her fax number is 617.742.7046. Bylaws and Rules Committee now accepting proposals he MTA Bylaws and Rules early submission by the Jan. 8 deadline added language. Enclose in parenthesis submit evidence that a vote was taken Committee will soon begin re- provides an opportunity for a full language to be deleted. Indicate the by authorized representatives of the T viewing proposed amendments. hearing by the committee, by the location of completely new language. affiliate or the committee. A proposal to amend the Bylaws Board of Directors and at the April 3. Accompany each proposed Current document: A copy of addresses the governance of the as- preconvention meetings. It also allows amendment with a written rationale on the current document containing the sociation or the primary characteristics advance publication in the April/May its purpose, impact and intent. MTA Bylaws, Standing Rules and and functions of the MTA. issue of MTA Today. 4. Include at the end of all propos- Resolutions is available to any member A proposal to amend the Standing Submitters will be informed of als the submitter’s name and local upon request. Rules addresses the procedures of the committee hearing dates and will be association. Assistance: The Bylaws and Annual Meeting of Delegates, nomina- expected to meet with the committee 5. Provide your full name, Rules Committee and MTA staff are tions and elections or governance to discuss the language and intent of address, telephone number(s), fax available to discuss ideas for potential documents. their proposals. number(s), e-mail address or addresses amendments. Filing process and deadline: Proper format: Please use the and your MTA membership ID num- Informational inquiries and Proposed changes to the Bylaws must following format for each proposed ber, which can be found on your MTA written proposals submitted for the be received in writing by the MTA amendment. membership card. attention of the MTA Bylaws and Bylaws and Rules Committee by 5 1. Specifically cite all articles, Who may submit proposals: Rules Committee should be channeled p.m. on Jan. 8. sections and lines of the Bylaws or Individual MTA members, groups of through Mary Ann Alfond, MTA Proposed changes to the Standing Standing Rules that are to be changed members and local associations are eli- director of professional services. Her Rules only may be submitted in or affected. gible to submit proposed amendments address is MTA, 20 Ashburton Place, writing to the MTA Bylaws and Rules 2. Set forth your proposal in two to the MTA Bylaws and Standing Boston, MA 02108. Her telephone Committee up to the opening of the columns, comparing the proposed text Rules. Members wishing to use an number is 617.878.8213, her fax first business session of the May 7-8 opposite the present text. In the pro- official title representing an MTA number is 617.742.7046 and her e-mail Annual Meeting in Boston. However, posed language, underline amended or affiliate or committee are required to address is [email protected]. October/November/December 2009 23 2010 MTA Governance Postings Statewide retired delegates to be chosen by mail ballot TA statewide retired district Election waiver delegates to the 2010 MTA The election period runs If the number of candidates is equal to Annual Meeting will be from March 1 through M or less than the number of positions to elected by mail ballot in conjunction April 23. with the NEA delegate/director elections. be filled, elections may be waived and The nomination period for be accompanied by bio/statements the candidates declared elected to the statewide retired delegates is now in and photos of candidates who submit positions in question. process and will close at 5 p.m. on them. The 2010 allocation of statewide Friday, Jan. 8. retired district delegates and successor Nominations are open to all delegates will be based on the number eligible MTA/NEA retired members of MTA/NEA retired members from the through a self-nomination process. The statewide retired district on record no Paid Advertisement form appears on page 22 of this issue later than March 1. Terms last one year. of MTA Today. The policy procedure for the elec- Statewide retired district tion will be mailed to any candidate delegates will be elected by mail ballots who requests a copy. forwarded in the same self-mailer as Inquiries may be directed to the NEA retired delegate ballots. The Diane Foley in the MTA Division election period runs from March 1 of Governance at 617.878.8217. through April 23. Ballots for statewide They may also be e-mailed to retired delegates will be mailed to [email protected] or faxed to retired MTA/NEA members and will 617.742.7046.
Retired committee has four seats open our members of the eight- Please see the December 2009/ member Retired Members January 2010 issue of the MTA Reporter FCommittee will be elected by for details and the self-nomination form. statewide retired district delegates to The deadline for nominations is the 2010 MTA Annual Meeting. March 5.
