Teachers Association Project Volume 40, No

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teacherscolleagues school need Two top teachers honored at State House loris Wilma Ortiz-Marrero, who teaches English language learners at Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School, has been named the 2011 F Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. “The central question for Wilma is always, ‘What is best for the kids?’” Ortiz-Marrero’s principal, Michael Hayes, wrote in a letter recommending that she receive the honor. Ortiz-Marrero was recognized on June 11 during a ceremony at the State House. Also in the spotlight was Easthampton High School social studies teacher Kelley R. Brown, the state’s 2010 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year. “I thank the teachers here today and those in the profession around the Commonwealth for delivering the best results in student achievement in the country and the best results in math and science in the world,” Governor Deval Patrick said during the ceremony. As he spoke, he held up an MTA bumper sticker that bore the message: “Massachusetts Students Are #1 — Thank a Public School Teacher.” According to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the 2011 Teacher of the Year finalists were Kelly E. Langan of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in Cambridge, Jenée Palmer Ramos of Brookline High School in Brookline, Jonathan M. Roy of Oak Hill Middle School in Newton, Benjamin G. McGraw of Oak Hill Middle School in Newton and Rachel T. Stadelmann of Alden Elementary School in Duxbury. Semifinalists were Cheryl J. Christo of Arlington High School in Arlington, Shana A. Grogan of Brookside Elementary School in Milford, Anne Morrow Grosky of Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School in Orange, Maureen O. Parker of Cyril D. Locke Middle School in Billerica and Joshua G. Rice II of Springfield Central High School in Springfield. Photos by Bob Duffy Both Ortiz-Marrero and Brown will be profiled in an upcoming Floris Wilma Ortiz-Marrero, left, has been named the Massachusetts Teacher issue of MTA Today. To view a video of the State House ceremony, visit of the Year. Easthampton High School social studies teacher Kelley R. Brown www.youtube.com/massteacher. is the Preserve America History Teacher of the Year.

MTA’s Mission Statement On the cover The Massachusetts Teachers Association is in this issue a member-driven organization, governed A “word cloud” is a visual  MTA supports state’s Race to the Top application 3 by democratic principles, that accepts representation of frequently used “tags” — terms that  Editorial: You have enriched my life 4 and supports the interdependence of appear in a  Campaign to cut sales tax threatens vital services 4 professionalism and unionism. The MTA piece of text  Budget sets stage for another tough year 5 promotes the use of its members’ collective or on a Web  Congressional action could save education jobs 5 power to advance their professional and site. The  One day on Twitter 6 economic interests. The MTA is committed word cloud  Many teachers using social media in the classroom 7 to human and civil rights and advocates for pictured on  Human and Civil Rights banquet a family affair 8 quality public education in an environment the cover  Change is theme of MTA Annual Meeting 9 in which lifelong learning and innovation was created  New MTA leaders have ambitious goals 10 flourish. from the notes for  Clarke is named MTA executive director-treasurer 11 a story in  Hall of Fame induction caps teacher’s career 12 MTA President this issue  Governor fields questions from educators 13 Anne Wass of MTA Today on how social  Higher education unions expect new proposal 14 MTA Vice President media are changing teaching  Grant program helps ESPs become teachers 15 Paul Toner and learning. With tools  A primer on the COLA 16 Executive Director-Treasurer such as Twitter, Ning and  Repeal of offsets remains a top priority 16 Ann Clarke Skype, educators now have  Rules govern post-retirement employment 17 a network of colleagues to Communications Director/Editor  Educators turn out for convention 18 consult on any given issue James Sacks at any time, and the flow of  Regional retirement consultations available 19 Staff Assistant information is nonstop. To  The risks and rewards of home improvements 20 Janice Morrissey learn more about word clouds,  MTAB helps members save a lot 20 Publisher visit http://oupeltglobalblog.  MTA Boston Celtics Honor Roll boosts achievement 21 Ann Clarke com/2010/06/16/what-is-a-  Professor receives distinguished teaching award 21 word-cloud/. For our coverage Graphic Arts Assistant  MTA’s GLBT Issues Committee promotes awareness 22 Jacqueline Feng of social media, please see  Classifieds 24 pages 6, 7 and 23.  Obituaries 26  Entries flood in for MTA Red Sox Reading Game 28 Cover graphic by Jacqueline Feng

This issue also includes the summer edition of the MTA Advantage

MTA TODAY, ISSN 08982481, is published quarterly, with an extra issue in June, by Quote-Unquote the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Subscription: $2.70 of MTA members’ dues is designated for MTA Today. “I know the political season is upon us in The Massachusetts Teachers Association 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Periodicals postage rates paid at Boston, MA, Washington. But gridlock as a political strategy 800.392.6175 or 617.742.7950 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send FAX: 617.742.7046 address changes to: Massachusetts Teachers is destructive to the country.” www.massteacher.org Association, 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. Copyright ©2010 by the Massachusetts Teachers —Excerpt from President Barack Obama’s June 19 Association. All material in this periodical may be reproduced by teachers for distribution to radio address, in which he called for Congress students or by affiliate associations for their own publications. Unless expressly stated, to pass legislation that would prevent educators acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product by MTA or and other public-sector employees from losing their jobs MTA Benefits.

2 June/July 2010 MTA supports RTTT application Union cites value of having a voice in federal process By Laura Barrett Pro posed Teacher Evaluation System under RTTT assachusetts has joined 34 other states and the District of Columbia in applying for Phase 2 federal Race to Year One Year Two the Top grant funds. MThe application, filed to meet a June 1 deadline, Rating Formative Assessment Summative Evaluation followed a May 22 vote by the MTA Board of Directors to support the process and the subsequent Teachers rated based on multiple Evaluator conducts formative assessment to Evaluation determines progress made participation of 194 of the MTA’s roughly 300 preK- measures. Where available, MCAS determine teacher strengths and weaknesses. toward achieving improvement plan 12 teacher locals, or nearly two-thirds of the total. growth scores are one measure. Assessment tools may include classroom goals. MCAS scores not used in making Two states, Delaware and Tennessee, were observations and review of student work. that determination. the only grant recipients in Phase 1. The U.S. Department of Education intends to name Phase 2 Improvement plan with goals developed. finalists in late August and to pick 10 to 15 winning states before the end of September. Massachusetts is eligible for $250 million over four years. “On balance, a majority of our Board members believed that the potential benefits outweigh the risks,” said MTA President Anne Wass. “We said very clearly that teachers need to be at the table when decisions are made about how to attract, retain, support and evaluate teachers and principals. State education officials heard us and consulted with us closely during the grant-writing process. They have overwhelming majority of teachers believe it would On the other hand, it may be that Teacher A has poor also promised us a voice in the implementation phase be grossly unfair to hold us solely responsible for our classroom management skills or is teaching a subject if Massachusetts wins a grant.” students’ growth scores on MCAS tests since there outside her area of expertise. The scores alone won’t Wass said that the Board’s vote was intended are dozens of other factors that contribute to scores, tell you what is going on. Only observation by a to provide guidance to local affiliates, but that including family income, parental support and the skilled, experienced evaluator will get to the heart of ultimately each local had to decide whether to sign students’ own motivation and effort.” the problem and form the basis of an improvement based on its own circumstances and the views of its Wass said that the application carves out a plan.” members. In the end, 26 more MTA affiliates signed reasonable approach, though several of the locals on to Phase 2 than had signed in the first round while that did not sign on cited this issue as a reason. ‘Rule of Nine’ six dropped out, for a net increase of 20. The plan calls for establishing a task force to Another controversial section concerns strate- As in Phase 1, locals in districts where the develop a new framework for teacher and principal gies that must be used to improve underperforming MTA-developed Memorandum of Agreement was evaluations, similar to the current Principles of schools, which are designated Level 4. These are also signed by the local president, the school committee Effective Teaching. This will require a two-year embedded in the federal School Turnaround Grant chair and the superintendent may end the program in evaluation cycle: a formative year and a summative program and are likely to be included in the Obama their district by opting out. year. administration’s reauthorization of the Elementary Once that framework is established, the local as- and Secondary Education Act, better known as the Several plans draw broad support sociation will negotiate with the district to establish No Child Left Behind act. Several provisions of the proposal generated local evaluation procedures, as is the case now. Under a state law passed in January, there are little controversy, such as a plan to provide teachers Prior to the evaluation process beginning, educa- currently 35 Level 4 schools, and the maximum with access to teacher-developed curriculum and tors will be rated in one of at least three categories of number at any one time is 72. RTTT mandates one of instruction resources, the addition of professional effectiveness. That rating will be based on multiple four approaches in these schools: development offerings through Readiness Centers, factors. These could include supervisor observations, 1. Turnaround Model: Replace — either fire or incentives to encourage experienced teachers to work evidence of an educator’s knowledge and skills, transfer — the principal plus at least 50 percent of in hard-to-staff schools, more training for supervisors teacher self-assessments, peer observations and the staff. in how to conduct effective evaluations and a locally developed measures of student growth. 2. Restart Model: Turn the school over to a focus on wraparound social services for students in The rating must also include trends in MCAS charter or education management organization. underperforming schools. growth scores where they are available. Only about 3. Closure Model: Close the school. “We believe that some of these initiatives will 17 percent of all teachers teach grades and subjects 4. Transformation Model: Replace the school make our very good schools even better,” said in which an MCAS growth score can be generated. leadership, evaluate and reward teacher/leader Wass, who noted that the phrase “race to the top” Once the rating is completed, the evaluator will effectiveness based on multiple measures, adopt doesn’t apply to Massachusetts since students in complete a “formative assessment” — an analysis comprehensive instructional programs, expand the Commonwealth already post the highest scores of strengths and weaknesses — and work with the learning time and provide other supports. in the country and do very well in international educator to develop performance goals. The applica- Under the “Rule of Nine,” a district with comparisons. tion states that teachers found to be ineffective must nine or more Level 4 schools may only use the Wass said another plus is the funding, although be provided with “intensive support to improve.” Transformation Model in half of those schools. it is short term and will not offset the impact of The following year, the evaluator will conduct a Springfield and Boston are the only two districts in state and local budget cuts. If the state’s application “summative evaluation” to determine how well the the state that this affects. Springfield teachers are is approved, half of the money will go directly to educator has met the goals. In making that determi- concerned about this rule because the other three districts and the other half to the state, which plans to nation, the evaluator may consider multiple measures options are more punitive — unless an education distribute some of its share back to districts, as well. of student performance, but not MCAS scores. management organization that runs the school is “We like to think of standardized test scores as led by teachers who understand what supports are Use of student test scores debated a thermometer. They can indicate that there may be needed. The most controversial section of the grant an issue, but can’t diagnose the problem or suggest The MTA is continuing to press the federal program involves use of student test scores in educa- a cure,” said Wass. “If Teacher A’s scores are consis- education department to change the Rule of Nine tor evaluations. tently and significantly lower than the scores of other for districts such as Springfield, where nine schools “Federal education officials have made it teachers in her grade, a good supervisor should ask represent more than a fifth of the total. clear they expect student performance to be part why. It may turn out that Teacher A has more special AFT Massachusetts cited the Rule of Nine as of a teacher’s evaluation,” Wass said. “Teachers needs students or English language learners in her one reason its board voted not to support the RTTT recognize that we play an important role in student class and a thorough evaluation will show that she application. After AFT Massachusetts withdrew its academic achievement. At the same time, the is doing an excellent job with the students she has. Please turn to Debate/Page 21 June/July 2010 3 Editorial You have enriched my life ell, here it is — time for me to write dear. I believe if we focus on what brought us into my last editorial as MTA president. My, We must continuously ask teaching — our love for helping students learn and W how quickly time has passed! It is hard to live good lives — and what brought us into union believe I have been here a total of eight years as vice what kind of organization work — our commitment to improving the lives president and then president. we want and what values of all of the adults who work in our schools and It is difficult for me to write this one because I colleges — we will stay on course. We need to keep do it with mixed emotions. I love MTA and I love we hold dear. our eyes on the big picture and always maintain a being a teacher, so it is positive attitude. sad to be leaving this job technology can be a struggle — at least for those Since I graduated from college, my life has been behind. But I also know of us who were born before the age of computers. devoted to three areas: my family of friends, my it is time to move on. I As families become more fragmented and society teaching and students, and my union and members. have given it my all. It changes, the teachers’ role has expanded. More than I have spent 39 years in public education and 38 of is time to pass the torch in the past, we must provide social and emotional those years working in the union at the local, county, to a new generation. support as well as the three Rs (which are now really state and national levels. New leaders bring their the seven Curriculum Frameworks). I have been a very lucky person to have worked own experiences and America’s place in the world is more uncertain, with such dedicated colleagues at Hanover Middle perspectives to this job, putting greater pressure on teachers to make sure School for 31 years. It was the best place ever. I have and that helps to keep their students achieve academically. Policies made also been blessed to work with such a wonderful MTA evolving and far from the schoolhouse often seem out of touch group of people as the MTA staff. I wish all 107,000 strong. with classroom realities. And money is always tight. members had the firsthand opportunity to know I want to thank all Unionism is also different now. The percentage how great they are as I have had. And lastly, I am Anne Wass of you for giving me the of the private sector work force that is unionized fortunate to have the husband, family and friends MTA President opportunity to be MTA has dropped dramatically, which means fewer and who supported me all the way through this journey. president. I am honored fewer new members had firsthand experience with Now it is time to move two of those areas off to and grateful to have worked with such wonderful unions growing up. There is also a backlash against the side. Following my final day at MTA on July 15, fellow officers, Cathy Boudreau and Paul Toner. I public employees and their unions right now, fueled I plan to spend more time with family and friends, have great respect for both of them. by conservative talk show hosts, tabloid newspapers to really enjoy the rest of the summer as it should be We had many challenges to face, but also had and widespread economic insecurity. enjoyed. After that, who knows? I feel a little like a a lot of fun working together. That is important in As I reflect on these challenges and others, I student graduating from high school — bittersweet any kind of work. I wish the best to Paul and Tim hope that we face them head-on rather than simply about leaving, but curious about what will come Sullivan, our new president and vice president, and digging in our heels and refusing to change. We as next. also to Ann Clarke, MTA’s new executive director- an association and as individuals must keep an open No matter what I do in the future, I will always treasurer. Our members are very lucky to have mind and be willing to try new approaches to solve treasure my past experiences. Whatever I have leaders with so much energy and vision. problems so we stay relevant to our members and accomplished has always been done as part of a team. The challenges we face as educators are well also do what is best for our students. I could never have done it alone. Thank you, MTA known. Teaching is very different from when I We must continuously ask what kind of members. You have enriched my life, and I know you entered the profession in 1971. Keeping up with organization we want and what values we hold will continue to enrich the lives of your students. Campaign to cut sales tax threatens vital services By Laura Barrett promise to hurt the quality of education provided in cuts are enacted, but her Web site sheds light on her Massachusetts. As bad as these current reductions are, values and radical anti-government beliefs. ven as cities and towns are struggling — however, they pale in comparison to the devastation She proposes that homeowners who don’t have and sometimes failing — to protect public to our communities and our public higher education children in the public schools get a rebate of $3,000 a E education from the budget ax, anti-tax system that would be caused by slashing the sales tax year on their property taxes since they shouldn’t have activists are qualifying a question for the November to 3 percent.” to pay for a service they don’t use. In other words, ballot that would slash state revenues by more than Wass added that cutting state and local spending public education should not be seen as a benefit $2 billion a year. at this time could set back the state’s recovery from to the public paid for by the public, as codified in If proponents of the initiative are successful, the recession. our state constitution, but as a private service paid their proposal would devastate funding for public “Budget cuts lead to layoffs, and people who are for only by those who use it. A second Howell schools, public higher education, public safety and laid off spend less, perpetuating the recession,” Wass suggestion: “A family can home school a child for virtually every other service provided by state and noted. “That’s one of the most important lessons $1,000 a year.” local governments in Massachusetts. our country learned from the Great Depression, and “We understand that times are tough right now, The ballot question, sponsored by Carla Howell, that’s why governments try to spend more — or at and many people think it won’t hurt that much to would cut the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to least to cut as little as possible — during a recession. shave a few percentage points off the sales tax,” said 3 percent, costing an estimated $2.5 billion a year. This ballot question could stop our state’s economic Wass. “Unfortunately, that buck or two you might To put that number in perspective, it is two and recovery in its tracks.” Please turn to Ballot/Page 22 a half times as much as the state spends annually Howell, the leading force behind the sales tax on all community colleges, state colleges and the ballot question, is the head of an organization called Letters policy University of Massachusetts. Or, looking at it another the Center for Small Government. She was also way, it is equivalent to roughly half of all spending behind Question 1, the 2008 ballot question that TA Today welcomes letters to the editor Mfrom MTA members. Letters should by the Commonwealth each year to educate nearly a would have eliminated the state income tax. The be no longer than 200 words. Each letter million public school students. MTA helped lead the campaign against Question 1, submitted for publication must address a The MTA is an active participant in the Massa- which was soundly defeated. topic covered in MTA Today, must be signed chusetts Coalition for Our Communities, which is Polling shows that the sales tax cut is more and must include the writer’s telephone fighting the initiative and working to educate voters popular that Question 1 was at this stage in the number for confirmation purposes. Opinions must be clearly identified as belonging to about the terrible toll its passage would take on cities campaign, in part because it appears to be less the letter-writer. We reserve the right to and towns throughout the Commonwealth. extreme. edit for length, clarity and style. To submit “Because of the recession, the state has already “Don’t be fooled into complacency,” said Wass. a letter, mail it to MTA Today, 20 Ashburton cut back important services over the past two “The sales tax cut is very extreme, and it could win if Place, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02108 or e-mail years,” said MTA President Anne Wass. “Now that we don’t fight it just as hard as we fought Question 1.” it to [email protected]. For additional information, please refer to the federal stimulus dollars are drying up, we are seeing Howell has never fully explained how the quality guidelines posted on www.massteacher.org. significant cuts in our schools and colleges — cuts that of schools and colleges can be protected if massive tax 4 June/July 2010 Budget sets stage for another tough year Legislature approves cuts, but leaves municipal health insurance system unchanged By Laura Barrett

n this era of diminished expectations, the state’s fiscal 2011 I budget is more notable for what it did not do than what it did. Despite losing nearly $700 million in expected federal dollars, legislators did not make significantly deeper cuts in education than had already been planned. In addition, since House and Senate conference committee members could not come to agreement about what to do about municipal health insurance, for now they are doing nothing. While those decisions were welcome in comparison to what might have occurred, many districts and college campuses are coping with the reality that money is once again tight, meaning staff positions and programs are being cut and the fees charged to students and families are likely to continue to rise. “We continue to be extremely concerned about the worsening condi- tion of budgets for school districts and public higher education, but we are relieved that our preK-12 members Photo by Laura Barrett have preserved their rights to bargain Burlington Educators Association President Diana Marcus, far right, and other MTA members joined an over health insurance,” MTA President estimated 300 labor activists at a Government Center rally on June 28 to protest U.S. Senator Scott Brown’s Anne Wass said in a statement released refusal to support the extension of federal stimulus funding to Massachusetts and other states. after the House and Senate voted on June 24. and our children for the sake of the extending the FMAP funding. The The Senate had previously As of mid-June, approximately community’s children.” MTA joined other unions in organizing approved a plan for altering the mu- 2,000 pink slips had been issued to Staff being laid off include veteran a rally outside Brown’s office in nicipal health insurance system to save members in MTA locals statewide, librarians and media specialists, some Government Center on June 28 to urge municipalities money, but the House though some of those were already of whom have worked for the district him to support those funds. had not acted on that subject. The rescinded by the end of the school year for more than 20 years. “We hadn’t had The final cuts reduced Chapter conference committee was unable to and more callbacks could occur over anything like this since 2½,” Phillips 70 funding by $116 million (about 3 reach agreement on a plan and there- the summer. said, referring to the ballot initiative percent), public higher education by fore decided not to include changes in In Quincy, outgoing local as- Proposition 2½, which was passed in $123 million (about 11 percent) and municipal health in this budget. sociation President Paul Phillips said 1980 and limits the ability of cities and early childhood education and care by It is anticipated that the he expects the district will be operating towns to raise property taxes. $32 million (about 6 percent). Legislature will address the issue in the with about 89 fewer educators than last The final $27.6 billion budget, Because the Chapter 70 cut was future, since reducing health care costs year. Some of those positions will be which was on the governor’s desk as previously agreed to by both the House is a high priority for cities and towns lost through attrition and others through MTA Today went to press, had to cut and Senate, school districts have been grappling with an overall 4 percent layoffs. As bad as that number is, it $687 million more than originally planning their own budgets and layoffs reduction in local aid. is much smaller than the 230 layoffs expected because the U.S. Senate based on the final figure. The higher “The MTA will continue to look originally announced. Members saved failed to extend a form of stimulus education funding is below the level for solutions to the health insurance many of their colleagues’ jobs by agree- funding called the Federal Medical previously approved by the Senate but problem that are fair and affordable ing to a one-year wage deferral. Assistance Program. slightly above the House budget level. and that protect members’ collective “The teachers sacrificed for the Senator Scott Brown was the The early education cut was deeper bargaining rights,” Wass said. kids of the community,” Phillips said. only member of the Massachusetts than contained in either the House For updates, please visit the MTA “We basically punished ourselves congressional delegation who opposed budget or the Senate version. Web site, www.massteacher.org. Congressional action could save 100,000 education jobs By Bob Duffy During a recent visit to a school in Revere, U.S. ‘When you invest in Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that he and he fate of nearly 100,000 education jobs teachers, you’re investing President Barack Obama are deeply concerned about across the nation remains in the hands of educator cutbacks. T Congress. in students,’ said Senator “If Congress does not take swift action now, Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the John F. Kerry, D-Mass., millions of children will experience cutbacks through U.S. Senate are considering various proposals that increased class size, reductions in class time, cuts to would pull back many of the pink slips being given who is pushing hard for early childhood programs and reduced course offer- out by local school districts facing budget gaps. the local aid package. ings, extracurricular activities and summer school,’’ Supporters of education in Congress are attempting Duncan said. to craft and pass bills containing $50 billion in employees, but most of those funds have now been All Massachusetts members of Congress except federal aid money to go to the states, $23 billion of used. If a new aid package is not passed, many Senator Scott Brown have supported the funding which would be used to reduce educator layoffs. districts in Massachusetts and around the country package. Brown has said he would not support the “When you invest in teachers, you’re investing will face significant budget shortfalls. bill until Congress finds a way to pay for it without in students,” said Senator John F. Kerry, D-Mass., The additional federal funds, Kerry said, are adding to the federal deficit. who is pushing hard for the local aid package. needed to “give Massachusetts the resources to hire For updates and advocacy information, please Last year’s federal stimulus aid package allowed new educators and save teachers from being laid visit the MTA Web site, www.massteacher.org, and many districts around the state to recall laid off off.” the NEA Web site, www.nea.org. June/July 2010 5 @MASCAExDr Donna Brown on day on Executive Director, Massachusetts School MTA Today asked MTA members to demonstrate how they use Twitter to Counselors Association build and nurture their own personal or professional learning networks – Retired from Silver Lake Regional High School as head counselor in 2006 PLNs – by highlighting some of their activity on a single day. Last fall a young friend of ours cajoled me into setting up a Twitter RT @tao_of_grammar: Do you comply to something or with it? account. I followed our friend, my former principal, Jerry Remy, @suedensmore http://bit.ly/bBvVRs #grammar (Actually I DEFY IT HEAD ON the Red Sox and NESN. It was fun and very occasional. Then COLLISION STYLE!) =) one day I got a message that I was being followed by a couple of Susan Densmore professional acquaintances. So I set up an account as executive director of MASCA and suggested they follow me there. Program Coordinator, @cparizo RT @GarveyComm: RT @skydiver: 10% of lawyers have had a client retain them as a result of use of online social Visual and Performing Arts networking – ABA Report I started following a variety of educational sites and they started to Triton Regional High School follow me. I felt my job should be to filter and retweet (or forward to @nytimes #westernMA great article on NYTIMES on being too my followers) information that might be of interest or help to school President, Triton Regional Teachers Association plugged in http://nyti.ms/cbSuTH going to show to my class tonight counselors. Little did I know how much I would learn, how much I could share and how much fun it would be. I engaged with @jonathanlevitt in a conversation that carried over from the previous night about dress when presenting a workshop. @aschwortz I now follow 172 tweeters, but what surprises me is that I have 191 followers. Who knew? I skimmed an article tweeted by @edutopiabetty regarding step- Andria Schwortz by-step instructions in using Facebook’s new privacy controls. These examples are merely highlights of the tweets I received Associate Professor of Physics during six hours. I learned about a geography learning game from @ShellTerrell. and Integrated Science That was the first 15 minutes. I don’t get Twitter time every day, @school_money: Books in home increase children’s education but when I am on vacation, I can easily chase links and converse Quinsigamond Community College level Eideard http://bit.ly/bFKyP9 with people for a couple of hours at a time! President, QCC Professional Association @curriculum21 RT @gcouros: YouTube – Re-Imagining Learning (a chapter of the MCCC) in the 21st Century: http://bit.ly/9yI5eJ via @thart74 @TiNGENiOUS I recently participated in two Twitter events that I found particularly @GardenCuizine: D.C. chefs adopt schools in effort to improve enjoyable. On June 5, I participated in my second NASA Tweetup nutrition http://sbne.ws/r/4Rnb Tom Galanis (#NASATweetup). This Tweetup was held at NYU as part of Portal Manager, Westfield State College the World Science Festival (#WSF10 #WorldSciFest) and was @PhiBetaKappa: RT @USATODAY Hispanic college success: It’s two hours of questions and answers from Dr. Brian Greene (a all in the family http://usat.me?38774754 co-founder of the World Science Festival, faculty at Columbia I follow quite a few colleges and educational professionals and @rmbyrne: Micro Mobs – Realtime Group Messaging via Free University, cosmologist, children’s book author), Dr. John Mather they always have good links to blog posts or news articles that are Technology for Teachers – Micro Mobs is a free service that ... (co-winner of 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the of relevance to me. I also like to “tweet” my own news findings or http://tinyurl.com/25rbyz4 “retweet” comments about education and share my opinion or link cosmic microwave background, NASA astronomer, cosmologist), to an opposing viewpoint. Twitter is definitely a viable source of and two astronauts: Leland Melvin (@astro_flow) and Sandy @massteacher: RT @USNewsEducation: 12 Lessons College information, but as with anything, items need to be verified against Magnus (@astro_sandy). Students Can Learn From the Food Network http://bit.ly/ck9Inz other sources for accuracy and reliability. I enjoyed myself immensely! I got to know some other space @teachermagazine: Living in Dialogue: Arizona Mural Teaches a enthusiasts, and Dr. Mather answered a question of mine. I I currently teach a graduate-level course in Information Lesson about Racism http://bit.ly/dvIeQw Management for an MPA program, and I spend a lot of time asked how to communicate in laymen’s terms to my students teaching how the social norms are rapidly changing. Both the that the “lumpiness” of the cosmic microwave background (called @Collegeosity: Textbook prices getting you down? 40 Places for public and private sectors will need to develop new management “anisotropy” or “inhomogeneity” by astronomers) tells us about College Students to Find Free Unabridged Books Online: styles that incorporate multiple streams of information and media. the content of the universe. His answer was that the more dense http://tinyurl.com/5a345v Through smart collaboration creating organizational and social areas, through gravity, became the galaxies that we see today, networks appropriately, this overflow can be handled with adaptive and moreover that dark matter is what caused the more dense @curriculum21: Reinventing Assessment for the 21st Century by resiliency, allowing us a better handle on the information stream, areas. It’s not so much what he said that was useful to me as how Andrew Marcinek (@andycinek) http://bit.ly/cLtpBM he said it, putting it in terms that everyone can understand. which makes for more discoveries, creativity and innovation each @nancyrubin: Social Media Resources for Teachers – and every day. During the June 8 #scichat, a bunch of science educators tweeted http://ow.ly/1UOii A sample from my day: with the tag #scichat and held conversations. I answered a lot of questions from K-12 educators about what I was looking for my @EduGuide: Tips to figure out a career path. http://bit.ly/aYhwjQ @massteacher RT @NEAToday: Ed cuts taking devastating tolls students to know when they come to me in community college. I Schools need to show career relevancy in the classroom. on communities throughout U.S. See some of the stories at also got good ideas from the other teachers, such as new ways of http://bit.ly/9MyE55 www.neatoday.org #speakupforkids doing labs, suggestions on applying inquiry in the classroom, and a great suggestion on how to reorganize a unit in my college- @ClassroomChaos: I want to be a teacher because I had great level conceptual astronomy class to help students explore their teachers. I’m glad I found my way back into education. Paying it understanding of the term “world.” (Does it mean our little planet forward. #teacherstory Earth, or the Solar System, or the entire huge universe?)

tips Delicious tips

Susan Densmore, program coordinator, visual and performing arts, Triton Regional High School; Andrew T. Garcia, music education/technology specialist, Nessacus Middle School, Dalton president, Triton Regional Teachers Association • Delicious is a free social bookmarking service that allows users to store, tag, categorize, retrieve On Twitter as @suedensmore and share Web links or bookmarks. Most people find value in Delicious first and foremost as a place to save their personal bookmarks. All other usage is secondary. • Read Mashable’s Twitter Guidebook – at least the basics section (http://mashable.com/guidebook/ twitter/). And follow @Mashable for a great source of social media news and how-to guides. • Having bookmarks saved online is extremely convenient (and a great example of early Web 2.0 advantages). Your bookmarks are available from any Internet-connected computer. • Download a desktop Twitter client such as TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com) or Seesmic (http://www.seesmic.com) to help you make sense of the flow. For BlackBerry, if you want to • As people use Delicious, they add tags to bookmarks to be able to locate them later. A tag is Twitter while you're out and about, I highly recommend UberTwitter (http://www.ubertwitter.com). simply a keyword that explains the content of the bookmark such as “edtech” or “funny.” Some You can follow these services on Twitter – @tweetdeck, @seesmic and @ubertwiter. (Yes, the popular education tags are “education,” “edtech,” “learning” and “lesson_plans.” single “t” in the last handle is correct.) • Most users want to share, so they keep their bookmarks public, meaning anyone can browse their • I recommend that educators follow @tomwhitby, @ShellTerrell, @bhsprincipal and @rmbyrne, all collection. If you find you like a collection of bookmarks by another user (say, a teacher in your four of whom have tweeted great resources or demonstrated the ability to really take advantage of subject area) you can “subscribe” to the collection using an RSS feed reader. You’ll be notified Twitter’s possibilities for education. Each of these people also has a blog worth reading, and there when a bookmark is added to the collection is a personal learning network on Ning at http://edupln.ning.com/. • Delicious can aggregate tags in order to find out how people value content. If 1,000 people save • Check out #edchat Tuesdays from 12 to1 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. It's quite a stream, but it's fun and and tag the same bookmark, for example, that’s a good sign that they find value in it. informative. There are subsets starting up, as well – #musicedchat, for instance. But don't try to I use Delicious (and Diigo) to bookmark resources – Web sites I may use in lessons with my classes. follow this on your phone – this is definitely a desktop/laptop situation. My music tech classes have an ever growing list of bookmarks on musical styles: • BE PATIENT! It takes time to really get the hang of Twitter and see the fun and worth of it all. It http://delicious.com/nessacusmusic. I also keep and share bookmarks with in-service teachers who takes time to build relationships with people. And don't be afraid to add your own comments – not attend my workshops. about what you had for breakfast so much as something interesting that happened or a great At Delicious, I am “berkshirecat.” At Diigo, I am “EdTechTeacher.” resource you found. These kinds of things add value to the community you are joining.

6 June/July 2010 Teaching & Learning with Social Media New classroom tools help students connect with peers, prepare for global economy By Sarah Nathan and Meg Secatore

assachusetts educators are successfully using social media networking tools that M were once considered off-limits to inspire and engage their students, build their own knowledge and make professional connections. With the advent of programs such as Twitter, a micro-blogging tool, and Ning, an online platform that allows users to create their own exclusive social networks, teachers now have easy access to large numbers of their colleagues not only from nearby communities, but from halfway around the world. The result? A round-the-clock support system, according to Danja Mahoney, a Latin teacher at Reading Memorial High School who blogs and uses Twitter. “Twitter allows me to stay connected and communicate with people all over the world,” said Mahoney, who tweets as @MagistraM and blogs about teaching and learning at Magistra’s Musings. “If you are trying to work through an idea or figure out a classroom project, there is always an audience on Twitter. It’s nice to be able to have a conversation, or follow a conversation with educators, about specific areas of interest such as students and technology and Photo by Meg Secatore leave with things that I can use in my own classes.” The screen behind teacher Regina Sternlicht shows a classroom in France during a live Skype Mahoney divides her time between a traditional session between Triton Regional students and their counterparts in the town of La Roche-sur-yon. classroom and a digital media lab, and she tries to consistently bring technology into the mix. For The American students opened with a French “Those students who have Skype at home example, her students recently created an interactive song. When they finished, the French students, will more than likely use this as a means of walking tour of ancient Roman sites in modern-day whose images were projected onto a screen on the communication between exchange families so that Rome using the Google Maps application. Another library wall, at first seemed unmoved, but then broke parents can get to know one another and students can class created online games using SMART Notebook into giggles and applause. The three-second delay ‘see’ each other’s houses and meet the family pets to review grammar for final exams. is normal, Sternlicht and media production teacher long before the arrival of the French in October,” “Creativity breeds enthusiasm,” Mahoney said. Robert Lathrop reminded the Triton students, as is said Sternlicht. “If I just said, ‘Go translate this and do it on your the choppy movement on the screen. Through Twitter, Andrew Garcia, a music computer,’ everyone would share answers, and I’m Sternlicht’s French colleague, André Micheneau, technology teacher at Nessacus Regional Middle not sure how much learning would happen. Giving came up with the idea, Sternlicht said, and she found School in Dalton, created an international music students the opportunity to present their work in their enthusiastic support from Lathrop and Triton’s exchange with a music teacher at the Yokohama own creative and unique way demonstrates their technology coordinator, Dennis Buck. International School in Japan. The students in both learning and makes the work fun.” The first international call used only a laptop countries not only shared their environmentally Using social media tools to travel the globe is with a webcam, Lathrop said, and it was difficult for themed compositions, but also evaluated them. common these days and becoming even more so. the students to see. For the second call, he set up a “We spent months creating a way for our Regina Sternlicht’s Triton Regional High School video camera and projector. The conversations — and students to connect and collaborate on music French class recently visited a class in La Roche-sur- the technology — will help prepare students to meet composition projects,” wrote Garcia, who tweets as yon, France, via Skype, an Internet telephone service. one another in an upcoming exchange. Please turn to Teaching/Page 23

tips tips

Regina Sternlicht, French teacher; Robert Lathrop, media production teacher; and Dennis Buck, Steve Olivo, English language arts teacher, and Sean Musselman, earth/space science teacher, technology coordinator, Triton Regional High School Reading • If you are not a “techie” yourself, work collaboratively with your media production teacher and The “micro-blogging” platform Edmodo is easy for teachers to set up and students to access. Follow technology department. these simple steps to get students in your class communicating with one another in the digital world. • Prepare students in advance and set up a detailed schedule with your Skype partner in advance. • Connect to edmodo.com and sign up for a new user account by providing your name, e-mail, new Here’s what we did for one call for our exchange program with a school in France: user name and password. ▪ 3:15 p.m. – Began with a song in French and a song in English. • Once signed in, create a “user group” for your students to access by clicking on “create” next to the “groups” header. Once your group has been created, a message will be sent to you containing ▪ 3:20 p.m. – Monsieur Micheneau gives brief history of the exchange, etc. a six-character code for others to use to join your new group. • If possible, replace the computer’s webcam with a digital video camera to improve picture quality • Your group is ready for students to join and access. Give them the code mentioned above and and allow for a wider view of the students. have them log on to Edmodo and create their own user names. (Note: an e-mail is not required for • Use an external microphone instead of the computer’s built-in mic to improve audio quality and students to create a user name.) eliminate the squeal of feedback. • Once students have joined the group the conversations can begin. Post messages, links, • Project the computer’s desktop to a presentation screen so that the whole class can see better. assignments and files as attachments to connect with your students. You can also post a message • Align your video camera just under or right next to the presentation screen so that as students to multiple groups at once, eliminating the need for multiple posts of the same message! Students look at the screen, it appears to the receiving group that they are looking at them (similar to the can easily respond to your posted messages by clicking the “reply” button that appears by each way a teleprompter works). message. • Students will want to take time to create their profiles and add avatars that will be visible when they start discussions. It is important to give students an opportunity to do so. Edmodo is the perfect place for young students to develop their online presence, as it is a private forum that cannot be accessed by people outside of the user group.

June/July 2010 7 HCR banquet is a family affair Honorees are praised for dedication to education, called ‘role models to all’

By Sarah Nathan

he MTA Human and Civil Rights Awards Banquet was an T “all in the family” event, with this year’s honors given to outgoing MTA President Anne Wass and former MTA President Mary Gilmore. “Tonight, we are here to honor the contributions of a remarkable group of women who have chosen our organization, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, as the vehicle through which they have worked to make the world a better place,” MTA Human Relations Committee Chairwoman Gladys Durant said in starting off the evening’s events. “Together these women have worked hard for the profession and are role models to all.” The awards dinner, held on May 6 at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston, marked the beginning of events associated with the MTA’s 165th Annual Meeting. Since 1983, the Human Relations Committee has been recognizing individuals and groups each year for demonstrating leadership in fighting discrimination and promot- ing equal opportunity for women, people of color and the disabled, as well as for those who are economically Above, outgoing MTA President disadvantaged. Anne Wass, right, shares a happy In keeping with the family feel of moment with mentor Louise the evening, Gilmore was presented Gaskins during the presentation with the first-ever Kathleen Roberts of awards at the MTA Human Creative Leadership Award by Kathleen and Civil Rights Awards Banquet, which was held at the Sheraton Roberts herself. The members of the Hotel in Boston on May 6. Wass HRC renamed the Creative Leadership was the recipient of the Louise Award to honor Roberts, a 47-year E. Gaskins Lifetime Civil Rights public school educator and past MTA Award, which was presented president, for her exemplary commit- by Gaskins. At left, former MTA ment and service to public education President Kathleen Roberts, left, and public school educators. congratulates another former MTA In recognizing Gilmore, Roberts president, Mary Gilmore, who spoke of her longtime friend’s efforts received the first-ever Kathleen to improve the teaching profession for Roberts Creative Leadership educators everywhere. Award. The banquet served as the “There are many members, many kickoff for the MTA’s 165th Annual Meeting of Delegates, which drew who will never be aware of it, who more than 1,200 delegates to the have benefited in countless ways from Hynes Convention Center. Mary’s vision and hard work,” Roberts said. “Thank you, friend, for what Photos by Sarah Nathan and Laura Barrett you’ve done for the MTA and for what you’ve done for me.” Gilmore, a Weymouth teacher from 1961 until her retirement in 1994, former president of the Braintree Wass, who taught sixth grade in “This too shall pass,” “I may not served as a local president, an MTA Education Association. “Anne is a Hanover for 31 years, will soon step criticize my neighbor until I’ve walked director and an NEA director, as well person who just doesn’t ‘see’ or focus down as MTA president. She began a mile in his moccasins” and “Speak as MTA president. She now serves on on differences, whether it’s color, age, her remarks by noting that when she positive thoughts — don’t just think the MTA Retired Members Committee nationality or sexual orientation,” was working her way up the ranks, she them.” and represents retired members on the Harrigan said. “She is eager to meet would look up to Roberts, Gilmore and “I’m honored and humbled and MTA Executive Committee. you, and when she does she listens to Gaskins and wanted to be like them will do my best to live up to the expec- At the banquet, Gilmore spoke you, she encourages you, she supports “when I grew up.” tations of Louise Gaskins, the person briefly about the sequence of events you, she provides opportunities for you Wass went on to give an emotional for whom this award is named,” Wass that led her to the MTA and about the and she just loves you.” acceptance speech for her award, said. “I thank you from the bottom of people she has met over the years. “I Gaskins, who met Wass in the remembering her parents and giving my heart for this award. This is a night believe with my whole heart that the 1970s and whom Wass calls her credit to her husband, Ray, as well as that I will never forget.” MTA has just begun,” she said, earning mentor, commended Wass for being to many friends and her colleagues in The Arlington High School a big round of applause. thoughtful and giving careful consider- the Hanover Teachers Association. Madrigal Singers, directed by Cheryl Wass was presented with the ation to the ideas and opinions of oth- She talked about her own guiding Christo, performed a range of songs, Louise E. Gaskins Lifetime Civil Rights ers. Wass, she said, stands for fairness principles and words she has chosen including crowd favorite Teach Your Award by two old friends — Louise and equality and “has championed the to live by. They include Socrates’ “An Children, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Gaskins herself and Kathleen Harrigan, underdog at almost every turn.” unexamined life is not worth living,” Young.

8 June/July 2010 Change is Annual Meeting theme ‘Teachers’ unions are not the problem; we have the solutions,’ Toner tells delegates

By Jerry Spindel

hange was the theme of this year’s MTA Annual Meeting C of Delegates as Paul F. Toner and Timothy D. Sullivan won two-year terms as MTA’s new president and vice president, respectively. The Annual Meeting — the 165th in MTA’s history — was held May 7 and 8 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston and brought together 1,264 delegates from 158 local associations. Toner, who is currently MTA vice president and a former president of the Cambridge Teachers Association, defeated Paul J. Phillips, president of the Quincy Education Association. Sullivan, who is president of the Brockton Education Association, ran unopposed. They will take office on July 15. Delegates also adopted a budget and dues, voted on new business items, resolutions and bylaw changes, participated in an issues forum on the federal Race to the Top program, honored award recipients and were treated to a keynote address by Scott McLeod, director of the Center for the Advanced Photos by Jerry Spindel Study of Technology Leadership in Delegates from across the state vote in favor of a proposal on the first day of the 165th MTA Annual Meeting. Education at Iowa State University. Toner told the delegates, “We and $136 for aides, food service must position ourselves to lead the personnel and other education support conversation for positive change in professionals. order to improve our schools and sup- New business items: Delegates port our students. We must remind the adopted items directing MTA to: public that Massachusetts schools and n Do everything in its power to colleges are the best in the nation! ensure that in the reenactment of the “However,” he continued, “where federal Elementary and Secondary there are challenges to be addressed, Education Act, certain “harmful such as achievement gaps among our regulations” promulgated by U.S. students, we must not shy away. We Education Secretary Arne Duncan are must present our models of educator- nullified. led change. Teachers’ unions are not n Continue discussions with the problem; we have the solutions.” the state Department of Elementary In his acceptance speech, Sullivan and Secondary Education on the declared, “We should use our collec- Race to the Top program, seeking tive power to address the traditional modifications or clarifications that are elements of collective bargaining — consistent with MTA positions. wages, hours and working conditions. n Support the state’s RTTT appli- But we must also use our collective cation only if standardized tests would voice and power to demand a seat not be a mandatory measure of teacher at the table of ‘reform,’ as it is you, performance, if punitive measures were the practitioners, who know what’s removed from the proposal, if control best for the students we serve, preK over resulting funds would be subject through higher ed.” MTA President-elect Paul Toner presents President Anne Wass with the to bargaining, and if each local retained first annual MTA Friend of Labor Award. Toner takes office on July 15. Delegates celebrated the four the right to withdraw from RTTT. years of Anne Wass’s presidency — collaboration — including the crucial …,” at which point she held up a red, n Endorse the Public Higher and four years of her vice presidency collaboration to defeat the upcoming white and blue bumper sticker and read Education Network of Massachusetts. — with a video of her leadership ballot initiative to slash the sales tax — its text: Massachusetts Students Are n Study the effects of state school career. As an additional surprise (Wass will be built on the foundation she has #1. Thank A Public School Teacher. choice policy on districts having fewer did not know about the video), she was worked to maintain and strengthen.” than 1,500 students and schools having presented with the first annual MTA In her Leadership Address, ollowing are some of the key fewer than 500 students. Friend of Labor Award. delivered with Toner, Wass declared: actions taken by the Annual Bylaws: Delegates approved a “I talked about Anne Wass being “Despite the many challenges and F Meeting delegates. bylaw to add an at-large ESP seat to a friend of every MTA member, controversies we expect to face in the Budget and dues: Delegates the MTA Executive Committee. After a and she is,” Toner said in making coming year, we both want to say that adopted a total budget of $40,716,755, spirited debate, they defeated a bylaw the presentation. “But the affection these are also exciting times to be in including an operating budget of that would have permitted employees and respect are shared by the entire the field of education. No matter how $39,131,255 and a Public Relations/ of Commonwealth charter schools to Massachusetts labor community. rough it may feel out there sometimes Organizing Campaign budget of join the MTA. Every MTA-AFT and MTA-AFL and no matter how much criticism may $1,585,500. Dues were set at $453 Resolutions: Delegates adopted collaboration in the past four years be thrown your way by The Boston for teachers and administrators; $272 resolutions on Commonwealth charter has her stamp on it. And every future Globe and others, just remember this for secretaries, clerks and custodians; Please turn to Award/Page 11 June/July 2010 9 Photos by Laura Barrettl MTA President-elect Paul Toner, left, says he is “eager to get to work.” Vice President-elect Timothy Sullivan, right, was joined at the Annual Meeting by his son, Timothy Jr., who found it “awesome” that his dad was elected to his new post. Both Toner and Sullivan will take office on July 15. New MTA leaders have ambitious goals By Jerry Spindel union leaders, to protecting our core values and principles and helping to n July 15, Paul Toner and ‘Most important,’ guide MTA through a time of great The presidency Timothy Sullivan will take Toner said, change,” he said. “But I’m going to of the BEA was the helm as the new president need everyone’s help.” O ‘I want local good training and vice president of MTA. MTA Today asked them about their ideas and leaders to know Timothy Sullivan for the new vice feelings as they face their new roles. MTA vice president-elect I am completely Sullivan, who has been serving as president. ‘I Paul Toner accessible. They president of the Brockton Education learned to manage MTA president-elect should never Association, said he feels “honored” my time,’ Sullivan How does it feel to be at being elected vice president of elected president of the Massachusetts hesitate to call.’ the MTA, but admitted to some said. Teachers Association? “I am relieved nervousness. that the campaign is over,” Toner said. “After all,” he noted, “I’m going “I am proud and deeply gratified that their strategies for success with locals from representing 1,400 members to aware of is his basso singing voice. my MTA colleagues have elected me needing assistance in those areas. representing 107,000.” His bottom-line He wowed the delegates at this year’s to lead our organization, and I am “Most important,” Toner said, “I goals, however, remain the same: Annual Meeting by leading them in a eager to get to work.” want local leaders to know I am com- “activating members and making sure powerful performance of the National Of course, having served as pletely accessible. They should never the members are getting the services Anthem. MTA vice president for four years hesitate to call.” But Toner’s outreach they need.” “I’ve been singing all my life,” and, before that, as president of the plans go beyond local leaders. Sullivan is ready to act on these Sullivan said. At present, he serves Cambridge Teachers Association, “I want to make every MTA goals. “I was on the Strategic Action as soloist in three churches. And a Toner is no newcomer to leadership. member an MTA activist,” he said. “I Committee that drafted the document great deal of the credit for his pursuit “I think I learned a lot as vice want to mobilize them around issues on engaging members,” he said. “Now of music goes, not surprisingly, to president,” Toner said, “from the that affect the lives of their students, I want to work with Paul Toner to see teachers. MTA staff, managers, Anne Wass, of schools and themselves.” that that document gets implemented.” “Mrs. Hill, at Morrison course, and also from the local leaders Toner sees a mobilized member- The presidency of the BEA was Elementary School in Braintree, took and MTA members I met from across ship as necessary to “declare loud and good training for the new vice presi- the time to call my parents and tell the state. I especially learned the clear to the public that teachers’ unions dent. “I learned to manage my time,” them I had a gift that should be encour- importance of listening — listening are not the enemy, not the problem Sullivan said. “I realized you can’t do it aged,” he noted. “Then Mr. Clinton, at and moving from ideas to an action — that we are the voice of the people all by yourself — and I didn’t have to; I Braintree High School, pushed me to plan to implement those ideas.” doing the important work of educating had a great group working with me.” take voice and piano lessons. Toner is especially determined to children.” Sullivan also credits his time “They gave an award at the high implement action plans “to help local “We are not only the voice of leading the BEA with another skill that school for best all-around musician. I leaders develop full-capacity locals.” teachers; when we advocate for resourc- should prove handy as VP: “working won it in ’76.” “Every local has strengths and es for mental health, social services, with various constituencies.” Along with Sullivan’s singing, weaknesses,” he noted. “We need to aid for college students and the like, we He explained, “When you’re Annual Meeting delegates will build on those strengths and address are speaking for all the citizens of our dealing with preK through high school, remember the sight of his son, 9-year- those weaknesses, be they in the Commonwealth,” he said. you have many different constituents old Timothy Jr., sitting on his father’s areas of political action, organizing, Toner said he knows there will with unique needs. We needed a lap after the election results were communications, labor-management be challenges, “but I’m optimistic by contract that did the best for all of announced. relations or others.” He wants MTA nature.” them.” “Afterward, I asked him how it training to be based on the needs of lo- “I’m looking forward to helping One attribute possessed by felt,” Sullivan said, “and he replied cals and wants “model” locals to share nurture a new generation of future Sullivan that not everyone might be with one word: ‘Awesome!’”

10 June/July 2010 Clarke named MTA executive director-treasurer By Jerry Spindel midst of a crisis situation, and there were seismic adjustments that had to be made. We went through a nn Clarke has been an MTA attorney since planning process, used cross-divisional staff teams 1978 and general counsel since 1985. She and mobilized the membership — very much the sort A has contributed significantly to every major of things we must do at MTA.” campaign, legal and otherwise, on behalf of MTA Looking ahead, Clarke noted the challenges members over the past 30 years. Now, Clarke is posed by “the hopefully short-term economic crisis MTA’s new executive director-treasurer. we’re experiencing.” Clarke was appointed by the MTA Board of “As we come out of the crisis, we have the Directors on May 22. She succeeds David Borer, overall challenge of increasing revenues for public who resigned in early May due to family reasons. education,” she said. “And to do that, we need to talk In announcing Clarke’s appointment, MTA about tax reform. That will come as we implement President Anne Wass stated: “Ann’s dedication and our Strategic Action Plan.” commitment to our members, our students and to Clarke also noted the need to meld several plans public education are strong and deep. Her intel- into the MTA’s overall strategy. These include early ligence, passion, knowledge and skills are superior. childhood organizing, the Revenue Campaign and a We are very excited about having Ann at the helm in plan for the 2010 election. these challenging times.” Turning to the upcoming challenges posed by In an interview with MTA Today, Clarke the November election, MTA’s campaign against the also expressed excitement — and determination, sales tax rollback and the early childhood education especially about one of her main goals: to implement organizing effort, Clarke cited the need “to marshal the Strategic Action Plan. MTA’s resources — staff, elected leaders and, most “The plan focuses on getting MTA to realize importantly, members — to achieve these objec- its potential as an organization of activist members tives.” There’s a tough road ahead, she said, “but I’m — activists in their communities, activists in politics always optimistic about the ability of MTA’s staff and activists in helping to shape educational policy,” and members to achieve whatever goals they set for Clarke explained. “We must become the voice of themselves.” Photo by Laura Barrett education in Massachusetts to benefit our students, On a personal note, Clarke told MTA Today MTA Executive Director-Treasurer Ann Clarke our schools and our profession,” she added. that she is a lifelong resident of Jamaica Plain and a Clarke is no novice when it comes to leadership. graduate of Wellesley College and Boston College MTA divisions, including Mary Ann Alfond, director Besides heading MTA’s Division of Legal Services, Law School. She is married to James Remeika, who of professional services; Alice Paes, former affiliate she served as acting executive director of the Indiana is also an attorney, and they have two sons: James, services director; Joanne Blum, director of govern- State Teachers Association from June 2009 through 23, and Owen, 22. mental services; and Kathleen Skinner, director of February 2010 and, while there, had experiences that When asked about the fact that she is MTA’s the Center for Education Policy and Practice. should prove helpful in the months ahead. first woman executive director-treasurer, Clarke “MTA has a great track record of advancing “I had the experience of implementing a responded by naming other women who have held women into management positions,” she said. “It’s a strategic action plan,” she said. “ISTA was in the and currently hold leadership positions and head record of which the organization can be proud.” Award winners urge delegates to be advocates for students Continued from Page 9 Wass also recognized Anita Thompson, the 2010 schools, school accountability and improvement, ‘We need each other now more ESP of the Year, who was honored in April at the evaluation of personnel, teacher compensation and than ever,’ MTA President Anne MTA ESP Conference. collective bargaining. Wass told her colleagues in her In her farewell message as MTA president, Wass Awards: Delegates honored Jae Goodwin, the told the delegates, “We need each other now more 2010 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Goodwin, farewell message. than ever. We must trust each other enough to be able who teaches fifth grade in Framingham, urged to communicate honestly in a two-way direction. delegates to use their positions to support public edu- part of the team.” Meade told delegates, “Never doubt “MTA,” she added, “has been, is and will cation. “Find your inner Norma Rae,” she said. “Stand that you can be a strong advocate for children. You continue to be the strongest organization for our up and speak your mind. Teachers are in a unique posi- proved that the second you set foot in a classroom.” members if we remember to all work together as one tion. We can make a difference. We have an obligation Wass presented the MTA President’s Award to fine-tuned, harmonious group of people.” to educate the public, not just our students.” her AFT Massachusetts counterpart, President Tom Honored with MTA’s Friend of Education Award Gosnell. In his acceptance speech, Gosnell spoke of Full texts of resolutions and other Annual were Robert F. Antonucci, president of Fitchburg State his work with Wass to build stronger ties between the Meeting materials are available on the MTA Web College, and Peter Meade, president and CEO of the two unions. “The bottom line in life is humanity,” site, www.massteacher.org. Slides and other informa- new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United Gosnell said, citing Wass’s decency and strong tion about McLeod’s presentation, “Dangerously States Senate. “If it were not for public education, I personal relationships. “One can be a strong, capable Irrelevant: Ruminations on Technology, Leadership wouldn’t be standing here today,” said Antonucci. “All leader and still have all of the human dimensions so and the Future of our Schools,” can be found at of us together make it happen, and I’m proud to be important to all of us.” http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/mta.

MTA members are urged to choose whether To sign up, you will need your MTA membership card or an issue of MTA Today that was mailed to you as a member. Once you have either your card or your MTA they want to get MTA Today in print or Today at your fingertips, take the following easy steps: receive a link by e-mail when the magazine 1. Go online to: www.massteacher.org/mymtatoday A Web form will come up that requests your membership number and your ZIP is posted on the MTA Web site code. Your MTA member ID number can be found in two places: n On the front of your MTA card in the box marked Individual ID #. MTA Today provides important news about your association, as well as vital n On the back page of this edition of MTA Today or any other issue that information on leadership opportunities, professional development, member benefits, was mailed to you as a member. Just look in the blue and white box for politics, policies that affect your school or campus, and much, much more. the number directly above your name. As the result of a vote by the delegates to the 2009 MTA Annual Meeting, you are being 2. Once you have filled in the requested information, click CONTINUE. asked to decide whether you want to receive hard copies or be notified by e-mail 3. Another form will come up that shows the name, address and e-mail when the magazine is posted on the Web. address that MTA has on file for you. You should examine the information, correct anything that needs updating and make sure it is Making your selection is simple, so please do not delay. complete. And don’t worry! You can change your mind at any time about whether you want to 4. Once your information is correct, click SUBMIT. receive printed issues or be notified by e-mail whenMTA Today is posted on the Web site.

June/July 2010 11 Hall of Fame induction caps teacher’s career

By Meg Secatore

e’s a National Board Certified On the Web Teacher, Disney Middle Mr. Phillips’ Science and Service School Teacher of the Year and H Learning Home Page: TIME Magazine/Chevy Teacher of the Year, not to mention an iTunes musical http://www.wphillips.com/ sensation and the star of a Bridgewater Phillips’ ad for Bridgewater State State College television spot. College, Become a Teacher Who So how did Warren Phillips cap Makes a Difference: his 35-year career as a science and http://www.youtube.com/ technology teacher at the Plymouth watch?v=cHBF_02dCjI Community Intermediate School? With his induction into the prestigious Red Sox Nation single: National Teachers Hall of Fame in http://itunes.apple.com/ca/ mid-June. Only five teachers are album/red-sox-nation-single/ inducted each year, with 90 honored id267477771 since 1992. In an e-mail interview, Phillips said he was nominated by a former to music, at http://www.youtube.com/ student, now a PCIS colleague, Jacie watch?v=X1XrDdauIhA.) Fitzpatrick. “She’s developed into “When I met Marcia Tate, a Warren Phillips stands with Jacie Fitzpatrick, a former student who a great teacher who has an exciting nationally recognized expert on brain- nominated him to the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Fitzpatrick is now classroom. We have collaborated on a teacher at the Plymouth Community Intermediate School. based education, I came to realize the many science lessons,” Phillips wrote. rationale behind effective teaching Founded in 1989 at Emporia State I won Best Buy, Wal-Mart, USA on the challenge to improve teaching strategies,” Phillips continued. “I University in Kansas, the National Today, and Above and Beyond awards. strategies. went to her Worksheets Don’t Grow Teachers Hall of Fame is intended Eventually, we received a large “By constantly taking courses Dendrites workshop, which identified to “recognize and honor exceptional 10-year Comcast Cable TV grant. The and reflecting on lessons, I feel more 20 teaching strategies that improve career teachers, encourage excellence studio currently has two employees confident in my teaching. This allowed classroom instruction. I had been using in teaching, and preserve the rich and has expanded to include all 13 me to create ‘unforgettable lessons’ techniques, but her workshop made heritage of the teaching profession in Plymouth schools on the education for my students. For example, I have me aware of strategies that I needed the United States.” channel.” written science songs for each of the to improve upon. Marcia asked me to Each nominee was asked to iden- For educators, “each class units I teach.” (For a sample, view the co-teach her weeklong workshop and tify two critical issues in education and provides another opportunity to YouTube video called The Element present it to school systems around the his or her proposed solutions. Phillips improve instruction!” Phillips wrote Song, which puts the first 30 elements Please turn to Phillips/Page 18 chose funding communications projects SoGs-for-MTA.qxp 12/15/2008 9:58 AM Page 1 and improving teaching strategies. Paid Advertisement “I have had the good fortune of working at a school that was built with a television studio. Video production was done on reel-to-reel tapes, and programs were shown throughout the school in classrooms. I saw, as a new teacher, what a powerful tool video production could be in teaching,” Phillips wrote of the first challenge: finding the money to keep and modern- ize the studio. “I trained students to produce shows for the school and the Plymouth community — monthly interviews Bridgewater State College with guests from the community, Educating offers postbaccalaureate school news, Students of the Month, programs leading to initial Homework Heroes, and public service for the future licensure in: announcements. When the budget was eliminated 20 years ago, I decided to SINCE 1840 • Early Childhood Education try to continue productions through • Educational Leadership grants and awards. And we needed • Elementary Education to upgrade from analog to a digital One of the oldest • Health format. institutions of higher • Physical Education “I enrolled in a Master’s in • Secondary Education Instructional Technology program and education for teacher • Accelerated Postbaccalaureate began a website. In 2002 and 2003, I preparation in the Program for Initial Licensure received a Mass. Software and Internet United States grades 5-12 Council award to purchase supplies. The TIME Magazine/Chevy Teacher Graduate programs leading to Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) include of the Year Award in 2002 helped • Counseling • Educational Leadership • Health Promotion • Reading to purchase a computer system. We • Early Childhood Education • Elementary Education • Instructional Technology • Special Education began using digital editing software. Other master’s degrees for educators The Home-School Association • Master of Arts in Teaching • Master of Science in Physical Education provided more than $15,000 for new Post-master’s degree programs chairs, rugs, and paint. The principal • Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership in Mental Health Counseling, Reading and School Guidance Counseling reallocated $8,000 to purchase digital • A collaborative CAGS/EdD program in Educational Leadership and Reading with the University of Massachusetts Lowell video cameras. In 2004, I won the Disney Middle School Teacher of the For more information, contact the School of Graduate Studies. Year Award and in subsequent years, PHONE: 508.531.1300 • WEB SITE: www.bridgew.edu/SoGs • E-MAIL: [email protected]

12 June/July 2010 Governor fields questions from educators By Sarah Nathan “It’s not like the funding was adequate before,” Patrick responded. “I TA local leaders posed get that, but this is unlike normal times. some tough questions to Trying to hold Chapter 70 and local aid M Governor Deval Patrick and harmless has been no small challenge.” Education Secretary Paul Reville at a Brockton Education Association recent meeting organized by the MTA. President and incoming MTA Vice The meeting, which took place on President Timothy Sullivan explained May 17 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in that the amount of state aid awarded to Natick, gave MTA members an oppor- his district is based on a number that tunity to ask questions, raise concerns does not take into account about 400 and discuss pressing issues with the students currently in the system. The state’s highest-ranking official and his Brockton schools also saw a significant chief education appointee. Patrick and increase in enrollment — approxi- Reville had met with MTA preK-12 mately 130 new students — after the members in Fall River and Springfield January earthquake in Haiti, he noted. Photo by Sarah Nathan a few days prior to the Natick meeting “We have brought them into Governor Deval Patrick talked to educators in Fall River on May 12. and held additional meetings earlier our community and educated these As a result, the school depart- chance to question Patrick expressed on in Belmont, Needham and Taunton. kids, and we’ve done so without any ment was given a more thorough apprehension about the MCAS tests and They also met separately with higher additional income,” Sullivan said. explanation of how the state arrived questioned whether they are the proper education members. “Something has to be readjusted for us at the dollar figure awarded to the tool for measuring student success. The opening message delivered by on the front lines.” city in education aid. In addition, During the Fall River meeting, Patrick at the meetings with teachers Patrick commended Sullivan for a bill to provide compensation to Rebecca Cusick, an MTA Board was: “You are not the problem. the work being done in the Brockton Massachusetts communities with new member and Fall River teacher, said Teachers are not the problem. Poverty Public Schools to help displaced Haitian immigrants is now pending in she has real concerns about her own is the problem.” children and families. On the broader the Legislature. students being shortchanged. She also The statement drew applause from funding issue, he spoke of his own Two local leaders, Dedham noted that the current emphasis on the MTA members gathered in Natick, efforts to secure more than $450 Education Association President teacher evaluation discourages educa- many of whom spoke of the pressures million in federal stimulus money for Timothy Dwyer and Milton Educators tors from working with students who they are facing in their schools and education, the need for new revenue Association President Margaret face challenges. communities and the real need for streams and money-raising options Gibbons, urged the governor to oppose “We are denying our kids in additional funding for education. made available to municipal leaders. a bill sponsored by the Massachusetts low-performing districts access to a Outgoing Newton Teachers After the meeting, Patrick Municipal Association aimed at well-rounded education, and that is a Association President Cheryl Turgel followed up on the issue of Chapter 70 taking away the rights of municipal fact,” Cusick said. “We are focusing on asked the governor about his plans for funding for Brockton and the issue of employees to bargain over health test prep and the importance of MCAS. increasing education funding. state aid for Haitian refugees. insurance. Other educators who had a These kids have been reduced to a number. They are a test score. They Paid Advertisement are no longer seen as individuals with strengths or with weaknesses.” Fall classes Reville spoke of the administra- begin Master of Education: tion’s efforts to make the MCAS less Sept. 2 Art (P) onerous, pointing to the 2009 decision Curriculum & Instructional Technology (I) to delay the history exam as one Early Childhood Education (P) example. Such actions, Reville said, Elementary Education (P) draw strong criticism from right-wing The Programs English (P) activists. “We are fighting a war with History (P) those who see much simpler solu- Literacy and Language (I) (P) tions,” he added. Mathematics (P) After describing the budget short- You Want Nutrition Education Spanish (P) fall facing his city, United Educators Special Education (I) of Pittsfield President Scott Eldridge, The Teaching of English as a who attended the Natick meeting, For the License Second Language (I) asked, “If now is not the time to talk Master of Arts: about revenue and a tax structure that Educational Leadership (I) is progressive, when is the time?” “The time to talk about it is when You Need Graduate Certiﬁcates: people aren’t feeling as broke as they Instruction Technology Proficiency are now,” Patrick replied. “We are Children’s Literature coming out of a time of profound Earn your license or PDPs from the college that’s been STEM Education economic uncertainty. We are not out training educators longer than any other public institution. Sustainable Development and Policy of it, but we are coming out of it, but as a practical political matter, this is a We oer 23 master’s programs, seven graduate certicates Professional Development: One-Credit Online hard thing to do right now.” and an Online Professional Development Center for Courses for Educators The governor also addressed the (22.5 PDPs, $169) state’s new education reform law, Educators. Aordably priced. Conveniently scheduled. which is aimed at closing the achieve- (I) = Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure ment gap that puts special needs Lots of online options. (P) = Leads to Professional Teacher Licensure Licensure varies by program. Please contact the students, poor children and children Graduate and Continuing Education Division for further clarification. of color at a disadvantage. Among other things, the law will increase the number of charter schools allowed in low-performing districts. “I don’t believe that charters are Graduate and framingham.edu the answer, but I do believe that they Continuing Education 508 626 4550 are part of the answer,” Patrick said, noting that the new law also provides Please turn to Patrick/Page 22 June/July 2010 13 Higher ed unions expect new proposal By Jerry Spindel

fter several years of struggling to negotiate new contracts A and then get them funded, MTA higher education members at the University of Massachusetts and the state colleges might soon be considering a new proposal from the Patrick administration. As MTA Today went to press, negotiations between the MTA and the administration were still in progress. The proposal being discussed would delay payment of negotiated raises by 364 days in each of the three years covered. Faculty and librarians would receive 1.5 percent raises originally scheduled for July 1, 2009, on June 30, 2010. Likewise, 3.5 percent raises scheduled for July 1, 2010, would be paid on June 30, 2011, and 3.5 percent raises scheduled for July 1, 2011, Photo by Jerry Spindel would be paid on June 30, 2012. Governor Deval Patrick fielded questions and complaints from MTA higher education leaders on April 27. Clerical units with steps would get raises of 1 percent, 3 percent and 3 the Professional Staff Union at percent on the same dates. The proposal being discussed would delay UMass Amherst and UMass Boston, Members of the Association of payment of negotiated raises by 364 days the University Staff Association at Professional Administrators of the state UMass Amherst and the Association of colleges, whose contract expired on in each of the three years covered. Professional Administrators of the state Dec. 31, 2008, would get the following: colleges. 1.5 percent raises scheduled for June Technical Union at UMass Lowell, Faculty Staff Union at UMass Boston, The Massachusetts Community 30, 2009, would be paid and credited the Massachusetts State College the Massachusetts Society of Professors College Council has not yet back to Dec. 31, 2009; 3.5 percent Association, the Massachusetts Society at UMass Lowell, the Maintenance responded to the proposed contract raises scheduled for June 30, 2010, of Professors at UMass Amherst, the and Trades Union at UMass Lowell, provisions. would be paid on Dec. 31, 2010; and 3.5 percent raises scheduled for June 30, 2011, would be paid on Dec. 31, 2011. “Higher education employees How much extra time do you have? know that these are tough economic times. And we’ve been making sacri- fices right along,” said Donna Johnson, chair of MTA’s Higher Education Leadership Council and president “Too little!” is usually the answer. of the University Staff Association at UMass Amherst. “The governor’s Let MTAB save you valuable time and proposal is far less than we deserve, money with our member-only DISCOUNTS but at least it gives us something.” on loads of summer fun and activities.

f ratified, the proposal would Vacation plans – worldwide travel culminate more than three years options, hotels and I of union activism that has included car rentals picketing, rallying, lobbying and meeting with state officials, including Entertainment – theme park tickets, Governor Deval Patrick. The last such fishing charters and meeting, in Natick on April 27, brought sporting events higher education leaders together from across the state. Such efforts helped per- Well-being – fitness clubs, spas and suade the governor to drop his demand yoga classes for furloughs — a provision that was included in the final settlements with other public employee unions. Units affected by the proposal MTA Benefits – one-stop include the Classified Staff Union at UMass Boston, the Classified and shopping to make the most of your time.

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14 June/July 2010 Grant program helps ESPs become teachers tate grants are available to n Be eligible under Title IV for teacher-preparation programs. be determined at a later date and are paraprofessionals who live regulations and not in default on a state Students who attend Massachusetts subject to the budget for fiscal 2011. in Massachusetts and want to or federal education loan or grant. independent colleges that offer teacher Paraprofessionals interested in S n become certified as full-time teachers. Enroll in a full-time or part-time education programs applying for the grants must complete The Paraprofessional Teacher undergraduate degree program at a are eligible to receive the online Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program, established public or private college that leads to the Paraprofessional Preparation Grant Application, provide by the Legislature, is designed to teacher certification. Teacher Preparation written proof of employment as a help reduce financial barriers faced n Have been employed, with Grants. paraprofessional from the employer and by paraprofessionals seeking to attain certain exceptions, for a minimum of The awards un- file the FAFSA document. higher education. two years as a paraprofessional in a der the program will To fill out an application, please The program is also an attempt Massachusetts public school. vary, depending on visit osfa.mass.edu. For further to help address the Commonwealth’s n Not have earned a bachelor’s the type of institution information, contact the Massachusetts teacher shortage. degree. and the candidate’s Department of Higher Education Financial need is not a require- Eligible institutions include enrollment status. Due to high demand, Office of Student Financial Assistance ment, but recipients must annually regionally accredited public colleges the award values for 2010-2011 will at 617.727.9420. file the Free Application for Federal MTA Ad_Layout 1 3/2/10 7:52 PM Page 1 or universities in Massachusetts that Paid Advertisement Student Aid. offer teacher-preparation programs To be eligible for a grant, a leading to licensure that are approved potential recipient must: by the state Department of Elementary n Be a permanent legal resident of and Secondary Education. They also Massachusetts. include two-year public colleges that n Be a U.S. citizen or eligible have signed articulation or transfer non-citizen. agreements with such institutions

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June/July 2010 15 Repeal of offsets A primer on the COLA remains top priority he MTA receives many inquiries about cost-of-living adjustments from newly retired members and members who are considering retirement. The following information is crucial to for NEA and MTA T understanding how COLAs are computed and paid out. egislation that would repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination ü In January of each year, an actuary employed by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Provision continues to gain new co-sponsors Commission files a report with the Legislature on any increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. It may L on Capitol Hill. include a recommendation that the Legislature enact a cost-of-living increase in retirement allowances. The House version of the Social Security Fairness ü If the Legislature determines that a cost-of-living increase is required, it establishes the amount Act, H.R. 235, now has 327 co-sponsors. The Senate bill, S. 484, has 31 co-sponsors. of the increase, which cannot exceed 3 percent. It is important to understand that the cost-of-living All members of the Massachusetts congressional adjustment is only applied to a maximum of $12,000, no matter how much a retiree’s pension might be. delegation — except recently elected U.S Senator ü For members of the state and teachers’ retirement systems, this increase — up to 3 percent of the Scott Brown — are co-sponsors of the repeal proposal. The GPO reduces the spousal or survivor benefits first $12,000 in benefits — is then added to the retirement allowances of those retirees or beneficiaries of public employees by an amount equal to two-thirds who were receiving pensions as of June 30 of the preceding year. The COLA increases are paid from the of their public pensions. The WEP affects people who investment income account of the state and teachers’ retirement systems. have worked in jobs in which they have earned Social ü Retirement systems other than the state and teachers’ systems must adopt G.L. c.32, Section 103, Security as well as jobs in which they have not. So far this year, the congressional agenda has been in order to establish a cost-of-living adjustment for their members and beneficiaries. If the local system focused on health insurance reform, jobs and national adopts the recommended COLA, as is the case with the state and teachers’ systems, it applies to only security, leaving little room for action on other items, the first $12,000 of one’s retirement allowance. It is funded from the investment income account of including Social Security. the system. As is true for the state and teachers’ systems, only those members receiving a retirement But repeal of the offsets remains a top priority for allowance as of June 30 of the prior year will receive COLAs. NEA and the MTA. Social Security reform will have to be addressed in Congress soon, and the NEA will be ü It is important to understand that the fiscal year determines the schedule for COLA eligibility; the pushing for repeal of the offsets as part of any package. fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. For example, if someone retired on July 5, 2010, and the In the meantime, the association continues to raise the Legislature approves a COLA in January 2011, that person would not be eligible for this particular need for repeal in as many different legislative venues COLA because he or she was not receiving a retirement allowance on June 30, 2010. as possible, including during discussions of the need for recruitment and retention of talented educators. ü The MTA continues to advocate for an increase in the COLA that is received by its members. To receive regular updates on the effort to repeal The MTA Division of Governmental Services proposes and monitors legislation that deals with the offsets, please send your name, complete address, members’ pensions, as well as with the COLA. The MTA legislative chart can be viewed at MTA ID number, current or former local association http://links.massteacher.org/legislation. affiliation and home e-mail address to Jo Ann Fitzgerald, MTA retired members service specialist, at [email protected].

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16 June/July 2010 Rules govern post-retirement employment lthough thousands of educators suspending your retirement allowance have retired from public Restrictions on Working After Retirement on your eligibility for health benefits. A schools and colleges this year, many of them plan to continue working If I am rehired as a “consultant,” If NO in education or move to another field. do the restrictions on post-retirement critical If a critical shortage As a result, Jo Ann Fitzgerald, employment still apply? shortage IS declared MTA retired members service Yes. If you are a teacher or an specialist, is anticipating a number of administrator receiving a retirement questions. ALL MTRS allowance and you are being paid as a “This is the time of year that Retirees Regular RetirementPlus “consultant,” the restrictions on hours retirees begin to ask about the possibil- and earnings do apply. ity of returning to work,” Fitzgerald 1) Separation from service: Applies in Applies Applies notes. “Retirees call to find out about 60 days. general, but I have heard of someone who is the impact that continued employment Exception: This is waived working after retirement in a “critical might have on their pensions.” particular restriction if retiree shortage” position. Do different limita- The following series of questions does not apply if the is hired tions apply in this situation? and answers addresses some of the member retired either by a new As a result of Chapter 114 of the most important issues involved in at age 65 or older or at employer. Acts of 2000, the earnings limitations post-retirement employment. the maximum benefit on re-employment of retirees in amount of 80 percent Massachusetts public schools were Can I work after retirement and of his or her three-year eased in the event of a “critical still collect my pension allowance? salary average. shortage” in a position, as determined Public employment in the by the Department of Elementary and Commonwealth is limited. If you 2) Time limitation: Applies Waived Waived Secondary Education. are collecting a pension from the 960 hours in a The DESE has adopted regulation Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement calendar year. 603 CMR 7.03(2)(b), allowing the System or another public entity, there commissioner of education to deem are restrictions on the work you can 3) Earnings limitation: Applies Waived Applies for that a district has a critical shortage perform for a public employer in the The salary received first two years upon the request of a school super- Commonwealth. You may work for a from this position, when of employee’s intendent and demonstration that the maximum of 960 hours in a calendar added to the MTRS retirement; district has made a good-faith effort to year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31). retirement allowance, waived hire non-retirees and has been unable In addition to the restriction on the cannot exceed the thereafter to find them. The critical shortage ap- number of hours, there is a restriction salary that is cur- plication process is similar to that for on the amount you can earn in public rently being paid for the requesting a waiver for certification. employment. The total amount of your position from which the If you are employed in a critical retirement allowance and your public- employee retired. shortage position, you can receive sector earnings in Massachusetts can- both your retirement allowance and not exceed the salary that is currently of time or earnings, on a retiree’s amount, all excess earnings are to be your salary. Members who retire under being paid for the position from which public-sector employment outside the returned to the employer. RetirementPlus must be retired for you retired. Commonwealth or in a federal job. at least two years before they may be For example, if you remained in Can I suspend my retirement rehired without restriction. your former job and would currently Do I have to keep track of the allowance? be paid $39,000 and your pension is number of hours worked and the If, after you retire, you want Further information can be $29,000, you are limited to earning money that I have earned? to work in the Commonwealth or a obtained from the MTRS at www.mass. $10,000 during a calendar year in Each employed retired member municipality without being subjected gov/mtrs/2members/22retiree/22work. public employment. is required to certify to his or her to the hours and earnings limitations, htm or from the Massachusetts State Private employment is not Massachusetts public employer and the you can suspend your retirement Employees’ Retirement System at http:// limited. There is no limit, either in treasurer or other person responsible allowance. If you are not receiving www.mass.gov/Ctre/docs/retirement/ terms of time or earnings, on a retiree’s for the payment of the compensation your retirement allowance, public em- retguide.pdf. It can also be obtained employment in the private sector. the number of hours that he or she has ployment in the Commonwealth is not from the MTA by contacting Fitzgerald Public employment outside been employed in the calendar year. If limited. If you suspend your retirement at [email protected] or the Commonwealth or by the the number of hours exceeds 960, the allowance for a period of time, you can 800.392.6175, ext 8314; or Harold federal government is not limited. retired member is not to be employed; reinstate it at any time. You would be Crowley of MTA Retirement Services at There is no limit, either in terms if the earnings exceed the allowable well advised to check on the effect of 800.392.6175, ext. 8240.

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June/July 2010 17 Educators turn out for convention

Three MTA leaders — President Anne Wass, Executive Director- Treasurer Ann Clarke and Vice President-elect Timothy Sullivan, pictured from left — had a chance to chat with Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray during an MTA-sponsored breakfast reception at the recent Democratic State Convention in Worcester. Murray was one of a number of candidates and state officials who dropped by the reception, which was held on June 5 at the DCU Center. More than 200 MTA members attended the convention as delegates. Their presence on the floor and in other venues was hard to miss, since they wore bright blue T-shirts that bore the message: Massachusetts Students Are #1 — Thank a Public School Educator. Murray and Governor Deval Patrick were nominated by the delegates to lead the party ticket in November.

Photo by Bob Duffy

Phillips has plans for many projects

Continued from Page 12 of Go Ahead Tours’ country. We have collaborated on a 96% book called Science Worksheets Don’t customers say they’d travel with Grow Dendrites, due out this summer. Administrators have noticed a marked us again or recommend us to improvement in learning. “Many teachers have not their friends. improved their teaching strategies, despite brain-based research using functional MRIs that demonstrate how adolescents learn,” Phillips wrote. “Teachers must learn to incorporate strategies such as music, mnemonic devices, storytelling, humor, technology, manipulatives, etc. To improve lessons, even ones that appear successful, it means incorporating many different chunks of lessons and strategies.” As to his retirement plans? “I have several upcoming projects: I am doing online science lessons for Woogi World, an online learning community for grades 1-6. I am doing workshops as I described before. I will be playing keyboard music and singing at assisted living centers. I also have plans to write a companion book to my Sing- A-Long Science CDs, with lessons, music, background, and standards. Eventually, I would like to produce a school play using my science songs. Retirement will provide me with time to pursue these creative ideas.” Students and colleagues know $150 discount for MTA members Warren Phillips is a huge Red Sox fan. “I wrote a song on iTunes Go Ahead’s comprehensive tour packages include round-trip airfare, transportation, hotels, about the Red Sox and sang it with a local tour director, guided sightseeing, optional excursions ... and so much more! my son when they won the World Series in 2004. I have a man-cave in Call us today at 888.466.2849 to take advantage of this special offer my basement with tons of Red Sox memorabilia. And I’m hoping that the or visit us online at www.mtavacations.com. Red Sox will call to ask me to throw out a first pitch!” So, if given the chance, would he choose induction into the Hall of Fame for teachers or ballplayers? It’s a tough question, he admitted. “But I feel that education is the most important thing to keep this society productive and to secure the future of our nation — so I’ll take the National Teachers Hall of Fame any day!” he wrote. “It is truly an honor, and I hope to use it to pro- mote effective education and increase public awareness about the priority of investing in our children’s future.” $ Best Price Guarantee If you find the same tour for less, we’ll match the price.

18 June/July 2010 Regional retirement consultations available No lines. No waiting. T he MTA conducts retirement consultations throughout the state to assist members. Proof of membership must be submitted when requesting MTA/NEA retirees and pre-retirees can purchase or 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. renew memberships with a click of the mouse ASHBURNHAM — Robert Zbikowski: MTA Western Office, 55 Bobala Road, second Thursday of each month (walk in), Suite 3, Holyoke; 413.535.2415, or at home, www.massteacher.org/retired 4 to 8 p.m., Overlook Middle School library, 413.737.7509. front entrance, 10 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham; J Faster processing times. LYNNFIELD — Mary Parry: third and fourth 978.827.1425, or at home, 978.297.0123; e-mail: Saturdays of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to [email protected]. J Members receive ID cards in a more timely fashion. 1 p.m., MTA Northeast Office, 50 Salem St., AUBURN — Louise Gaskins: first and second Building B, Lynnfield; 781.246.9779, or at home, J No checks to write or forms to fill out. Saturdays of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 978.372.2031; fax, 978.372.2035. p.m., MTA Central Office, 48 Sword St., Auburn; J Secure Internet connection means your credit card PITTSFIELD — Ward F. Johnson: second 508.791.2121, or at home, 978.448.5351. Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. information is protected. BOSTON — Harold Crowley: Tuesdays, to 1 p.m., MTA Berkshire Office, 188 East Wednesdays and Thursdays (by appointment St., Pittsfield; 413.499.0257, or at home, only), 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MTA, 20 Ashburton 413.443.1722; e-mail: [email protected]. Place, Boston; 617.742.7950, ext. 8240, or RAYNHAM — Sandra Stephenson: third 800.392.6175, ext. 8240. Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to BRAINTREE — Mary Hanna: second Saturday 1 p.m., MTA Southeast Office, 90 New State of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Highway (Rte. 44), Raynham; 508.822.5371, MTA Metropolitan Office, 100 Grandview or at home, 508.747.2234; e-mail: rockowl@ Road, Braintree; 781.380.1410, or at home, aol.com. Edward Nelson: fourth Saturday of 781.545.2069. each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MTA Southeast Office, 90 New State Highway (Rte. CAPE COD — Lawrence Abbruzzi: second 44), Raynham; 508.822.5371, or at home, Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. 508.853.5769. to 1 p.m., Barnstable Teachers Association (BTA), 100 West Main St., Suite #7, Hyannis; Higher edUCATION At-Large — Edward 508.775.8625, or at home, 508.824.9194. McCourt, Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley; 781.239.2207; e-mail: HOLYOKE — Dennis O’Connor: third Saturday of [email protected]. each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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 Questions? Call MTA’s Membership are advised to bring that information along to meetings. Accounting Office at 617.878.8118

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June/July 2010 19 MTA Benefits The risks and rewards of home improvements ummer is definitely the high season for home-improvement Some projects S projects. But before you leap — such as pools in that direction — and especially before taking on a project involving and skylights — construction or contractors — consider the impact it may have on your budget, might actually long-term happiness and exposure to lower the overall insurance risks, as well as the potential return on your investment. value of your Request written estimates and agreements. The old rule of thumb property, while still applies: Talk to three contractors. a new kitchen Be explicit about your intentions and set a realistic, agreed-upon timeline. or master bath Get a written estimate from each will probably contractor that includes the cost of individual items to be removed, installed increase it. and altered, plus a signed agreement from the contractor you select. With Find out about permits. Projects sensible safety precautions such as expected return on your improvement. complex projects and agreements, should always start with a clear under- wearing gloves, safety goggles, hard Some projects — such as pools and paying for a review by a lawyer might standing of what your local authorities hats and kneepads. skylights — might actually lower the be money well spent. require in the way of permits and Update your tetanus shots. If the overall value of your property, while Insist on insurance. Ask your inspections. Licensed building profes- task generates dust, use a respirator a new kitchen or master bath will contractor about liability and workers’ sionals should know the rules and not mask with filters rated for the job. probably increase it. comp coverage to help protect you be afraid of someone checking their Paint scraping, sanding wood and But even desirable improvements should something happen during or work. other jobs that create particles require will probably not return 100 percent of following the work that results in loss Review payment documentation. separate filters, which are readily avail- your investment. or injury to workers, you or guests Don’t assume that your contractor able at big hardware stores. Removing Also examine values of due to fire, structural defects or other has paid for everything out of checks asbestos and lead paint should be left neighborhood properties to see if problems traced back to the contractor you wrote. You could be surprised to professionals. your improvements position the price and crew. Your homeowners insurance by a mechanic’s lien, which is a legal If you’re working with paints of your house too far above similar may not cover such losses. obligation that could put your house and solvents, read the warning labels. homes in the area. However, at the Check references. The word of up for sale to pay for subcontractor Chemical-rated gloves and the right end of the day, it’s sensible to make trusted friends may be golden, but labor or materials not paid for by the respirator filter may be needed, as well those improvements that increase your customer reviews of a contractor’s contractor. as earplugs if power tools are used. satisfaction and comfort — rather than work may provide a more realistic Be safe and sensible. For projects Is it worthwhile? Check with an those improvements a future buyer portrait. you decide to tackle yourself, take experienced local Realtor about the might want.

Saving you money – Members talk about the advantages that’s what we do! An MTA member can save an provided by MTA Benefits average of $3,131 a year through s a student in education, I’ve discovered that MTA MTA Benefits. ‘A membership presents great advantages for me. When I got the new member packet in the mail from MTA Benefits, I read through everything and was surprised by the extent of the Here’s how … programs available. For example, the Children’s Museum in Boston Travel: Car rental, hotel discounts and the and Six Flags, favorite places of mine, offer free or discounted MTA Vacation Center – $365. admission. I plan on continuing my MTA membership through my

Financial security: Long-term care senior year at college and on into student teaching.’ insurance, life insurance and identity theft — Katelyn Mailloux, left, pictured during the recent MTA Annual Meeting with Lynn Arsenault, a fellow protection – $898. member of the Student Education Association of Massachusetts chapter at Westfield State College Home: Mortgage and heating oil – $1,200. y wife and I both have the MTA Tax-Sheltered Annuity Everyday savings: Discount Directory, free ‘M Program to help provide financial security for our magazines and online computer backup: retirement. One of the key advantages of this and other MTAB $668. programs is the personalized service. I don’t have to travel to a The grand total: financial planner. Chris Burnes, our TSA representative, meets It all adds up to $3,131! me at the school, making it very convenient. MTA Benefits is also well organized, trustworthy and dedicated to MTA Start saving money right away members. We’ll probably switch our auto insurance to the MTA with MTAB. Group Auto program as well.’ Visit www.mtabenefits.com — James Crosby, president of the Education Association of Plymouth and Carver, or phone 800.336.0990. shown with his wife, Emma, an EAPC member

20 June/July 2010 Debate continues over adoption of Honor roll champions national standards MTA Boston Celtics Honor Roll students give Continued from Page 3 program spokesman and All-Star point guard support, state Education Commissioner Rajon Rondo “low fives” as he heads for the Mitchell Chester decided to accept parquet during the team’s last regular season applications from AFT districts game. They were among nearly 300 students even if they only had two signatures who were named to the honor roll from and lacked support from the union throughout Massachusetts because of their president. grade point averages or attendance records. Applications from MTA districts As part of the program, groups of students were only accepted from those with are selected to greet Celts players as they three signatures. return to the court after halftime. Teachers There is also debate over the also are invited to attend select games. state’s proposal to adopt new national Photo by Bob Duffy standards in mathematics and English language arts in August if those standards are deemed to be “as strong as or stronger than the state’s current standards.” A national test based on those standards may replace state tests, including the MCAS in Massachusetts. Wass said she does not object to national standards and tests if they are as good as or better than what we already have. “I believe that a student in Holyoke should receive the same education provided to a student in Wellesley,” she said. “Similarly, I believe that expectations for a student in Mississippi should be as high as they are for a student in Massachusetts.” Wass noted, however, that Massachusetts districts have spent years aligning their curricula with the state Curriculum Frameworks. If the new national standards force districts to change their curricula significantly and purchase costly new textbooks, resistance could be substantial since Massachusetts is already at the top in these subjects and dramatic changes could be counterproductive. Bring Home For more information on Race to the Top, go to the MTA Web site, www.massteacher.org. Great Savings and New Options Professor receives award for lifetime achievement on Home, Condo and Renters Insurance ean Nimmer, a professor emeritus of the Massachusetts Summer heat is here! But let’s talk about D College of Art and something else that’s really hot now — Design and longtime member of the Massachusetts State College Connections® Home policies with preferred Association, has been honored with a home, condo and renters insurance rates Call us from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday lifetime achievement award from the through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. College Art Association. for MTA members. Nimmer, who taught painting, Saturday for answers to your questions drawing and printmaking at Available through our partner, Connections and great service on your home MassArt for 34 years, was given the Home offers easy and flexible coverage. insurance needs. Distinguished Teaching of Art Award at the CAA’s annual conference, which In addition, you get great MTA member was held in February in Chicago. During his tenure at MassArt, he rates. Just visit www.mtabenefits.com for served as chairman of the Foundations a no-obligation quote. Program and the Drawing, Painting and Printing Department before retir- Then enjoy the coverage that meets your ing in 2004. He now teaches part time at needs, along with online payments, 24-hour Holyoke Community College and claims reporting and outstanding service. is a member of the Massachusetts Community College Council. Nimmer’s work has been shown Get your free quote at mtabenefits.com or call 888.908.6822 both nationally and internationally, and he is the author of Art from Intuition: Underwritten by Citizens Insurance Company of America and the Hanover Insurance Company, companies of The Hanover Insurance Group (www.hanover.com). Overcoming Your Fears and Obstacles Member discount is available to Massachusetts residents only. Product availability, services and discounts vary by state, but our commitment to MTA members does not. to Making Art. LC 10-219 June/July 2010 21

MTA-143 HO JunJul 2010 Ad.indd 1 6/17/10 10:34 AM Patrick and Reville say educators deserve a voice in policy decisions Continued from Page 13 In both Fall River and Springfield, funding and support for communities MTA members protested a new Web to create “Innovation Schools,” which site, amazingteachers.org, that is are designed to come up with specific designed to recruit new teachers to strategies to address the challenges underperforming schools. facing students in underperforming In Fall River, the majority of edu- schools. cators in attendance prominently wore Both Patrick and Reville stickers with the word “Amazing” in emphasized the need for the voices big letters. of teachers to be part of the decision- In Springfield, a number of teach- making process and commended ers wore homemade T-shirts stating “I MTA members for the fact that am an amazing teacher.” MTA GLBT committee members got a warm reception at the Boston Gay Massachusetts students repeatedly Several teachers said they felt Pride Parade on June 12. Carrying the banner are members Cora Stubbs- rank first on national reading and math that the name of the new site and Dame of Framingham, Andrei Joseph of Concord-Carlisle and Adam tests. Reville also announced that press statements that accompanied its Snodgrass of Groton-Dunstable. Stubbs-Dame’s dog, Biner, also marched. he was working on putting together release imply that none of the teachers an advisory council composed of currently working in these schools are GLBT committee promotes awareness classroom teachers. “amazing.” By Sarah Nathan the April 29 forum, which was held at “Getting the teacher’s voice Patrick said that the intent was not the MTA’s regional office in Auburn. right in the heart of education policy to disrespect good teachers who are al- he members of the MTA Gay “Tell other people that we are here and is a hallmark of this administration,” ready in the schools and acknowledged Lesbian Bisexual Transgender the MTA is committed to our concerns.” Reville said. that the message came across wrong. TIssues Committee are working GLBT committee member Cora hard to spread the word about their Stubbs-Dame said knowing that her Ballot initiative threatens vital services group’s existence. union is supportive of GLBT issues Continued from Page 4 services, big user fees and, most likely, In June, members marched in the changed her feelings toward the MTA. save at the store has to be multiplied big increases in local property taxes.” Boston Gay Pride Parade. Earlier in the “It is really important for me by six million residents of Massa- Please visit the MTA’s Web site, spring, the committee hosted an open to know that the MTA, my union, is chusetts saving a buck or two now www.massteacher.org, as the summer forum for MTA members. The GLBT supportive of me as a gay teacher,” and again, and that adds up to serious progresses to learn how you can help committee is also presenting two work- Stubbs-Dame said. “It has given me a money. If that money is pulled out of inform friends, family members and shops and hosting a social hour at the real connection to the MTA that didn’t our communities, colleges, hospitals colleagues about the devastating upcoming MTA Summer Conference. always exist. I hope that we can spread and other publicly funded institutions, impact the ballot measure would have “Help us spread the word,” GLBT the word to more GLBT educators so taxpayers will end up paying more on public education and other vital Issues Committee Chairman Pedro that they, too, realize that their union is anyhow in the form of inferior services. Carrasquillo urged the audience during behind them.”

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AD Approval: Date: Teaching & Learning with Social Media Continued from Page 7 @berkshirecat and wrote about the project on his blog at http://yokohama-nessacus-music.blogspot. Want to find out more? Visit com/. “It was so rewarding for our students to know their work was going to be critiqued by students the educators interviewed halfway around the world.” for this story on the Web This year, Nings have taken root all over Nashoba Regional High School, where several Andrew Garcia, middle school music teacher educators are using the closed online networks. Last summer, Mary Marotta, integration technol- Educational Paradigms ogy specialist at Nashoba, joined a Ning set up for http://educationalparadigms.blogspot.com/ participants of a technology conference. Nessacus 7th Grade Music Tech She was impressed, and she started to learn http://nrmsmusictech7.blogspot.com/2010/06/7th-grade- about and share other educational networks she music-tech-and-social-media.html found with others on the Nashoba staff, starting with Professional Development Resources the English Companion Ning. https://sites.google.com/site/berkshirecat/home “I like to refer to it as Facebook for English teachers,” she said. “It’s a place where teachers go to Yokohama-Nessacus Music Composition Project Blog help other teachers.” http://yokohama-nessacus-music.blogspot.com/ “Journalism in the 21st Century,” a senior Advice on using social media and Web 2.0 tools Susan Densmore, visual and performing arts coordinator at elective taught by Nashoba English teacher Adrianne in the classroom Triton Regional High School, is on Twitter as @suedensmore. Locke, was a natural fit for Ning. “The current tech http://www.youtube.com/massteacher tools aligned with the journalism,” Marotta noted. “With Ning, we’ve been able to create a virtual Adrianne Locke, high school English teacher newsroom for the journalism courses,” Locke said. NRHS Literature, Language & Media Blog “It was a forum for students to continue class http://nrhsjournalism.blogspot.com/ discussion outside of the physical classroom and a legitimate place to publish student work.” Danja Mahoney, high school Latin teacher Collegiality among students is also a theme over Magistra’s Musings at Laura Pagington’s AP Government Ning. http://magistram.wordpress.com “Students use the Ning to discuss current events outside of class,” Pagington said. The online Mary Marotta, integration technology specialist forum saves class time needed for instruction, she explained, and good online conversations also find Integrating Technology to Support Differentiated Instruction their way back into class discussion. http://techdi.blogspot.com/ Marotta and her Nashoba colleagues point out that an important feature of Ning sites is a set of Deirdra Murphy, physical therapy professor administrative controls that enable teachers to close Deirdra Murphy’s International Service-Learning Weblog a site to outsiders and create an approval process http://murphyperu.wordpress.com/ for posting that is appropriate for their classes. (It is worth noting here that Ning is discontinuing its free Sean Musselman, middle school science teacher educator accounts in July. As MTA Today went to Mr. Musselman’s Mindtrap Andrew Garcia, a music technology teacher at Nessacus press, its Web site said the company was hoping to http://mrmusselman.blogspot.com/ secure a sponsor for educational accounts.) Regional Middle School, tweets as @berkshirecat. UMass Lowell Physical Therapy Department ean Musselman, an earth and space science http://www.facebook.com/UMassPT teacher at the Parker Middle School in Online? Stay in Bounds Reading, emphasized the need for students to S Many of the members featured in this Educators are entitled to enjoy their personal lives have the technological skills needed to succeed in a global economy. article can also be found on Twitter.com. outside of school and to express themselves and their “Our students will be expected to be able to Their “handles” are: opinions in person and online. That said, because connect with people from all over, and we need to @mmarotta, @berkshirecat, @magistram, educators work with children and young adults and prepare them for that,” he said. “They need to know @mrmusselman, @lpagington, @aschwortz, are seen as role models in the community, they are how to successfully and smartly navigate through @suedensmore, @TiNGENiOUS and @MASCAExDr social media sites so that they can connect with held to high standards for their public behavior and people in a positive way.” Visit the MTA at: online activities. This past school year, Musselman and English massteacher.org An MTA advisory, Online? Stay in Bounds, is language arts teacher Steve Olivo introduced their twitter.com/massteacher students to Edmodo, a private micro-blogging tool facebook.com/massteacher available in the member area of our Web site at designed for classroom use that, like Twitter, allows youtube.com/massteacher http://links.massteacher.org/online users to “back channel,” or share insights and flickr.com/mtacommunications observations online, during a bigger event such as a movie or media presentation. A side benefit, he said, was that it gave students some exposure to multi-tasking. he posts homework help, links and videos of interest on investment — it’s effective, inexpensive and “We definitely want to show our students a for his students. doesn’t require a lot of time.” range of social media tools, but we are also very Deirdra Murphy, an assistant professor of To see more photos of Nessacus Regional selective about what we decide to use,” he said. “We physical therapy at UMass Lowell, administers her Middle School music technology teacher Andrew cast a lot aside and focus on the tools that will be the department’s official page on Facebook. Garcia in his classroom and Triton Regional most beneficial to our students.” “It’s a natural place for our students, alumni and High School teacher Regina Sternlicht and her While close to 60 percent of Americans have prospective students to connect,” said Murphy, who French students participating in one of their Skype personal profile pages on Facebook, middle school is also a blogger and incorporates blogging into her sessions with their peers in France, please visit and high school teachers don’t tend to use it as a coursework. “We are competing with private schools www.flickr.com/photos/mtacommunications/. To get teaching tool. Some, including Musselman, use it as with high visibility, big names and much bigger advice from Garcia about how to incorporate social a virtual bulletin board. Last year, Musselman cre- budgets so we are always looking for creative ways media into your classroom, visit the MTA’s video ated an official page for his science class on which to compete. I’ve found Facebook to be a good return channel, www.youtube.com/massteacher. June/July 2010 23 Classifieds

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Box 5279, Eugene, heated, no smoke/no pets. Available 7/1, $1,600. night. E-mail [email protected] for availability. One bedroom (sleeps 2) with shared bath, $80 per OR 97405. 800.377.3480. Call 617.413.3914. night. Two Bedrooms (sleeps 4) with shared bath, EAST FALMOUTH — Sunny 3-bedroom, 1-bath $150 per night. Weekly rates available. Use of living CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT FOR SALE Cape. Cathedral ceilings, w/deck, outside shower, room, deck, gas grill. Call 508.349.5848 or e-mail washer/dryer. Stroll to secluded bay beach, [email protected]. “ART FROM INTUITION” by MTA member Dean PARIS FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP — Own a picturesque walkway & public boat landing. Less Nimmer. Over 10,000 enthusiastic artists, teachers share of a beautiful Parisian apartment — carefree, than a mile to Bristol & Falmouth heights beaches. YORK/OGUNQUIT LINE, MAINE — Walking and students can’t be wrong! This book guarantees fully managed with Ile de la Cité view of Notre Close to shopping. $1,000 weekly. 508.872.5870. distance to Perkins Cove and Marginal Way. Two- to jumpstart creativity in the classroom for children Dame. Visit www.paris-fractional-ownership.com. bedroom cottage with large living room. Kitchen of all ages. Available at bookstores, Amazon.com and CAPE COD, OCEAN EDGE RESORT, area, deck, parking for three cars. Sleeps four. www.artfromintuition.com. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BREWSTER, MASS. — Perfect vacation resort $900/wk. in season. Call 508.865.3156, or e-mail setting. Spacious, nicely appointed villa: spiral [email protected] for details. INVITE A TRAVELING EDUTARIUM to your NEW PERSPECTIVE — Are you looking for staircase to large loft; 2 baths, sleeps 6. Excellent school for an interesting and memorable educational courses to meet your recertification requirements? location within resort, steps from indoor/outdoor HILTON HEAD, S.C. — 2BR, 2.5BA villa, sleeps enrichment experience for students and teachers Did you know that one 3-credit graduate course pools, tennis. Nearby beaches, shopping, bike 7. Outstanding location: gated community, golf alike! Our programs cover sciences, culture, math, equals 67.5 PDPs? Gordon’s Graduate Education trails and more. Owned/offered by MTA member, view, near ocean. Video Tour at www.youtube.com/ geography and more. For more information, please program teaches critical thinking skills and quickly summer weekly, off-season weeks or weekends. watch?v=tM6pt3NIRRY or call 508.678.0898. call 866.491.2806 or visit www.edutarium.com/mta. applies the latest research in a fresh curriculum 413.594.4056, [email protected]. and intimate classroom setting. 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Please call 661.533.1710 or e-mail MAINE — Paradise at off-season rates June and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS: Interdisciplinary [email protected]. September. Perfect for retired teachers or anyone (DESE). Visit www.classmeasures.com or call Curriculum. Refresh your spirit, design meaningful else! Renovated 2-level, 2-bedroom, steps from 781.939.5699 for more information. and exciting art/cultural experiences. Thirty miles DEER ISLE, MAINE — Spacious country house sandy beach. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, cable TV, to sea at Nantucket School of Design’s Seaview near the sea, 1½ acres, sleeps six. Sparkling clean, private patio, gas grill, landscaped yard, ample JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOOL Farm Studios. Harbor cottage living. For experience, three bedrooms, two baths; stroll to beach, boat parking. Call Kathy at 207.967.4246. ADMINISTRATORS — K-12 Principal/Asst. graduate credit or PDPs. Instructor: Kathy Kelm. landing, conservation land. Hardwood floors, Principal, Supervisor/Director. The Leadership NISDA.org: slideshow, information, application. fieldstone fireplace, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen, NEW YEAR’S EVE IN DISNEY! — Beautiful Licensure Program (LLP) is a high-quality one-year [email protected]. 508.228.9248. three decks, picnic table, grill, many extras. Dogs resort, Kissimmee, Fla., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, MDESE-approved licensure program supported by by arrangement. $950-$1,050/week. Details at sleeps six. $750 a week. 12/25/10-1/1/11. To three professional organizations: MSSAA, Teachers21 TRAVEL www.hardyshillhouse.com. Call 978.283.3738 or view, visit oakplantationresort.com. E-mail and MASCD. Program information is available e-mail [email protected]. [email protected]. at http://www.mssaa.org/LLPhomepage.htm or by MOROCCO IN FEBRUARY WITH PETER & calling 508.541.7997. ELLIE SANTOS — Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Paid Advertisement Bedouin trading routes through the Sahara, Moorish MASTER OF EDUCATION WITH PROFES- Andaloussian architecture, spices and wonderful SIONAL LICENSURE — Saturday classes, $575 per foods! Feb. 19-27, 2011. For more information, class: Reading Specialist (Initial), Early Childhood, contact Peter: 413.567.3046 or [email protected]. Elementary, Special Needs PreK-8, Middle School, “Why and Secondary. Classes held in Quincy or on-site in RETIRED TEACHERS — Durgan Travel, an award- your district. M.Ed. with Initial licensure one evening winning tour operator, has a full schedule of all/ didn’t I a week in Quincy. Contact Eastern Nazarene College mostly inclusive tours now through 2011, including It’s a good at 617.774.6703 or visit www.enc.edu. Jet Tours and cruises (domestic and international). finish question. We have the highest-value, best-priced tours in READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? Obtain a the industry! Group leader special promotions! my degree?” master’s degree while becoming licensed as a Call Durgan Travel: 781.438.2224 or toll-free at } school administrator through our one-year 800.234.9959. Or visit www.durgantravel.com. MDESE-approved program. The Leadership Here’s a better Licensure Program (LLP) prepares you for PLEASE ALLOW US TO BE OF TRAVEL question: educational leadership in partnership with Endicott SERVICE this summer or next academic year. College. Sponsored by MSSAA, Teachers21 and Individuals: We arrange FITs with best rates, service MASCD. Interested? Call 508.541.7997 or visit: on jet or cruise vacations. Custom groups: absolutely “Why don't http://www.mssaa.org/LLPhomepage.htm. highest value, lowest prices, flexible group leader you get in touch remuneration. Call DURGAN TRAVEL, Stoneham, with the REGIS COLLEGE & MGH INSTITUTE OF Mass., at 781.438.2224 or toll-free at 800.234.9959. UMass HEALTH PROFESSIONS announce a new joint Check out our Web site, www.durgantravel.com. University graduate program: MAT in Reading. The program combines Regis’ strength as a leading graduate TRAVEL/STUDY Without Walls?” school of education with the MGH Institute’s expertise on language development, reading GREECE IN APRIL 2011 — Join Us! The proficiency and communication disorders — leading Examined Life: Greek Studies in the Schools (ExL) to Mass. reading specialist licensure. For more encourages educators, K-12, to apply for 2011 University Without Walls is custom made for information, visit www.regiscollege.edu/grad. Greek Study Fellowships. CEUs, PDPs, graduate people like you—with a busy life, still wanting credit. Stipends are available. Please inquire: READING SPECIALIST — Gordon College’s [email protected] or 781.405.6094. to finish your college degree. At UWW you can graduate education courses have been carefully pick up where you left off. You can get credit for designed to incorporate the latest information and VACATION RENTALS research in assessing, diagnosing and remediating learning you’ve done in your life and your work. reading difficulties. This program equips educators LOON MT. LUXURY CONDO — Three bedrooms, with the training and tools to provide quality three baths. Sleeps 8-12. All amenities: linens, pool, You can design your own degree or pick an area literacy instruction. Gordon College — Exceeding Jacuzzi, saunas, health club, gas fireplace and central of study that fits you. It’s personal— Teaching Standards Every Day. 978.867.4322. Visit air. Award-winning winter and summer resort. In www.gordon.edu/graduate. the heart of the White Mountain National Forest you’ll work closely with UWW faculty ChiLDren's Learning & DeveLOpment and Franconia Notch. Call Bob @ 978.686.1568 or from the time you come to UWW EMPLOYMENT e-mail [email protected]. UWW’s Children’s Learning & Development until you put on that cap and gown, concentration topics include early care & TEACHERS — WANT ADDITIONAL INCOME, CAPE COD WEST YARMOUTH — Colonial Acres FUN? Host and tutor foreign students English in Resort on Nantucket Sound 7/31–8/7, 8/7–8/14. Call graduating with your UMass Amherst education, child advocacy, child & youth your own home. Varied short-term programs = many for price and details: 781.335.6849. bachelor’s degree. services and elementary teaching studies. types of hosts needed. Especially need families Our programs give you what you’ll need for summer, retired teachers year-round (e.g., PARIS VACATION APARTMENTS — located $550/week for room, board, 15 hours of tutoring). in central Paris. Beautiful, comfortable and to go on to graduate studies and licensure. Curious? Contact [email protected] for good value. Visit www.rentals-paris.com or call details. 781.581.5933 516.977.3318. UWW Information Sessions H.S. TEACHERS: EXTRA INCOME, FLEXIBLE DEER ISLE, MAINE — Vacation in Down East HOURS, GREAT PAY — Lead math or English SAT Maine (fall/spring/summer) on spectacular island off live or online preparation. Metrowest area. Minimum commitment Blue Hill Peninsula. Acadia 35 miles away! Glorious www.umass.edu/uww • 413.545.1378 of just seven hours total. Visit www.mwprep.com or new custom house, walk to ocean. Rental $900 wk. e-mail [email protected]. (plus state tax of 6 percent to support school costs!). 24 June/July 2010 Personal Watercraft Auto RV Identity Theft Home Renters Umbrella Jewelry Small Boat Business Condo Consider Yourself Covered

As an MTA member you have access to a wide We provide expert service and personal variety of insurance options that you may not consultation to help make sure you get the even be aware of. right coverage for your needs. And we help make sure you receive the savings available For instance, coverage for boats and personal to you under the MTA group program. watercraft. Recreational vehicles. Condo and renters. Jewelry. Identity theft coverage. Even Visit the MTAB Web site for a quote small business insurance for entrepreneurial or to learn more about how these members who supplement their educator income. insurance programs can work for you.

And you get savings and the incredible service available to members in our auto and home insurance programs.

Get your free quote at mtabenefits.com or call 888.908.6822

Underwritten by Citizens Insurance Company of America and the Hanover Insurance Company, companies of The Hanover Insurance Group (www.hanover.com). Products in The Hanover Account Extras Program are underwritten by companies of the American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., the specialty insurance subsidiary of The Midland Company, and include American Family Insurance Company, American Modern Insurance Company, American Southern Insurance Company and American Modern Select Company. These underwriting companies are not members of The Hanover Insurance Group. Member discount is available to Massachusetts residents only. Product availability, services and discounts vary by state, but our commitment to MTA members does not.

LC 10-219

MTA-142 JunJul 2010 Ad.indd 1 June/July6/17/10 2010 11:1625 AM Obituaries

Clinton A. Borden, 91, of as a guidance counselor at Normandin Maureen B. O’Connell, 87, of Frank Tudryn, 62, of Westport. Taught mechanical drawing Junior High School until he retired in Marlborough. Taught for 35 years at Northampton and Naples, Fla. Was at Durfee High School for 28 years, 1982. May 3. Algonquin Regional High School in a social studies teacher, assistant retiring in 1981. March 7. Dorothy F. Miles, 94, of Northborough. March 22. principal and interim principal. Also Curtis H. Chase, 69, of North Marblehead. Taught English at high Marcel D. Richard, 85, of coached the track and field team and Easton. Was an English teacher at schools in Duxbury, Sandwich and Middleboro. Taught history and guided the football team for 29 years. Dedham High School for 30 years. Marblehead. Developed an innovative civics in Middleboro, then served as May 19. March 3. program to teach English, called the a principal in Carver and Plymouth, Mary E. Vaccaro, 64, of Upton. John J. Consolati, 99, of Lee. Deck Plan, which was implemented retiring in 1987. March 19. Worked as a teacher in the Mendon- Taught English and mathematics at in various other school systems. Jeanne M. Strycharz, 73, of Upton school system for 30 years, then Lee High School from 1938 until his March 7. Ludlow. Was a librarian and teacher served as dean of students at Miscoe retirement in 1976. May 22. Janna M. Morris, 94, of Taunton. for the Wilbraham school system and Hill Middle School and Clough June Donnelly, 68, of Taught at the Hopewell School for served as president of the Wilbraham Elementary School, retiring in 2006. Shrewsbury. Was an elementary school many years. March 15. Teachers’ Association. April 15. May 10. teacher at Union Hill School and Belmont Community School, both in Worcester, for many years. April 11. Marilyn C. Donovan, 80, of Brant Rock, Marshfield. Retired in 1991 as a teacher and principal at the Memorial Park Elementary School in Rockland. April 19. Daniel J. Herlihy, 67, of Stoughton. Worked at Avon High School for 35 years as a teacher, then as a principal, retiring in 2001. Coached basketball and baseball. Then taught mathematics at Brockton High School until 2008. March 4. Maureen F. Kiley, 74, of Fall River. Taught reading, writing, spelling and language arts in the Fall River schools, retiring in 1999. April 13. Ethel S. Koulouris, 88, of Wakefield. Taught in the Lynnfield Public Schools for 20 years. Also served on the Lynnfield Teachers Association collective bargaining committee. May 2. Emmanuella A. Maslowski, 82, of Marlborough. Was an elementary teacher and reading consultant for the Marlborough public school system. April 14. Leonard L. Medeiros, 90, of The best person to plan for Dartmouth. Was a science teacher at Keith Junior High School, then served your future is ... you.

Have you missed s i g n Long-Term Care Insurance can provide an issue? the stability you need in the years ahead. Even if you’re totally prepared for everything you can expect in the classroom, that doesn’t mean you’re prepared for the unexpected arrangements you’ll need later in life. That’s the role of Long-Term Care Insurance. Plan TODAY so that your future can be simple and enjoyable, protected from the financial hardships associated with nursing home care, home care and assisted living.

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There are no excuses for not being prepared for your future. Plan today to meet the financial challenges that longer living presents. We provide quality solutions for your quality of life. Find back copies Talk to us to find out about your options for financing long-term care. 800.336.0990 of MTA Today To find out more, visit www.mtabenefits.com. MTA Benefits 20 Ashburton Place online! Boston, MA 02108-2795 MTA Member Discount Available www.mtabenefits.com

26 June/July 2010 Introducing the card that gives members exactly what they asked for.

MTASM CASH REWARDS VISA SIGNATURE® CARD

More cash back with the NEW MTA Cash Rewards Card. $50 3x 1% LOW in statement credits* Cash back on gas, groceries Cash back ♦ Intro after qualifying and drugstore purchases for the on all purchases † ♦ APR OFFER transaction(s) first six months

Thanks to the partnership between the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and the National Education Association (NEA), you’re now eligible to apply for the new MTASM Cash Rewards Card, which offers you many ways to get cash back. There’s $50 in statement credits – a combination of a $25 statement credit when you use your card for qualifying transaction(s), plus another $25 statement credit after your first redemption.*You earn 1% cash back on all purchases. You earn 3x cash back on select purchases (gas, groceries and drugstore purchases) for the first six months. Plus, you enjoy a 25% bonus for each redemption of $300 or more♦ and a low intro APR offer.†

To apply, call 1•888•758•7946. Be sure to mention Priority Code UABEU6.

† For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card, call the toll-free number above or visit neamb.com. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A.

*To qualify for the first $25 statement credit, your new account must be used to make any combination of purchase, balance transfer or cash advance transactions totaling at least $75 (exclusive of any transaction fees, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 45 days of the account open date. To qualify for the additional $25 statement credit, you must make your first Cash Rewards redemption within 12 months of the account open date. Each $25 credit will appear on your credit card statement within 8-12 weeks after qualifying. Limit one (1) $50 combined statement credit per new account. The MTA Credit Card offer is subject to application approval by Bank of America.

♦ Earn Cash Rewards of 1% of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) charged to the card each billing cycle. For the first six months following the opening of your account, you will earn 3% of new net retail purchase transactions (consisting of 2% Bonus Rewards and 1% Base Rewards) made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery and drugstore merchant. Eligible merchants and their associated merchant category codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Gas Stations (MCC codes 5541 and 5542); (b) Grocery Stores (MCC codes 5411, 5422, 5441, 5451, 5462, and 5499); and (c) Pharmacy Stores (MCC codes 5122, 5295, 5912). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these terms will not qualify and you will not receive the Bonus Rewards benefit. If you redeem $300 or more in Cash Rewards in one redemption request, you will receive a redemption bonus equal to 25% of the amount redeemed. Other significant terms apply. Program subject to change. For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/neacashrewards. Details accompany new account materials.

The MTA Credit Card Program has been developed for MTA members and their families. If a member decides not to renew membership, that person and his/her family will no longer be eligible to receive the preferred rates, fees and special promotions offered through the MTA Credit Card Program. If eligible, a replacement card will be offered. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. The MTA Benefits logo is a service mark of MTA Benefits, Inc., which is used by the issuer pursuant to license. NEA Member Benefits logo is a service mark of NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation, which is used by the issuer pursuant to license. The MTA and NEA are not involved in the credit decision process; standard credit procedures are followed. All applications are subject to confidential standard review by FIA Card Services, N.A. Absolutely no membership dues are used to market this program. © 2010 Bank of America Corporation June/July 2010 (MB)AD-MTA-0610 CC240610 27 Massachusetts Teachers Association http://www.facebook.com/massteacher

Volume 40, No. 5 June/July 2010

“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

The promise of summer reading “Followers” Wanted: Join today! ContestSee what you’ve beenkeeps missing @students http://twitter.com/massteacher at the books during school vacation

By Bob Duffy

ntry forms continue to pour in for the current season of the MTA Red Sox Reading Game E — and that means students throughout Massachusetts are still at the books even though the warm weather has arrived. The buzz of activity bodes well for the future, if you ask educators such as Maria Cruz, a literacy specialist at the Rumney Marsh Academy in Revere. “Students need to read something to keep their brains going over the summer,” