2021 President’S Report Jessica J

BOSTON TEACHERS UNION, LOCAL 66, AFT Non-Profit Org. 180 Mount Vernon Street U.S. Postage from the Boston, Massachusetts 02125 PAID Boston, MA Boston Permit No. 52088 Teachers Union Officers and Staff!

EVERYONE ¡TODOS IS SON WELCOME BIENVENIDOS BBOSTON TEACHERSU HERE! AQUÍ! TUNION BT U BT U The Award-Winning Newspaper of the Boston Teachers Union, AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO Volume 53, Number 4 • January, 2021 President’s Report Jessica J. Tang WELCOME 2021 A New Year With New Hopes! s we all say goodbye to 2020 — a had funding to adequately upgrade health? That is why the political action Ayear for the history books — we antiquated and obsolete facilities. It also work we get involved in is absolutely gladly welcome in 2021! It is a new year decided for how long educators could necessary. That is why we ask for COPE that will undoubtedly also have its own continue to count on the Family First contributions, we endorse candidates, challenges, but with a new administra- Coronavirus Act to take leaves for child and then organize and mobilize to get tion in DC with new opportunities to care or health reasons. That bill expired them elected. Jessica J. Tang begin the healing process and undo the December 31, 2020. The relief bills were Public education is political. There is BTU President harms of 2020 and the prior four years. the difference between a family getting simply no way to avoid the conversation. There is much hope that the worst of the evicted or being able to pay rent; to have We get involved to put our words to fighting for. And always, when we fight pandemic may be over and that there is a to choose work, and risk their health and action and truly use our collective union together, we are stronger and better and better way forward. life, or pay for food and housing. power to advocate for what educators and we will continue to advocate and stand in The hope comes in the form of The damage of the last four years is retirees need to be healthy and secure. solidarity not just with our sister locals in vaccines for health care workers and, far from over. Unfriendly immigration And because it’s not just about us, we get Massachusetts, but beyond as well. soon, educators and school-based staff as policies as well as the pandemic has led involved for our students, families and all This year, there will be challenges. The well. But also in the hope that comes with to a decrease in enrollment of Boston the community to be healthy, secure and hard work still lies ahead. And there will, a new federal administration, Secretary Public Schools. This will affect budgets cared for as well. The belief that working as always, be forces that try to divide us of Education, and Secretary of Labor. and could lead to potential layoffs or people deserve security, stability, equity — within our union, within our schools, The policies and laws that might be reductions in force. The lack of funding and the ability to meet their basic needs within our communities — and we must enacted, and the relief that hopefully is to get rapid testing for educators and is what the labor movement was founded be prepared to resist those divisions and on the horizon, depends much on the students as well as adequate ventilation on and that is what we fight for and will not turn on each other, but turn to each outcomes of the Georgia Senate races. in schools delayed the district’s ability continue to fight for. That includes the other to remember our common goals, That is why our members, and union to bring students back in person. There political fight because the decisions our values and humanity as we tackle the members across the nation have been is a dire need for compensatory services political leaders make determines our work ahead and work through the hard engaged in supporting the Democratic for our special needs students and a lack reality every day. conversations and dialogue. Senate candidates in Georgia who of guidance and regulations to decrease As we welcome in 2021, we have the While there will always be challenges support public education, support community spread of the virus while also opportunity, with new leaders and a and fights, in this new year there is also labor and support the values we believe helping suffering businesses are actually new administration to hopefully get a hope that we can continue to push the in. 2020 has made abundantly clear all connected. new deal--not just across the nation, but “arc of justice” as Martin Luther King that the elected political leaders of our While it is often uncomfortable locally, too. We must fight nationally so Jr. described, in the right direction. If government make not just decisions for many of our BTU educators to get that locally, we have what we need and we truly believe in the values of social, that impact schools and education, but involved in politics, (we didn’t pursue deserve for our students, educators and racial and economic justice that the health, housing and a myriad of other careers in education in order to get families. Our fight in BPS for Safety, labor movement and public education issues. involved in politics) the politics absolutely Equity and Transparency as schools movement has embraced, not only can The impact of political policy can be determine what we do every day. Do continue to reopen and we address the we continue to bend that arc, we must. felt from the federal level down to each we have the resources to do our jobs disparities that have always existed, is And we will do so together. household. The COVID-19 relief bills every day? Will the stress from teaching the same fight that our brothers, sister Happy New Year and welcome 2021! decided whether or not school districts in underfunded schools affect our and sibling locals all across the nation are We are ready for you. “The Purpose of Education” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Morehouse College Student self is very form, and the pulpit in many instances Paper, The Maroon Tiger, in 1947 difficult. We do not give us objective and unbiased s I engage in the so-called “bull ses- are prone to truths. To save man from the morass of Asions” around and about the school, let our mental propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the I too often find that most college men life become chief aims of education. Education must have a misconception of the purpose of invaded by enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to education. Most of the “brethren” think legions of half discern the true from the false, the real that education should equip them with truths, preju- from the unreal, and the facts from the the proper instruments of exploitation dices, and fiction. so that they can forever trample over the propaganda. The function of education, therefore, masses. Still others think that education At this point, is to teach one to think intensively and should furnish them with noble ends I often won- to think critically. But education which rather than means to an end. der whether stops with efficiency may prove the great- It seems to me that education has a or not educa- est menace to society. The most danger- two-fold function to perform in the life tion is fulfill- ous criminal may be the man gifted with ing its pur- reason, but with no morals. of man and in society: the one is utility Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) and the other is culture. Education must pose. A great The late Eugene Talmadge, in my enable a man to become more efficient, Education must also train one for majority of the so-called educated people opinion, possessed one of the better to achieve with increasing facility the quick, resolute and effective thinking. do not think logically and scientifically. minds of Georgia, or even America. ligitimate goals of his life. To think incisively and to think for one’s Even the press, the classroom, the plat- (continued on page 2) Commentary Garret Virchick Pandemic Inequality he past year has exposed the systemic diseases are much higher in low income it on workers. Tinjustices that are inherent in communities. These comorbidities have After the first initial shutdown of the America. African-American, Latinos, contributed to the increased rates of country the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Native Americans are four times cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from and Economic Securities (CARES) Act as likely as whites to be hospitalized COVID we are seeing in black and was passed in late March staving off a with COVID and almost three times as brown communities. collapse of the system. Since that time it likely to die. These jarring statistics can During the Gilded Age of American has been ignore, ignore, and ignore from be directly linked to the economic and capitalism in the late 1880’s we saw Mitch McConnell and the Republicans. Garret Virchick social injustices of our system. comparable inequality. This led to It was like pulling teeth to get a second Boston Union Teacher Co-Editor COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths, by Race/Ethnicity COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths, by Race/Ethnicity a veto. Hoping to feed his ego one last American Indian Rate ratios Asian, Black or Hispanic or time he demanded larger checks, with of compared to White, or Alaska Native, American IndianNon-Hispanic African American, Rate ratios Asian, Black or Latino persons Hispanic or Non-Hispanic persons Non-Hispanic persons or Alaska Native, persons Non-Hispanic persons compared to White, Non-Hispanic African American, Latino persons course his narcissistic signature to go on Non-Hispanic persons Non-Hispanic persons persons Non-Hispanic persons each of them. Of course, Nancy Pelosi Cases¹ 1.8x 0.6x 1.4x 1.7x and the Democrats wanted a larger Cases¹ 1.8x 0.6x 1.4x 1.7x package from the very beginning. But Hospitalization² 4.0x 1.2x 3.7x 4.1x let-them-eat-cake McConnell kept the Hospitalization² 4.0x 1.2x 3.7x 4.1x Republican caucus in line and Trump

Death³ 2.6x 1.1x 2.8x 2.8x finally signed off. Death³ 2.6x 1.1x 2.8x 2.8x As we start the process of vaccina- tion that will hopefully lead us out of the Race and ethnicity are risk markers for other underlying conditions that affect health, including socioeconomic status, access to health care, and exposureRace andto the ethnicity virus related are risk to markers occupation, for other e.g., underlying among frontline, conditions essential, that affect and critical health, infrastructure including socioeconomic workers. status, access to pandemic we cannot go back to the way health care, and exposure to the virus related to occupation, e.g., among frontline, essential, and critical infrastructure workers. things were. It should be apparent that this system is not working for the vast How to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 majority of Americans. The wounds of How to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 class and racial inequalities have been laid bare in America. The mantra of Black Lives Matter must be our demand Wear a mask Stay 6 feet apart Wash your hands Wear a mask Stay 6 feet apart Wash your hands in all aspects of our society. cdc.gov/coronavirus Free market capitalism has shown References on back cdc.gov/coronavirus itself to be a failure for all but a very References on back CS319360-A 11/30/2020 few during this pandemic. The richest CS319360-A 11/30/2020 billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have added almost a trillion The sickness and death are not the struggles by American workers for relief package passed in late December. dollars of wealth during the pandemic. In only disparities laid bare by this global increased wages and better working Huge compromises were needed just to October, the New York Times estimated pandemic. As teachers we have been conditions. This struggle created the get it passed with zero aid for states. It that more than eight million Americans well aware of the underfunding of American middle class that probably did not matter that cars lined up at food have slipped into poverty since the public education. The lack of investment reached its peak in the 1970s. But ever pantries across the country. It was only virus caused the first shutdown. Other in school infrastructure has made it since the profit crisis of the late 70’s, and the two runoff elections in Georgia, and estimates have over one hundred million impossible to keep staff and students safe then the Reagan ideology of less taxes and the threat of losing control of the Senate, more people into extreme poverty from this highly infectious disease. In less government, we have seen an ever that moved McConnell. worldwide. NYC alone 72 employees have lost their expanding wealth gap and the decreased But of course, the relief checks will The rich ignored the science and lives to COVID. The list of educators standard of living for the working class be arriving late. After his administration people died. With another global disaster who we’ve lost across the country grows and people of color. signed off on the bill President Trump in climate change on the horizon it is every day. This conservative ideology of less decided to enter the negotiations AFTER incumbent on us to find another way. As cases rose in Massachusetts, government, and with it less government it passed both houses and threatened The future of humanity is at stake. what did Governor Charlie Baker do? regulation, has also contributed to pan- Rather than close schools he changed demic inequality. Early in the pandemic the metrics by which communities Trump ordered meat packing plants to “The Purpose of Education”… are ranked high risk. Was this due to stay open citing the Defense Production (continued from page 1) pressure from the business community? Act. As of April 21st, the Smithfield meat Moreover, he wore the Phi Beta Kappa but worthy objectives upon which to In this country workers can be replaced packing plant of Sioux Falls, South Dako- key. By all measuring rods, Mr. Talmadge concentrate. The broad education will, like so many widgets. They would rather ta had reported 904 cases and two deaths could think critically and intensively; yet therefore, transmit to one not only the risk the lives of teachers, students, and from COVID. On April 22nd, the Centers he contends that I am an inferior being. accumulated knowledge of the race families than risk the loss of profit when for Disease Control issued a report with Are those the types of men we call edu- but also the accumulated experience of employees need to stay home with their basic health recommendations to control cated? social living. children. the spread of the novel coronavirus at the We must remember that intelligence If we are not careful, our colleges This system does not take the needs plant. But the report was withdrawn and is not enough. Intelligence plus char- will produce a group of close-minded, of people into account. Profit is first and rewritten with watered down language acter – that is the goal of true educa- unscientific, illogical propagandists, last. In the beginning of the pandemic the to make it easier for Smithfield to stay tion. The complete education gives consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, frontline workers in America’s hospitals open, purportedly due to pressure from one not only power of concentration, “brethren!” Be careful, teachers! could not get enough personal protective the Trump administration. The profits equipment. The system was not prepared. of the wealthy take precedence over the Hospitals, like every industry, have been lives of workers, and in this case many th set up to maximize profits. Why have too immigrant workers of color. 75 Anniversary of the much on hand? Have just enough so the We only need a brief recap of Trump’s bottom line is not affected this quarter. disastrous response to the pandemic. Boston Teachers Union As a result it took months to mobilize Deny, deny, deny. This has fit in nicely Celebration Party industry to produce more, contributing with the Republican response to the crisis BBOSTON TEACHERSU to the deaths of doctors, nurses, and who also share that view when it comes TUNION October 16, 2021 7 hospital staff charged with keeping the to relief for the American people. Deficit rest of us healthy. spending is a no-no if it means spending 5 Not just medical workers, all essential workers are at risk of contracting I haven’t put up a comic in a while, this virtual coronavirus. And if you are a person of and hybrid teaching is way more work than I ever imagined. Taking a lesson and reformatting it so that color you are more likely to be in one of it can be equally effective for students learning from these face to face occupations. Many of home as well as those coming into the classroom these are low wage occupations. When is very challenging to say the least! This has been a you live paycheck to paycheck you are challenging year for all: students, parents, teachers, more likely to go to work when you are administrators, etc. We are all trying to do the best we can during this time. As I have been gaining experi- sick, potentially putting co-workers at ence teaching online, there is an interesting pattern risk as well. High wage workers and I noticed — a lot of teachers face with students learn- professionals, on the other hand, are ing online are nearly identical to the issues we had more likely than not to be in a job that before the pandemic! Take the example of student can be done remotely. participation shown in today’s comic. It often was just as difficult to get all students to freely participate in Wage inequality also means lower class when we were together, as it is now that we are health inequalities. Obesity, asthma, learning online (except now they can really disappear high blood pressure, diabetes, and by turning off their cameras!). chronic obstructive pulmonary – Scott Hubeny 2 | BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 Know Your Rights Caren Carew What is the process for filing a grievance? grievance is ‘a statement which representative who participated in this repeated requests to do so, is behaving in A says that a teacher’s rights have Step within five (5) school days after a manner that is confrontational or overly been violated due to a misrepresentation receiving the complaint or within five (5) playful, will not extricate themselves from or misapplication of the contract’. ‘A school days after the conference, whichever a potentially volatile situation, etc. It is in grievance must be filed every time an is earlier.” If the involved Administrator these moments that our intellectual filters individual teacher’s rights are violated does not get back to the grievant and/ can slip and exasperation or desperation in order to protect the rights of the or BTU rep within five school days, it can rear its ugly head resulting in a entire membership.’ As we know from is considered a negative response to the momentary lapse which in some cases our most recent contract negotiations, grievance. can result in ruining one’s career. Even Caren Carew all of our rights are hard fought and The BTU Field Representatives if there have been no repercussions BTU Secondary must be maintained daily through their process Step 1 grievances and if the for previously putting one’s hands on Field Representative implementation. The contract itself grievance is unresolved on Step 1, we refer a student, it is just a matter of time that as a document is only as good as the it to the next Step which, according to the there will be. When in doubt, do not of all of the days without heat and the enforcement of it at the school level by contract, is mediation. When the Step 1 touch at all. If the act can’t be construed temperature in the room at that time. each and every BTU member. When grievance is denied or not responded to into corporal punishment, it could be The Principal should immediately report aspects of the contract are ‘overlooked’ within 5 days, the grievant must get a copy interpreted as sexual harassment. Don’t this in order to have the heat restored. it can set a dangerous precedent not of the Step 1 grievance to their respective laugh — there have been many BTU Teachers should file a Step 1 grievance only for the individual, but for the BTU Field Representative so that we are staff who has found themselves in the with the Principal as well. membership at large. able to refer it to mediation through the hot-seat discipline wise over what they If the entire school falls below the If aspects of the labor/management BTU Vice President. If the grievance is honestly viewed as an inconsequential or acceptable heat level, each building has agreement, better known as the BTU unresolved at Step 1, a mediator shall be innocent act. Re-reading the list is a good an alternate plan in case of emergency. contract, are not followed as prescribed, assigned to assist the parties in an attempt exercise in prevention. If the heating issue can’t be fixed quickly, then a grievance can and should be to resolve the complaint. If the dispute is then the emergency plan for relocation filed. The contract details, “An employee not resolved following the mediation, the If I move, get a new phone or should be employed. The BTU members or his or her Union rep may either orally grievance may be appealed to the next email address and update at the affected school should file a Step 1 or in writing present a grievance to Step. Once the grievance goes beyond it on the HUB does BPS grievance at the school in addition. If the the Principal, Headmaster, or Director Step 1, the BTU Vice President handles entire school is without heat and it has within a reasonable time, normally the process of mediation, Steps 2, 3 and automatically notify the BTU? been reported to the School Department, thirty (30) school days after knowledge finally if necessary, arbitration. o. You must contact the BTU directly please contact the BTU office as well. by the employee of the facts giving rise Nto update changes of address, phone to the act or condition which is the basis When do programming numbers, and email addresses. The BTU What is the new benefit for of her or his grievance.” It is best to preference sheets come out? does not have access to the updates you maternity/paternity leave put the Step 1 grievance in writing so file with the BPS. for second and third year that there is adequate documentation he contract states, “No later than st Provisional Teachers and that the violation was delivered to the TFebruary 1 , programming preference What is the ‘contractual administrator in a timely basis and to sheets shall be distributed to all teachers.” Paraprofessionals? For High and Middle School teachers it hourly rate’ for teachers? curtail any misunderstanding of the ligible BTU members (teachers and reads, “Programming preference will be he current contractual hourly rate for intent of the exchange. There is a time paras in their second and third years honored to the extent consistent with the teachers is currently $51.74. During E limit on how long after the violation has T of employment) can take the first ten provisions of this Agreement [contract]. the standard school day, individual occurred for a BTU member to grieve days of their maternity leave with pay All preference sheets shall be returned by teachers are paid at their own rate (pro said violation – it must be done within 30 st and without using any sick time. The March 1 .” This means that a ‘preference’ rata) based on the amount of years school days. next ten days are at 75%, so it would is just that, it does not mean that the teaching (step level) and the amount BTU Building Reps and/or your use 2.5 days of sick time to make up the teacher is guaranteed their choice as of educational degrees obtained and respective BTU Field Representative can difference. The next ten days are at 50%, submitted. graduate credit earned (salary lanes) assist you in framing the letter. The letter so the second and third year provisional The contract also details, “On or before applied for, approved, and on file at BPS should be dated, addressed to the specific st teacher or paraprofessional would use February 1 , a list of all non-teaching Office of Human Capital. Administrator who has the ability to fix an additional five sick days. So, at the or remedy the situation and should state assignments for which administrative periods are given in a teachers’ program What happens when there is end of the first six weeks of maternity that it is a Step 1 grievance because of the leave, the member will have used 7.5 sick following contractual violation. At this shall be posted in each school. These no heat in my Class? assignments may be applied for in the days rather than 30 sick days, which was time in the letter, you would detail the he contract is clear on this issue. “A previously the case. violation(s) and site the Article(s) and teacher’s program preference sheet as herein [within the contract] provided. Tclassroom will be closed when the portion(s) of the contract or BPS Policy 0 An applicant for such a non-teaching temperature falls below 60 f., or whenever that has been violated. The grievance the temperature or climate becomes too Phone Numbers assignment who does not receive the BBOSTON TEACHERSU letter should also state the remedy of TUNION assignment shall, upon his/her request, oppressive.” the grievance or what it would take to Report and record the actual Office...... 617-288-2000 fix the situation, making the grievant be given the reasons for not having been selected by the Principal or Headmaster.” temperature in writing to the Principal, Health & Welfare...... 617-288-0500 whole. The letter should be signed by keeping a copy yourself. The Principal AFT Massachusetts...... 617-423-3342 the person(s) being aggrieved. The Step What is considered ‘corporal must assign your class to an available Function Office...... 617-288-3322 1 grievance letter should be delivered Lounge Office...... 617-288-3322 punishment’ in BPS? space that is heated adequately as well with your BTU Rep present to assure as remedy the heating problem in Vision Center...... 617-288-5540 that the administrator in question has eferring to Superintendent’s Circular your classroom. Keep a record or log Tremont Credit Union...... 781-843-5626 indeed received the document. This is RLGL-20, ‘Corporal Punishment’: your witness. If it is a grievance entailing “Corporal punishment includes but is not a number of people or the entire staff, the limited to the following: letter can include statements such as this • Slapping or hitting students grievance includes (names of signers) • Pulling students by their arms, EVERYONE ¡TODOS and ‘for all those similarly situated’. shoulders, etc. IS SON Boston Teachers Union, WELCOME BIENVENIDOS HERE! AQUÍ! AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO The Bylaws of the Boson Teachers BBOSTON TEACHERSU • Pushing students from one location TUNION BT U BT U Union state, “The Building Representative to another EDITORIAL NOTE: should not advise a teacher to disobey or • Forcibly causing students to sit down The Boston Union Teacher The opinions expressed in the Boston Union ignore an Administrator’s order while a • Grasping students by any body part is published ten times a year Teacher do not necessarily represent the views of grievance is in progress. This may well hurt Staff may restrain students only in September - July, inclusive. the Boston Teachers Union, or those of its members. the chances for a successful resolution of the order to protect students, other persons or WHEN WRITING: grievance and possibly leave the teacher themselves from an assault and may only President JESSICA J. TANG All correspondence to the Boston Union Teacher open to charges of insubordination.” use such force as is reasonably necessary to must be typewritten and include the author’s name The contract states, “The principal repel such an attack. Violation of the policy Vice President and school or department if not school-based. … of the school shall confer with the and law will result in disciplinary measures ERIK R. BERG All articles must be appropriate to the publication, employee at the time of the complaint or and may result in the filing of abuse and/or Secretary-Treasurer and in good taste. within five (5) school days with a view to criminal charges.” The circular states,“… BETSY DRINAN Letters to the Editor should be sent to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution the use of corporal punishment is strictly Co-Editors [email protected] of the grievance.” The grievant may be forbidden by BPS Committee policy as MICHAEL J. MAGUIRE present and/or may be represented by well as by Massachusetts State Law G.L.c. GARRET VIRCHICK DEADLINE: the Union rep and the Administrator The deadline for submitting articles for the 71. [37G].” Editorial Board next issue of the Boston Union Teacher is “shall give the Union rep the opportunity This information may seem self- Caren Carew Betsy Drinan January 13th. to be present and state the views of the explanatory, but we all should be mindful Tim Maher All copy should be e-mailed to Union.” “The Principal shall communicate of the moments in the hallway when a Johnny McInnis Anne Slater [email protected] and [email protected] his/her decision orally or in writing to the challenging student isn’t moving in the Richard Stutman This deadline will be strictly adhered to. aggrieved employee and to any Union direction so told, isn’t sitting down after 180 Mount Vernon Street | Boston, MA 02125 617-288-2000 | Fax 617-288-0024 | www.btu.org Union Printworks

BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 | 3 Teachers Take to Twitter Demanding #SafetyFirstBPS Follow the BTU on Twitter @BTU66

David Weinstein (@DavidWe52822710) BTU Pilot School

Nicole Mullen (@mullen_n) Boston Arts Academy

Sarah Cook (@_sarahcook) McCormack Middle School

4 | BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 Sarah Grimmett (@sgrimmett17) Charlestown High

Michelle Sirois (@msirois7) Perry K-8 School

BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 | 5 Commentary Michael J. Maguire Lingua Latina Omnibus The original version of this necessary for excellence in the story ran in the Boston Herald on fields of math and science. October 17, 2015. Far from being the language of the elite, Latin was spoken henever I read “the by commoners during Roman Wlatest study” on “how times. Once a few basic rules far behind” students are during are mastered, the language and this pandemic, I think of just poetry is easy to follow. Why Michael J. Maguire how outdated our educational should the BPS deny a subject Boston Union Teacher system is. I love the Facebook and sought by so many? Clearly Co-Editor Instagram posts which counter hundreds, if not thousands, of with “Our students aren’t falling families seek this educational today. Our nation’s Founders drew behind, they are surviving a opportunity; it is foolishly their inspiration for a new nation from pandemic.” Such posts always shortsighted of the city to ration the writings of the ancient Greeks and remind me that grade-level benchmarks English after William the Conqueror such enthusiasm. Romans. Whereas today’s pundits might are a) subjective, and b) were established of French-speaking Normandy invaded In most of our high schools the Latinx lament legislative gridlock, the Founders pre-COVID. England in 1066, or the words were and Haitian populations are quite high. would delight in the knowledge that their I don’t mean to belittle benchmarks; fabricated during the Renaissance to Students who already speak one of the Constitution has thus far thwarted a new they are important so that we know express the advances being made in art, Romance languages would excel at Latin, Caesar from rising to power. how education is progressing. The science, and technology. The result is and thus would improve their English As sensational as Donald Trump’s benchmarks, however, did not come Latin gives the English speaking student skills simultaneously. Again, I am not an tweets and legal maneuverings are, down to us from Mt. Olympus. They are a broader vocabulary. elitist; but wouldn’t it be terrific if Boston they are insignificant compared to the an agreed upon set of standards. Let’s After the Soviet Union launched graduated thousands of students each machinations of the Julio-Claudians. agree to reset them. Sputnik into space, American high year who have mastered Latin? From immigration and assimilation to Let’s add Latin to all our schools. schools dropped Latin in favor of Just a few months ago the Boston economics and infrastructure, Rome Now hear me out. I am not an elitist. expanding math and science offerings. School Committee removed “the test” offers the United States many positive Offering Latin in all our schools could Not surprisingly, the average SAT as an entrance requirement for the three and negative examples of how to govern. help close the so-called achievement scores showed a sharp and immediate exam schools. I understand that the Over 200 years ago, William Tudor gap, could ease the tensions around drop and remedial English classes issues surrounding the exam schools called Boston the Athens of America. exam schools, and would help us better in colleges increased. Latin benefits are much more serious than the Latin Today we can live up to that moniker by understand today’s world. more than just SAT verbal scores. language, but there is no reason to limit offering all our students the gift of Latin Roughly two-thirds of the words in the Latin’s noun and verb forms encourage Latin to two schools. … and perhaps even Ancient Greek. English Language are of Latin or Greek higher order thinking and help foster Aside from the language, the history (Michael J. Maguire teaches Latin at origin. These words either came into deductive reasoning. These skills are and culture of Rome remains with us Boston Latin Academy.) News from the American Federation of Teachers AFT on Nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona as Education Secretary merican Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and AFT issues ranging from reducing standardized testing to ensuring equity for all students AConnecticut President Jan Hochadel issued the following statement after to closing the diversity gap in our schools. President-elect Joe Biden nominated Miguel A. Cardona to be the next U.S. secretary “The COVID-19 crisis has forced new and unique challenges on administrators, of education: classroom teachers and school support staff alike. As Dr. Cardona himself has said, in The AFT’s Weingarten said: “Miguel Cardona is not just a proud product of public 2020 ‘everyone’s a first-year teacher again; everyone’s a first-year principal.’ Our union schools — he’s made strengthening public education and fighting for equity his life’s members understand that even the commissioner is in his first-year, along with the work. With his experience as a student, fourth-grade teacher, principal, assistant rest of us. superintendent and commissioner in Connecticut, Dr. Cardona — a former AFT “The opportunity for a true educator with classroom experience and a leader member — will transform the Education Department to help students thrive, a who understands that challenge is exciting for anyone who cares about the future of reversal of the DeVos disaster of the last four years. America’s public schools.” “But Dr. Cardona, whose family moved from Puerto Rico, won’t just repair the damage done — he’ll act to fulfill the promise and potential of public education and higher education as an opportunity agent for all students, regardless of demography AFT President Randi Weingarten or geography, knowing full well that doesn’t happen without resources and a deep respect for educators. Responds to Congressional Agreement “His commitment to public education, to our students and to listening to and respecting the wisdom of educators will be crucial as the Biden administration helps on the Latest Round of COVID-19 Relief school districts across America meet the social, emotional and instructional needs of merican Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following students and moves to safely, responsibly and equitably reopen school buildings. Astatement after congressional negotiators reached a deal on coronavirus relief: “I worked closely with Dr. Cardona during his time in the Meriden, Conn., school “While this deal is both too late and not perfect, it is a necessary lifeline that we district. If you want an example of how labor and management can come together to support. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others’ refusal to help improve learning and student achievement, you need only look at Meriden. His deep address the needs of states and localities, which have been America’s frontline since respect for educators and their unions will travel with him to Washington — and COVID-19 erupted, is a bitter pill. that commitment to collaboration is crucial to providing the resources and social and “Since the pandemic took hold in early March, 8 million more people in the emotional supports to safely reopen schools. United States have been plunged into poverty. Demand at food banks is up 60 “There is great potential for a renaissance in public education after years and years percent. Millions of Americans remain unemployed, and as healthcare workers face of the school wars. That is the hope that Dr. Cardona, with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris unprecedented COVID-19 cases, educators work around the clock to meet the needs and Dr. Jill Biden at his side, represents. The Department of Education is the primary of their students, all while facing diminished state budgets, chaotic safety protocols vehicle by which the Biden-Harris administration can engage educators, parents, and and increased concerns about vaccine and testing availability. legislators and administrators at every level. It can lift up great practices and strategies. “And with the life-sustaining benefits provided by the CARES Act set to expire, Instead of promoting competition, it can foster cooperation; instead of destabilizing, it it’s not a moment too soon. If passed, this emergency aid would invest much-needed can help American schools recover and grow. Instead of dividing, it can help students resources into our public schools for testing, cleaning, PPE, ventilation upgrades and of all diverse backgrounds grow and thrive. other safety guardrails, as well as baseline budget appropriations of $16.5 billion for “And, in higher education, it can address the student loan crisis and strengthen Title I and $14.1 billion for special education, so educators can help address the social colleges and universities — especially HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. and emotional well-being and academic needs of their students. “From day one, educators will have a trusted partner in Dr. Cardona, and I couldn’t “These resources are vital to reopening school buildings safely—and, in turn, to help be more excited to get started.” get people back to work safely as well. As we wait for the Biden-Harris administration AFT Connecticut’s Hochadel said: “When he was first appointed as Connecticut’s to take charge of recovery efforts and continue our work to secure more funding for education commissioner, Dr. Cardona outlined an overall vision of ‘reimagining’ our cities, states and communities, Congress should pass this critical relief to ease the education here in Connecticut. Before the pandemic hit, he engaged educators on suffering of America’s families.” AFT’s Weingarten on Joe Biden’s Plan to Reopen Schools in First 100 Days merican Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following the resources and put the public health safeguards in place, we can open schools Astatement after President-elect Joe Biden announced his plan to reopen the safely in the second semester — and his first 100 days. This is what visionary, steady majority of U.S. schools in the first 100 days of his term with the supports in place to and effective leadership during a pandemic looks like. Between this, a vaccine and a protect students, educators and staff. The AFT released its “Blueprint to Safely Open Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director who is ready to give national Schools” last week. guidance free of political interference, we see a path forward for safe school buildings “Hallelujah! Unlike Trump, President-elect Biden understands that if we secure reopening.”

6 | BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 Commentary Joel Richards The Disconnect want to tell you about the disconnect SEE the disconnect is our view of the teaching and learning later in the I between our governing bodies, the communities we want to send back to year when and if it is appropriate to community, and the Teachers Union school. do so. about the reopening of school. Some of us have a parallel view of the • No students and staff should be We are all reading the same data and communities in Boston. We see the sick, asked to risk their lives by going reading the same studies, but how are we hurt, scared, old, forgotten, hungry, those back in person – not even under so far apart on the issue. lacking in hugs, those who are unsafe in a hybrid plan – until all possible The cause of the disconnect is how we their own homes, or who are homeless. health and safety precautions interact with BPS communities. Others have a view from the top, they have been addressed. Purchasing SEE. We as teachers come to serve see a herd, or a crowd, or a mass. They and distributing PPE based on and build up. While others come to see numbers. individual school need. control and be built up by communities. What we need to do. a. Applying all science-based We empower communities, while others • Thoughtful reopening guidance guidelines and OSHA are powered by communities. They clean and plans should be informed requirements for safely Joel Richards your homes, basically raise your children, by union educators, families, reopening of schools get your coffee, and do the tasks that help and community partners. This b. Repairing windows and HVAC minimize risk and connect teachers back you maintain your status. includes passing vital legislations, systems if necessary to the communities that we love and care We suffer with communities while like the HEROES Act and c. Establishing baseline protocols for. others don’t know them enough to suffer disbursing the funds from the for maintenance and cleaning In summary, the problem is one group with them. Student Opportunities Act. d. Establishing protocols for is connected to the families and students We give to communities while others • With limited time and resources, dealing with positive COVID-19 while another is disconnected. take from communities. (Like their land we should be focused on cases, including isolation rooms, That’s all I got. to build sports fields and condos) improving remote learning first testing and contact tracing. We stand with communities while as we plan for a safe, phased-in The things we are asking should be (Joel Richards teaches at the Blackstone others kneel, sorry, stand on their necks. introduction of safe in-person easily agreed upon since it will save lives, School.) COVID-19 Forces the Union to Be Unified and Stay Strong By Joel Richards, For the members who stand with parents unfair. write emails, call people and tell them Blackstone School to fight for chromebooks, para profes- COVID-19 was the final straw that why the union is fighting and that we f 2020 and COVID-19 has shown our sionals, bus monitors, hot lunches, hot fell on the thousands of other straws that need their help. Iunion anything, it's that we need to be breakfasts, field trips, sports, and after have always been placed on our collective 5. Call your local and national repre- unified and stay unified. school activities. backs. We need unity and our students sentation. Let them know we need their We can no longer fight in silios, we need our unity. help. The loss of deniability must unify as one union. We must join Simple things you can do to help and 6. Tell your students and families they together and for once remove the wall of show unity: matter and deserve better. COVID-19 has exposed the systemic oppression that is crushing BPS families. 1. Read all Bulletins and relevant 7. Encourage each other. Send notes, issues that plague the communities we information from our union. emails, gift cards, lunch. Remind each serve. The issues can no longer be hid- Current fight 2. Attend all Union meetings. (Even if other that we are in this together. den behind fancy studies or titles. The it is just on in the background while you 8. Take care of yourself. Practice self majority of our students come to our “We're not saying we don't want to cook, wrangle,heard,bath,and feed your care. school building hungry and hurting. reopen, but we want to reopen correctly,” children) How we feel is how many people For decades teachers have been the ban- Richards told WGBH News Thursday. 3. Participate in all actions by the throughout this city have felt their whole daid stretched very thin over deep cuts. “We can't afford another interruption if union. Make a sign, show up and shout, lives. COVID-19 has pushed more of us COVID-19 ripped that bandaid off and we open and then all of a sudden there's drive by honk your horn. You don’t have into the margins. So I ask/challenge you, now society can no longer ignore the another spike and we have to close. We to be brave just show up! We are a collec- if the city wants to push us into the mar- racial bleeding of communities of color can’t afford for East Boston to spike again. tive of people, we can be courageous and gins with the families we serve, let’s fight in Boston. We can’t afford for Mattapan or Dorches- ter to spike again — that’s a lot of loss.” outspoken together. like hell to get out and create a path for What was lost 4. Tell your neighbors. Write letters, the families of Boston to follow us. “Why?” Now that teachers don’t provide internet, family counseling, hugs, food, child We are not asking for money, or differ- care, and emotional support for Boston’s ent hours, new schools, water fountains. neediest families the city has lost their We want school environments that will BTU greatest crutch/veil. save lives and not spread COVID-19 to However, this great loss could be an our own families and BPS families. How Election opportunity for a unified group of work- are we in a fight for the safety of the city? ers to unite under the banner of change How did the people that have continually and true equality. United with an Anti- filled in the gap for families find them- Information racist mindset we could make changes selves fighting for the lives of families? that could improve the lives of Boston Why isn’t the city working with us? Why Interested in running for office? families for generations to come. aren't they committed to the safety of BPS families the same way we are? ominations will open after the January membership meeting for the offices Get out of the way Nof President, Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, Political Director, Field “Our fight is just” Representative, Executive Board, Paraprofessional Council, and Delegate to All Access to the internet affects all poor Affiliated Bodies. The committee will host a New Candidate Orientation Event via children, but disproportionately affects We are currently fighting for a safe and Zoom at 5 p.m. on January 19, 2021. Former BTU President Richard Stutman will children of color, food scarcity affects equitable return to in-person instruc- moderate. A detailed candidate guide will be available soon. This timeline gives an all poor children, but disproportionately tion. A return that is signed and agreed overview of the important dates and deadlines for potential candidates. affects children of color. If you want to upon between labor partners. Please visit argue with numbers and facts, in grace the BTU website or check your email to Election Committee News get all details pertaining to this. and in truth, I am not interested in hear- he Election Committee meets via Zoom at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of ing your excuses so please step out of the The fight to come Teach month. BTU and RTC members are welcome to attend, and can obtain the way and let us work. link by emailing Denice Dwyer at [email protected]. Fifteen minutes is set aside at The day will come when we return Passivity is a sin the beginning of each meeting for member questions and comments. Unlike past back to full in-person school and as a years (and due to the pandemic), candidates will primarily collect their nomination Whoever is slack in his work is a broth- union we need to decide what that looks signatures electronically this year. The BTU tech team has been working on a secure er to him who destroys. like. As a unified body we need to pre- system that will allow BTU and RTC members to nominate (“sign for”) candidates by – Proverbs 18:9 pare ourselves for schools that meet stu- logging into the BTU member portal. A paper option will still be available for those This is a call to action to all union dents where they are. Can we truly return who prefer it. The nomination/signature collection process will run from January 13 members who: love their students, who from this pandemic and act like we can to March 10. Details of the new procedures will be available shortly. know in their hearts the way Boston just jump back into the curriculum? This families are being treated is wrong, who situation has shown us that the burden Grassroots Campaign Virtual Training Event: are sick and tired of being sick and tired, of planning, preparing, advocating, and who give their all to only be consistently creating interventions for our students Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. disrespected by the city. For the mem- will be placed at our feet and we have to oin Mass Alliance, AFT Mass and BTU for a training event to introduce future bers who watch as the families they collectively pick it up. Jcampaign leaders, activists, and candidates to the theory and practice behind serve, simply desire a decent school, but This may seem overwhelming and successful grassroots campaigning. Sessions will include field organizing, message are consistently given less. Who watch even unfair, but the truth is teaching development, working with the press, and other time-tested tactics for winning budgets at the same schools get smaller, children trapped in the margins by soci- campaigns. Contact Roberto Jiménez Rivera at [email protected] or Johnny while “other” schools budgets increase. ety has always been overwhelming and McInnis at [email protected]. BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021 | 7 Peer-to-Peer Anne Slater Hysteria 2021 / Try Laughing!

emember when we were growing the persistent feathered friend tries to Rup and every book had a dead convince the reader to let them drive. A Not only are funny books enjoyable to read, this article from Parents Magazine dog in it? (#No More Dead Dogs by great read aloud that is only enhanced lists four ways that funny books can engage students. Funny books can: Gordon Korman.) What we need right by how much character you put into 1. Help Kids Fall in Love With Books: On the most basic level, kids who read now is some silly book suggestions to expressing the different emotions the or listen to funny books and enjoy them will associate the act of reading as being shake off the apocalypse. I love funny pigeon expresses throughout the story. fun. This is especially important when matching books to struggling or reluctant books that are just about being silly and readers, as it’s a great way to help kids connect and fall in love with books. maybe not so much about teaching a or older readers, The Phantom 2. Motivate Kids to Read: Reluctant and struggling readers, in particular, lesson. These are the books that kids FTollbooth by Norton Juster is a need to find books that hook them in and keep their interest. ...The potty humor want to hear every day over and over. challenging kind of funny. The author in Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey has the potential to entice a child to want One of the picture books that plays with language through puns and to read the whole series. I love is Hippos Go Berserk, by double meanings that create a subtle 3. Enhances Comprehension: We tend to remember information that is Sandra Boynton although I read kind of humor that keeps children associated with a certain emotion or sensory triggers. We remember these parts this to a second grader the other day engaged. You may have to explain some of the stories because they make us laugh. and he gave it a mixed review. of the more subtle jokes in the story, 4. Helps Kids Deal With Difficult Situations: A challenging situation can For early grades (K2-2ish) check but once you have shared one or two often be lightened with a little humor. The laughter can come from funny books out the Dory Fantasmagory series by hidden joke gems, students look for the where characters grapple with the same tough topics the reader is facing. (adapted Abby Hanlon. I think the first one is funny all around them to share with the from Parents Magazine, J Rodriguez 2018) the funniest and the most true to the class. There are a couple of animated Spotlight book: This is not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer is a hilarious imaginative world of little kids, but movies out there if you like to pair them chapter book about Abby, a seventh grader who has ADHD. What I really liked there are some laugh out loud funny with books. With the exception of the about this book was that the theme of the book isn’t overtly overcoming, as much parts in both Dory and the Real True saga of a certain orphaned wizard, I as it shows how ADD can be different for different people. The main character is Friend and Dory Dory Black Sheep. This don’t often see the movie, preferring charismatic and funny as she gets into trouble and works her way out of it. is one of my favorite scenes from Dory to live my life as a book snob. pleads her case to her dad. For my older Fantasmagory and the Real True Friend. One of my favorite children’s authors Felicia Humphries, Excel High students that prefer an early chapter Here Dory opens her lunch and takes is Louis Sachar, author of The Wayside School librarian recommends: book, the EllRay Jakes series by Sally out a banana, not a phone and says: School series. While that series might be I’m Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi Warner always has them giggling at the I open my lunch box and I AM a hit with younger independent readers, Sideways Stories from Wayside trouble the main character gets into. SHOCKED to discover that my some of his other novels have more of a School by Louis Sachar Both books feature Black protagonists. mom packed my phone!! Why substantive plot. Miss Nelson is Missing would she pack my phone? What In the story by Harry G. Allard Heidi was she thinking? Oh my goodness, Dogs Don’t The Day the Crayons Quit (Series) Boulogne, WHAT IF IT RINGS? Please please Tell Jokes the by Drew Daywalt Oliver Jeffers School please don’t let it ring. Uh-oh. main character The Misadventures of Awkward Librarian R-r-r-r-r-i-n-g Gary Boone Black Girl by Issa Rae Josiah Quincy I have to answer it. If I don’t answer it, dreams of (This book of short essays is really Elementary Mr. Nuggy will be chicken soup. “Hello?” being a stand funny for secondary students but School said: “Dory, how are you?” asks up comedian has some adult The Mrs. Gobble Gracker. but in his themed essays, Digital titles “Fine,” I say, looking around the middle school so preview and my students noisy cafeteria. I have to cover the he is often the choose carefully!) always laugh other ear so I can hear her. “I’ve butt of the listening/reading: Marsupial Sue decided what I want,” she says. jokes. The story is relatable to middle Maura Presents: The Runaway Pancake on grade students as Gary tries so hard to O’ Toole from Tumblebooks by John Lithgow or middle school readers, or as a be laughed with rather than laughed at. the Blackstone read aloud, The Teacher’s Funeral: recommends: F Kerry a comedy in three parts is one of my ere are some more funny book TheAlvin Ho O’Rourke, favorite books by Richard Peck. This faves from our wonderful BPS series by Lenore H grade 2 teacher hilarious book is set on in Indiana librarians (and a Look illustrated by LeUyen Pham is from the Edison farmland in 1904 and begins with few teachers!) a hilarious series, and it is especially K-8 said: the line, “If your teacher has to die, wonderful because it features an Asian My kids are August isn’t a bad time of year for it.” Morgan Van American protagonist, who lives reading The Mad I recently found myself trying to Clief, librarian in Massachusetts, and is a selective Scientist Next remember a movie that I liked. When I Media Specialist mute. Each one of my students at Door on Epic! described this memory to my daughter at the PA Shaw The Mather who read it, loved it. El There she said, “I saw that movie too,” and Elementary said: Deafo by Cece Bell is also hilarious- it are good comics in Epic and the then we realized that it was The Teacher’s The Big Bed is a graphic novel that stars a rabbit Mercy Pig books are funny. Funeral that we both remembered by Bunmi Laditan always has my who went deaf from an illness. It is with such vivid imagery. I love all of younger students laughing. It’s about a loosely based on Cece Bell’s life. One Billie MacDonald, library Peck’s work, especially Ghosts I Have little girl who doesn’t want to sleep in stand out part of the novel is when para from the BTU School’s Been and The Ghost Belonged to Me. her own bed at night and hilariously the teacher forgets to turn off the personal favorites include: FM device, and the main character Walter the Farting Dog by Lauren Clarke Mason’s can hear her using the bathroom. Kotzwinkle, Murray, Colman (Warning: favorites include: I asked my dear friend Whitney This book may cause flatulence!) Mo Willum’s Pigeon series Weeder, grade one teacher from the Baa-Baa Smart Sheep by Mark This clever James Otis School and she said. I find if Sommerset pigeon speaks there is a diaper in the story kids love and Rowan directly to your it! How true my friends. How true. I Sommerset little ones as he once had a small group of first graders Books That pleads to do writing jokes and I was a little thrown Drive Kids the impossible. off when the jokes made no sense, but CRAZY!: Did I’m sure the then the whole table would crack up. You Take the B younger I realized that whether the jokes made from My _ook? audience might sense to me didn’t matter. It was the by Beck Stanton even see themselves within the pages as laughing that mattered. Hope all the and Matt Stanton hysteria in 2021 is the laughing kind! We Don’t Eat Our Classmates (The Peer-to-Peer column is written More funny stuff from Dory Fantasmagory Dory Dory Blacksheep: by Ryan T. Higgins by Anne Slater (aslater@bostonpublic- As I leave the room, I hear his small muffled voice from the hamper, “Excuse me We all agreed that: The schools.org) and Lauren Clarke-Mason Captain Puff? It’s sort of uncomfortable because I’m sitting on some wet hiking clothes Book With No Pictures by BJ (lclarkemason@bostonpublicschools. that fell in the toilet.” Novak definitely is hilarious org). If you have a topic you’d like When my mom picks me up, she asks me a million questions in the car. “Where as a read aloud for kids. us to explore, please email us.) was Rosabelle’s brother? I thought she had a little brother? And I don’t understand how nobody knows where your clothes are? Why did you put that costume- that is clearly way Call for Submissions! too small for you- on in the first place? It’s a size 3, Rascal! That means it’s for three-year- Are you a writer? olds. How on earth did you get it over your head? I feel terrible that we had to take their Would you like to see your work published in the BTU paper? We are accepting submissions from all BTU members including costume. We’re going to have to cut it off! With scissors. At least we left them the cape. current and retired teachers. Short story, novel excerpts, essays Rascal, why do we do these things?” and poems will all be considered, Enter your submission to “A hero does good for good.” I say in my Captain Puff voice. “Not for glory.” Anne Slater at [email protected]

8 | BOSTON UNION TEACHER | January, 2021