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24 October/November/December 2009 Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Obituaries
1. Publication Title: MTA TODAY 2. Publication Number: 0898-2481 Michael J. Antonio, 68, of elementary schools for over 30 years, 3. Filing Date: October 14, 2009 Westborough. Was a teacher and retiring in 1984. July 30. 4. Issue Frequency: Aug./Sept., Oct./Nov., Dec./Jan., Feb./March, April/May, June/July principal in the Westborough Public John J. Farrell, 80, of Buzzards 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 Issues Schools for 37 years, retiring in 2000. Bay. Was an industrial arts teacher for 6. Annual Subscription Price: Not Applicable 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Sept. 22. the Natick, Framingham, Bourne and 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Dr. Harold A. Bantley, 74, of New Bedford school systems. Was a Same as #7 Marblehead. Was a professor of media recipient of the Teacher of Year award 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: and communications at Salem State in 1975. Sept. 1. David A. Borer, Publisher, and James P. Sacks, Editor. (Managing Editor is the same as Editor.) College for many years before retiring. Lorraine B. Kilburn, 61, of 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 10. Owner: Massachusetts Teachers Association, 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Oct. 18. Middleton. Was an English teacher at 11. Known Bondholders: Not Applicable Dr. Thelma L. Berger, 77, of Bellingham High School for 35 years, 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 months Lynn. Taught in the Marblehead Public retiring in 2006. Aug. 19. 13. Publication Title: MTA TODAY Schools for 32 years. Also taught in Nahum “Abe” Sherf, 76, of 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: June/July 2009 Somerset and Nahant and served as Swampscott. Was a professor in the 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation supervisor of instruction for the Title I Department of History and Economics a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date supervisor program in Salem. at North Shore Community College for 110,677 110,705 Sept. 4. 43 years and served as department chair, b. Legitimate Paid 1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions 110,196 110,410 Betty Ann M. Bernard, 66, of retiring in 2008. Also served on the and/or Requested 2. In-County Paid/ Requested Mail Subscriptions N.A. N.A. Uxbridge. Was an elementary school MTA Executive Committee, represent- Distribution 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Etc., Outside USPS N.A. N.A. teacher for 35 years. Retired in 2000 ing higher education members. Sept. 27. 4. Requested Copies Dist. by Other Mail Classes Through USPS N.A. N.A. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 110,196 110,410 from the Balmer Elementary School in Eunice H. Sudentas, 93, of d. Nonrequested 1. Outside County Nonrequested Copies, Including Samples 616 630 Northbridge. Oct. 7. Westfield. Was an elementary school Distribution 2. In-County Nonrequested Copies N.A. N.A. Joseph Cardillo, 89, of Waltham. teacher in Vermont, Huntington, (by Mail and 3. Nonrequested Copies Dist. Through USPS by Other Mail Classes N.A. N.A. Taught business law at Waltham High Holland and Westfield. Retired in 1974 Outside the Mail) 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail N.A. N.A. School. Was principal of both Henry from the Abner Gibbs Elementary e. Total Nonrequested Distribution 616 630 f. Total Distribution 110,812 111,040 Whittemore and Nathaniel Banks School in Westfield. Oct. 3. g. Copies Not distributed 481 295 h. Total 111,293 111,335 i. Percent Paid 99.44% 99.43% Principal: ‘This isn’t a shoe factory’ Continued from Page 5 you can just say workers have to turn 16. The Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct./Nov./Dec. 2009 issue of this publication. educators interviewed has warmed to out 10 shoes an hour and if they do 17. James P. Sacks, Editor the idea of merit pay. that they get a bonus.” “We’re dealing with little kids Rovelli echoed that sentiment. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/ here and there are so many variables “You can have high expectations. You or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties). that affect their performance,” Crowley can give a student a lot of individual said. “This isn’t a shoe factory where attention. But in the end, it is up to the student. Not every student is willing to Paid Advertisement do the work,” she said. She added that if she were still Spring classes teaching at her former school, she begin Master of Education: probably would not get any bonus pay Jan. 13 Art (P) since MCAS scores in that school were Curriculum & Instructional generally low, while at the Talmadge Technology (I) she might because the students do Early Childhood Education (P) Elementary Education (P) well. “I’m the same teacher both The Programs English (P) places, so why would I qualify in one History (P) school but not another?” she said. Literacy and Language (I) (P) In several hours of conversation, Mathematics (P) the educators at the Talmadge offered You Want Spanish (P) many ideas about how to best educate Special Education (I) low-income and minority children. The Teaching of English as a The suggestions they put forward Second Language (I) For the License when asked open-ended questions Master of Arts: about what works and what could be Educational Leadership (I) improved had no relationship to the plans being promoted in Washington, You Need Graduate Certificates: Instruction Technology D.C., or on Beacon Hill. Readiness Proficiency Schools never came up. No Child Left Children’s Literature Behind was dismissed as unrealistic by Earn your license or PDPs from the college that’s been STEM Education Crowley, who said, “They expect ELL (English language learner) students to training educators longer than any other public institution. Professional Development: take the test after being in the country We oer 22 master’s programs, seven graduate certicates One-Credit Online Courses for Educators just one year. I’d like to see them go and an Online Professional Development Center for (22.5 PDPs, $169) to Spain and take a test as hard as MCAS after just one year and see Educators. Aordably priced, conveniently scheduled, lots (I) = Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure how they do.” Charter schools were (P) = Leads to Professional Teacher Licensure not suggested as a solution. The union of online options. Licensure varies by program. Please contact the Graduate and Continuing Education Division for contract was not cited as an impedi- further clarification.
ment to quality teaching.
A school reform idea worth pro- posing? Perhaps policymakers should be required to spend at least one day in a public school talking to staff and Graduate and framingham.edu students about why Massachusetts Continuing Education 508 626 4550 public schools are, on average, doing so well before they vote on the next major education overhaul. October/November/December 2009 25 Classifieds
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Over 10,000 enthusiastic 18 graduate credits available from Cambridge TRAVEL IN JULY 2010 — The destination is CAPE COD BEACH HOUSE — Just steps artists, teachers and students can’t be wrong! College. Visit www.mascd.org for details. still a mystery but will be known by the time you down a secluded lane to your own private beach. This book guarantees to jump-start creativity read this. E-mail [email protected] or call New to the market and recently renovated. in the classroom for children of all ages. EMPLOYMENT 413.567.3046. Together with C-tours, we wish Includes many features — gas-log fireplace, Available at bookstores, Amazon.com and you a happy Thanksgiving! granite counter tops, new kitchen cabinets www.artfromintuition.com. TEACHERS — DO YOU NEED ADDITIONAL and appliances, outside shower and a large INCOME, FUN? Host and tutor foreign students LONDON, PARIS AND AMSTERDAM family room with a 40-inch flat screen TV. Call INVITE A TRAVELING EDUTARIUM to in English in your own home. Varied short- FEBRUARY SCHOOL VACATION — 10 508.685.1805. your school for an interesting and memorable term programs = many types of hosts needed. days, round-trip air, eight nights of quality educational enrichment experience for students Especially need families for summer and retired accommodations, three city tours, Eurostar train PARIS VACATION APARTMENTS — Located and teachers alike! Our programs cover sciences, teachers year-round. For example: $550/week London-Paris, Seine night cruise, breakfast daily, in central Paris. Beautiful, comfortable and culture, math, geography and more. For more for room, board, 15 hours of tutoring. Curious? half-price theater tickets in London. $1,699. For good value. Visit www.rentals-paris.com or call information, please call 866.491.2806 or visit Contact [email protected] or call details, e-mail [email protected]. 516.977.3318. www.edutarium.com/mta. 781.581.5933 for details. ITALY — April School Vacation. Sorrento DEER ISLE, MAINE — Vacation in Down EDUCATION/LICENSURE H.S. TEACHERS — EXTRA INCOME, and Sicily. Nine-day trip from Boston includes East Maine (fall/spring/summer) on spectacular FLEXIBLE HOURS, GREAT PAY. Lead round-trip airfare; four-star accommodations in island of Blue Hill Peninsula. Acadia 35 miles ADMINISTRATOR LICENSURE PROGRAM math or English SAT preparation. Metrowest Sorrento; four nights at beach resort in Sicily; away! Glorious new custom house, walk to — If you are looking for a district-based, cost- area. Minimum commitment of just seven 15 meals; guided tours of Capri, Pompeii, ocean. Rental $900 wk. (plus state tax of 6 effective program for licensure as an admin- hours total. Visit www.mwprep.com or e-mail Amalfi Coast, Mt. Etna, Taormina, Siracusa and percent to support school costs)! Cleaning $90. istrator, consult the Web site of The Education [email protected]. Agrigento; transportation and transfers. $2,159 Request detailed slideshow. E-mail Cooperative (TEC), www.tec-coop.org, and click per person. E-mail [email protected]. [email protected] or call 508.543.3043 or on “Professional Development and Licensure.” PAID INTERNSHIPS — From museum 508.838.4589 (cell). Courses are offered in Dedham in cooperation education and exhibition planning to marketing EUROPE FEBRUARY VACATION — Award- with Boston University. and public relations, the Peabody Essex Museum winning all/mostly inclusive vacations: Sorrento, HILTON HEAD, S.C. — 2BR, 2.5BA villa, in Salem, Mass., offers a dynamic semester-long Rome, Feb. 13-21. $1,899 per person all- sleeps seven. Outstanding location: gated IS YOUR PRELIMINARY LICENSE paid internship program for high school and inclusive. Flights, daily sightseeing, all meals, community, golf view, near ocean. Video tour at EXPIRING? Get your Initial license in six college students. Call 978.745.9500, ext. 3217, or four-star hotel. Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi drive, www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM6pt3NIRRY or months. PRPIL (Performance Review Program visit www.pem.org/intern for more information. Pompeii-Naples, Rome, Vatican City. London call 508.678.0898. for Initial Licensure) is a portfolio-based route & Paris, Feb. 11-19. $2,099 full sightseeing, to Initial Licensure offered exclusively by Class TEACH ABROAD — Search Associates most meals. Custom group bids available! Call KISSIMMEE CONDO FOR RENT — Four miles Measures through the Department of Elemen- places 1,550 teachers yearly in outstanding K-12 Durgan Travel 781.438.2224. from Disney. Three bedrooms, two baths, sleeps tary and Secondary Education (DESE). Visit American/International Schools in Europe, South eight, handicap accessible, all amenities. $75 per www.classmeasures.com or call 781.939.5699 America, Asia and Africa. Excellent salaries, RETIRED TEACHERS — Durgan Travel, night. E-mail [email protected] for availability. for more information. benefits and lifestyle. Candidates for August 2010 award-winning tour operator, has full schedule should review www.search-associates.com. If of all/mostly inclusive vacations from now CAPE COD WEST YARMOUTH — Colonial JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOOL interested AFTER reviewing the Web site, please through 2010 including jet tours and cruises. The Acres Resort on Nantucket Sound. Sleeps 4. 7/3- ADMINISTRATORS — K-12 Principal/Asst. submit an application soon. highest-value, best-priced tours plus individual 7/10. Beach and indoor pool. Call 781.254.7565 Principal, Supervisor/Director. The Leadership arrangements are available now. Group/leader for rates and details. Licensure Program (LLP) is a high-quality FIELD TRIPS special promotions. Call Durgan Travel at one-year MDESE-approved licensure program 781.438.2224 or visit www.durgantravel.com. JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA — ON THE supported by three professional organizations: PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM, SALEM, OCEAN. 2/2 Condo, first floor, large porch, No MSSAA, Teachers21 and MASCD. For infor- MASS. — Bring your students to one of the EUROPE APRIL VACATIONS — Award- pets, nonsmoking, monthly rentals, 978.468.4657. mation, visit www.mssaa.org/LLPhomepage.htm nation’s leading art museums! Choose from winning all/mostly inclusive vacations: or call 508.541.7997. many preK-12 programs on art, history and Taormina, Sicily; Sorrento & Rome; Rome, ST. CROIX, USVI — Charming Reef Teague social science and language arts, all based on Florence with Venice; Tuscany vacation; Prague, Bay 2BR, 2-bath villa, beach, pool, restaurant, TEACHER LICENSURE PROGRAM — If Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Also Vienna & Budapest. Domestic & international deli, golf course. W/many amenities. Available you have a Preliminary License at the secondary earn your professional development points cruises available. Group rates for individuals for immediate holiday rental. Call 413.567.6617. level and are seeking Initial licensure, The with our unique educator programs. Call and individual arrangements available. Education Cooperative (TEC) has a program 978.745.9500, ext. 3060, or visit www.pem.org. Call Durgan Travel at 781.438.2224, or visit POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA — Timeshare for you. Go to www.tec-coop.org and click on www.durgantravel.com. for sale ($2,350) or rent ($650) for April school “Professional Development and Licensure.” LOOKING FOR A “SCOOPER” END-OF- vacation. One-bedroom 1.5-bath townhouse Courses are offered on weekends and during the YEAR FIELD TRIP? Participate in the TRAVEL/STUDY on private beach. Call 413.782.8165 or e-mail summer at our Dedham site. Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl® Scooper Schools [email protected]. program. Fund-raise for The Jimmy Fund and GREECE IN APRIL — Join Us! The Examined MASTER OF EDUCATION WITH earn free admission to the Scooper Bowl June Life: Greek Studies in the Schools (ExL) CONDO RENTALS — One-bedroom and/or PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE — Saturday 8-10, 2010! For more information, visit encourages educators, K-12, to apply for 2010 two-bedroom newly renovated condos. classes, $575 per class: Reading Specialist www.ScooperBowl.org or contact Dana Kelly at Greek Study Fellowships. CEUs, PDPs, graduate Discount available for MTA members and (Initial), Early Childhood, Elementary, Special [email protected] or 617.632.3863. credit. Stipends available. Please inquire: families. View pictures and contact information Needs PreK-8, Middle School, and Secondary. E-mail [email protected] or call at http://home.comcast.net/~paterrell/. Classes are held in Quincy or on-site in your FOR SALE 781.405.6094. district. M.Ed. with Initial licensure one evening VOLUNTEERS WANTED a week in Quincy. Contact Eastern Nazarene PARIS FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP: Own a SEMINAR: EDUCATION IN IRELAND (6 College at 617.774.6703 or visit www.enc.edu. share of a beautiful Parisian apartment — carefree, Graduate Credits) — July 1-July 24, 2010. THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ICONS fully managed with Ile de la Cité view of Notre National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. in Clinton is looking for people to join ELEMENTARY PROFESSIONAL Dame. Visit www.paris-fractional-ownership.com. Study aspects of the Irish education system and our group of volunteer docent tour guides. LICENSURE PROGRAMS — If you are history, literature and culture of Ireland. Write Learn about art, meet people and introduce seeking a Professional License for grades PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Barney Keenan, NUI coordinator, at 127 Glen visitors to the museum. The group meets every 1-6 in elementary, mathematics or special Road, Gorham, N.H. 03581; call 603.466.2972; other Wednesday morning. Contact education, consult the Web site of The Education ITEACHTOO.COM is a safe and active resource or e-mail [email protected]. The Trip of a Tara Young at 978.598.5000, ext. 13, or Cooperative, www.tec-coop.org, and click for educators only (created in Mass.). Check Lifetime! [email protected].
26 October/November/December 2009 10-ST-122 Personal Loan MTA PDFX1a (October 2009_ Paying down debt doesn’t have to be an uphill battle.
VARIABLE RATES AS LOW AS % 7.99APR† The MTASM Personal Loan account could help.
• Consolidate and eliminate high-interest debt ▲ with affordable monthly payments • Borrow loan amounts from $3,000 up to $25,000,* with no collateral required • Get a quick loan decision • Get flexible repayment terms from 24-60 months with no prepayment penalties
Join the other MTA members who have already taken the first step to a debt-free future. Apply today. Call 1.866.266.0211. Mention priority code UAA8D6 for a quick loan decision. Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm; Friday 8 am - 6 pm ET
† We will set your initial variable APR based on creditworthiness. APR will be calculated by adding a The MTA is not involved in the credit application process. All applications are subject to a confidential margin to the highest U.S. Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the last publication standard review by FIA Card Services, N.A. This account is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. day of each month. On 9/30/09, the U.S. Prime Rate applicable using this formula was 3.25% and APR Absolutely no membership dues are used to market this program. range was 7.99% to 18.99%. We may adjust your APR on a monthly basis due to changes to the Prime Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Rate. We also reserve the right to change your APR, fees, or other credit terms at our discretion. The MTA Personal Loan has been developed for MTA members and their families. If a member decides Repayment term and payment amount are estimates which may change if, for example: your APR not to renew membership, that person and his/her family will no longer be eligible to receive the changes, you make late or partial payments, we assess fees, or you take additional advances. 2% preferred rates and fees offered through the MTA Personal Loan Program. If eligible, a replacement loan transaction fee on each advance (minimum fee $5; there is no maximum). Transaction fee is added to may be offered. balance and accrues finance charges. Other fees may apply. ▲ The MTA Benefits logo is a registered trademark of MTA Benefits, Inc., and the NEA Member Benefits We may prohibit use of this account to pay off or pay down any account issued by FIA Card Services, N.A. logo is a registered trademark of NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation. Both logos are used by the issuer *Upon approval, we will establish your credit line between $3,000 and $25,000 based on creditworthiness. pursuant to license. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. PL241009
October/November/December 2009 27 Massachusetts Teachers Association http://www.facebook.com/massteacher
Volume 40, No. 2 October/November/December 2009
“Followers” Wanted: Join today! Official Publication of the Massachusetts Teachers Association See what you’ve been missing @ http://twitter.com/massteacher
Massachusetts Teachers Association http://www.facebook.com/massteacher Suit seeks health insurance “Followers” Wanted: Join today! forSee what you’veadjunct been missing @ http://twitter.com/massteacher faculty members By Sarah Nathan
he MTA, the Massachusetts ‘I make less than half Community College Council per course what a T and five instructors have filed full-time person makes, a lawsuit seeking to force the state to offer health insurance coverage to and I wake up every adjunct faculty members who teach morning worrying about multiple courses on different public the bills I have to pay. higher education campuses. It takes an enormous The suit, filed in November in Suffolk Superior Court, would affect toll in every way.’ part-time instructors working at community and state colleges and the — Cynthia Duda University of Massachusetts. Adjunct English Instructor “We are taking legal action to right a wrong that has been overlooked for too long and get some He also believes that he meets much-needed relief for these faculty the definition of a state worker under members,” said MTA President Anne Massachusetts law, which clearly states Wass. “This lawsuit is about investing that employees working 18.75 hours per in public higher education.” week are eligible for health coverage. The unfair treatment of adjunct “It’s about fairness,” Lochelt faculty members is well documented in Photo by Sarah Nathan said. “I teach the amount that I do Massachusetts and across the country. Instructor John Cipora teaches a class at Holyoke Community College. because I love the work, I like making More than half of the undergraduate a difference in the lives of my students, courses at public colleges are taught by Joseph LeBlanc. “They persist in a “It’s absurd,” said John Cipora, and it helps me to make the money that part-time faculty, many of whom teach challenging work environment, and who has served as an adjunct I need to live modestly. However, it is at several institutions to patch together wages are just one part of the problem. psychology and sociology instructor frustrating to give so much and get so a living. “Despite the Commonwealth’s at Holyoke Community College since little back in return.” Despite their contributions to groundbreaking 2006 law expanding 2001 and is one of the plaintiffs in Cynthia Duda, an adjunct English public higher education, these faculty access for Massachusetts residents to the case. “It’s absurd that the state instructor at Bunker Hill Community members are paid by the course and health insurance, these adjunct faculty mandates health care for employers, College and North Shore Community not given health insurance benefits. members are given minimum pay for but doesn’t recognize us as employees. College, said that being solely In the Massachusetts community each course they teach and are then “To have earned a doctorate and responsible for her health insurance is college system, adjuncts are paid forced to pay hundreds of dollars each not be able to have health insurance is challenging year after year. between $2,535 and $3,069 per month for health insurance,” he added. unbelievably unfair,” Cipora said. “I don’t know how much longer I three-credit course. Five courses per The MTA, the MCCC and the Another plaintiff, Patrick Lochelt, can go on like this,” said Duda, who is semester constitute a full teaching load instructors are also alleging that the teaches more than a full course load at also among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. at community colleges in the state. state has not implemented the part Northern Essex Community College “I’m 61, so my health insurance The legal action addresses two of the Massachusetts Health Care and Middlesex Community College. costs more because I’m older,” added separate fronts. Reform Act that would provide Duda, who has been working as an First, the suit alleges that the assistance, in the form of pro-rated ochelt noted that there are adjunct instructor since 1990. “I make Commonwealth is erroneously contributions, to faculty members between 20 and 25 students less than half per course what a full- refusing the faculty members access who cannot get health insurance from L in each of his classes and that time person makes, and I wake up to the Group Insurance Commission, the GIC and instead buy coverage in addition to actual instruction time, every morning worrying about the bills the state agency that administers health through the Commonwealth Health he spends about 20 hours a week I have to pay. It takes an enormous toll care coverage for state employees. The Insurance Connector Authority. reviewing their work. Because he in every way.” plaintiffs argue that adjunct instructors The authority, an independent state teaches writing classes and requires She also pointed to the reliance meet the definition of part-time agency tasked with helping citizens each student to write five essays, he that colleges place on adjunct faculty employee as outlined in state law and secure health insurance, was created estimates that he grades about 1,000 to keep serving their many thousands must be treated as such. after the passage of the reform act, papers per semester. of students. “These part-time instructors which established a system to require Lochelt, who has been teaching in “If the part-time teachers didn’t sacrifice and persist because they love almost all individuals to obtain health Massachusetts for five years, says he show up, these schools would shut their work,” said MCCC President insurance. does it because he loves the work. down,” Duda said. 28 October/November/December 2009 VOLUME 22 / NUMBER 1 / FALL 2009 The MTA Advantage
The MTA Advantage is a publication of MTA Benefits, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Teachers Association All a-Twitter about a networking phenomenon A LOCAL PRESIDENT SINGS ITS PRAISES ntroduced just two years ago, Twitter For example, she The beauty of Twitter has exploded onto the communications sent a message before ‘ I scene, now listing more than five million members received is that you can members in its online directory. Users their initial paychecks send abbreviated group text messages – asking them to verify communicate with a maximum of 140 characters – that are amounts so if there people who are on the instantly transmitted via phone or online were a problem it through www.twitter.com. Although could be corrected road and on the run. originally designed for social networking, right away. Marcus ’ Twitter has also emerged as a way to gather also sends out links – Diana Marcus and disseminate work-related information to Web site articles President, Burlington Educators Association in real time on a wide range of matters. on the latest educator “There was no way in the world I was topi cs and asks going to use Twitter,” said Diana Marcus, for member comments. president of the Burlington Educators “I frequently alert members to sites on e-mail, newsletters and regular mail for Association. “I thought it was just a way www.mtabenefits.com where they can members who aren’t comfortable with of finding out things like who was having a find money-saving programs – everything newer technology. latte at Starbucks. But recently I was faced from dental insurance to travel – that with a situation in our local where I needed are relevant to their lives and work,” “The beauty of Twitter is that you can to accelerate and expand communications said Marcus. communicate with people who are on the beyond what I had already implemented. road and on the run,” said Marcus. “It’s I discovered Twitter is an immediate She added that she distributes messages easy and it’s free. You can just pull out way to get information to and from our through standard channels such as your phone to receive or send a message.” members. Also, many members are already there – using the new technologies. Old tried-and-true methods of communication such as e-mail aren’t enough anymore.” Social media workshops The MTA Communications Division offers workshops Information on the run on how locals can use social media to engage and organize members. See Marcus routinely “tweets” members of web.massteacher.org for dates of upcoming workshops or contact Meg Secatore her local about a wide variety of topics. at [email protected]. An MTA member since 2004
STEFANIE CHRISTO ~ another fan of MTA Benefits PROFESSION: English teacher at Waltham High School A MEMBER OF: Waltham Educators Association
Why teaching is important to her: “Connecting with students on a one-on-one basis gives me the opportunity to impact their future in a positive way.”
How she takes advantage of MTA Benefits: “I’m a frequent visitor to museums. With my MTA card, I can get in free or at a reduced cost. I also save on a gym membership each month with my member discount.”
Why she likes the MTA Benefits & Discount Directory: “It includes such a wide spectrum of products and services for members. Whether it’s insurance, flowers, hotels or almost anything else, a member can find it in the directory – at an exclusive member discount.” Shopping for the holidays – in Paris
ould you like to shop on the museums, star-ranked Champs-Élysées in Paris, sightsee restaurants, grand gardens Win Savannah and Charleston or and legendary landmarks. enjoy a fun-in-the-sun vacation during your winter getaway? These and other Charleston fascinating destinations are available to to Savannah: MTA members at surprisingly affordable Southern Comfort prices through the MTA Vacation Center. – 7 days This is a perfect trip for GOAHEADTOURS February school vacation Paris City Stay – 9 days week. Discover the charm, Brighten your holidays in the City of antebellum culture and Lights. Buy wonderful holiday gifts – for colorful cuisine of Charleston someone else or for yourself – in designer and Savannah, favorite cities salons along the Champs-Ély sées, chic of the South. Charleston boutiques of the Opéra district and landmarks include the Old Riviera Maya (Mexico) world-renowned department stores and Citadel, Battery, Rainbow Row, Old The delightful town of Playa del Carmen outdoor markets. Also enjoy the other Exchange Building and City Market. and its resort area, the Riviera Maya, exciting places of Paris – world-class Savannah is America’s first “planned are places to relax and unwind. Enjoy city” with its 21 elegantly landscaped the sun, miles of beach, snorkeling in a public squares. City highlights include secluded natural pool and good living Forsyth Park, River Street and the at TNT’s all-inclusive resorts. Nearby Cotton Exchange. is Tulum, one of the Yucatan’s most magnificent Mayan ruins. TNT VACATIONS Punta Cana For prices and more information on discounted travel and special deals (Dominican Republic) with Go Ahead Tours and TNT This has become the Caribbean’s Vacations, visit the MTA Vacation dream destination with its unspoiled Center at www.mtavacations.com. beaches and discrete selection of There are no blackout dates, which world-class resorts. Punta Cana, which means no restrictions during holidays and stretches along the country’s beautiful school vacation weeks. Book online for eastern coast, is famous for its miles-long Go Ahead Tours and save an additional beach lined with thousands of palm $150 per person (use promo code trees. The best time to travel is from MTA-910002 ); with TNT Vacations, November to March when daytime save an extra 5 percent (use promo code temperatures are in the 80s, nighttime MTA). Enjoy more rewards when you temperatures are in the 60s and breezes use the MTASM Credit Card for travel constantly flow. and shopping. Great giveaways Another A high-definition TV! Complete an online auto or home insurance quote via MTAB’s Wow Wii! Quick Quoter by Dec. 13 and you will be automatically entered into the drawing for a high-definition TV, a $600 value, Enter the MTA Benefits courtesy of The Hanover Insurance Fall Giveaway for Company and MTA Benefits. Visit your chance to win www.mtabenefits.com, click on the hugely popular the box that says “Save Big on Nintendo Wii featuring Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Wii Sports Auto Insurance,” then click on and Wii Play games. Sign up from Nov. 30 to Dec. 13 by “Quote Now” and follow the going to www.mtabenefits.com, clicking on “Members ins tructions. You’ll also receive a Only” and then “MTAB Giveaways” and following the free $5 Borders® gift card. easy instructions.
The winners of both giveaways will be announced Dec. 14 under “What’s New” on our home page.
Editor: Maryann C. Robinson 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 No dues dollars are The MTA Advantage is published four times a year as Tel: 800.336.0990 • Fax: 617.557.6687 ever used to market MTA a supplement to MTA Today by MTA Benefits, Inc. Web site: www.mtabenefits.com Benefits programs. 2 The Enjoy the season’s bounty, Tip Sheet beauty and big entertainment – at a discount
Hear the sounds of Throw a magical party the holidays Experience the full grandeur of the Old State House by staging an event there – a holiday party, an The Springfield Symphony Orchestra anniversary celebration or another special occasion. celebrates the season in grand style. Seasoned event planners and caterers are available Festivities begin with the Traditional to help you with your function. Rental proceeds Holiday Pops on Saturday, Dec. 5, support the Boston Historical Society’s restoration, an evening of old-fashioned carols and education and interpretation efforts. For rental holiday songs featuring information on your own history-making event, visit the symphony chorus. www.bostonhistory.org. Whenever you vi sit the The Family Holiday Old State House, use your MTA card to take advantage Festival on Sunday, Dec. of a 20 percent discount on all merchandise at the 6, is a musical extravaganza Bostonian Society Museum Shop. with the symphony chorus, Boston student musicians, youth brat ele in chorus and orchestras, a C g musical petting zoo and other Buy great gifts at a discount Great40 Years family-oriented entertainment. Both celebrations begin at All you have to do is open your MTA Benefits & Discount September 2009 – August 2010 8 p.m. Phone 413.733.2291 Directory. You’ll find everything from glittering jewelry Benefits and for information on ticket to fabulous flower arrangements, from designer fragrances Discount availability and concert to delectable chocolates. It’s all there at a discount. And, if Directory locations. MTA members and one additional adult you simply can’t decide what to give, wrap up a VIPGIFT family member each get Pass, a new directory item that makes shopping extra easy. a 20 percent discount Why not use your MTASM Credit Card and get WorldPoints® on tickets. rewards when you shop?
Take off for the top of the world Enjoy the exhil aration and majesty of the mountains with Classic Ski Tours/Vermont Travel Club. In Vermont, ski at such popular places as Okemo Mountain Resort, Killington and Mount Snow. In www.mtabenefits.comwww.mtabenefits.com Utah, known for “the greatest snow on Earth,” enjoy ski thrills at The Canyons, Solitude, Alta and Snowbird. The Vermont Travel Club Card saves MTA See the amazing members up to $30 on single-day lift tickets Museums and $54 or more on multi-day tickets to Hall of Mammals these top ski resorts. You also enjoy a 10 Visit the oldest and most dramatic gallery in the percent discount on dinin g and up to a 20 Harvard Museum of Natural History – the Hall percent discount on lodging. Get $10 off of Mammals. Its 19th-century display includes a the retail price of $39 for one to three cards full-size giraffe, three whale skeletons suspended or $10 off a family pack of four cards for from the rafters, the extinct Tasmanian tiger and $99. To receive the discount, register online Stellar’s sea cow and other fascinating specimens at www.classicskitours.net, click on from around the world. There are other unique “Vermont Travel Club Card” and enter HMNH exhibits as well, including an exquisite discount code MTA SKI 10. collection of more than 3,000 glass flowers that was crea ted over a period of five decades. MTA members get free admission to the museum. For Vermont more information, visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu.
For more information on events and savings, look in your copy of the new MTA Benefits & Discount Directory or visit www.mtabenefits.com and click on “1000+ Discounts.”
3 Your very own stimulus plan
resident Obama’s American Recovery 877.721.9398 and mention source code and Reinvestment Act focuses on UAA6HN. This credit card program is Pstimulating economic recovery and issued and administered by FIA Card helping to create a stronger and more Services, N.A. prosperous nation. Why not take that Earn competitive rates with the approach on a personal level to improve safety of FDIC Insurance. The recent your own economic well-being? Here’s economic crisis showed the need to how MTA Benefits can help you with your protect your savings. With FDIC-insured stimulus plan: and MTA-sponsored deposit accounts, Cut high interest rates by as much you can put your mind at rest and your as two-thirds. Are you stressed because money to work. Both types of MTASM of high interest rates on your debt balances? Deposit Accounts – certificates of You’ll find welcome relief with an MTASM deposit and money market savings Personal Loan Account offering variable accounts – earn competitive rates and rates as low as 7.99 percent APR*, helping are provided by Bank of America. you to pay off debt faster**. Borrow from Conditions apply and rates $3,000 to $25,000*** with no collateral vary. To find out more or to required. Conditions and restrictions apply. request an application, call Call 866.266.0211 and mention priority 800.205.8647 and mention code UAA5CR. priority code KA15558. Make shopping more rewarding. The MTASM Credit Card with WorldPoints® *We will set your initial variable APR based on creditworthiness. APR will be calculated by adding a margin to the rewards lets you earn cash, travel (major highest U.S. Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the last publication day of each month. On 8/31/09, U.S. airlines with no blackout dates) and the U.S. Prime Rate applicable using this formula was 3.25 percent and APR range was 7.99 percent to 18.99 percent. We may adjust your APR on a monthly basis due to changes to the prime rate. We also reserve the right to change merchandise (more than 1,000 brand your APR, fees, or other cr edit terms at our discretion. Repayment term and payment amount are estimates which may name items from which to choose).u Yo change if, for example: your APR changes, you make late or partial payments, we assess fees, or you take additional enjoy a low introductory APR offer and advances. There is a 2 percent transaction fee on each advance (minimum fee $5; there is no maximum). A transaction a low variable APR on purchases with fee is added to balance and accrues finance charges. Other fees may apply. ® the Platinum Plus card. For information **We may prohibit use of this account to pay off or pay down any account issued by FIA Car d Services, N.A. about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with this card or to apply, *** Upon approval, we will establish your credit line between $3,000 and $25,000 based on creditworthiness. visit www.mtabenefits.com or call This account is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A.
A member talks about START RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW retirement planning Plan for a great retirement MetLife made it easy for me. Did you know: ‘Chris Burnes, my MetLife • You should have 80 percent to 90 percent of your current representative, helped me roll yearly income during retirement. over a retirement account from • An annuity can provide more guaranteed lifetime income a previous job into an MTA ? than you could provide by investing the same assets on your own. tax-sheltered annuity. I had Source: www.MetLife.com not done this before, and Chris That’s why it’s important to start planning now. MetLife®, partner in the made things clear to me so I MTA Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program, makes it easy for you to set up a retirement plan that works for you now and gives you the lifestyle you want later. understood the tax advantages and investment possibilities. ¡ He helped me to feel confident JUST FILL IN THIS EASY FORM: that I’d reach my financial Name ______goals for retirement. ’ Local Association ______– Jamie Valente, Age ______Expected retirement age ______Education Association of Address ______Plymouth and Carver Home phone ______Cell phone ______Personal e-mail address ______
Mail to: Christopher Burnes, MetLife Resources One Research Drive, Suite 205C Questions? Westborough, MA 01581 Contact Christopher Burnes 508.870.1925, ext. 4465 at [email protected].
All program and pricing information was current at the time of publication (November 2009) and is subject to change without notice. To find out what may have changed, please call MTA Benefits at 800.336.0990, ext. 5226. 4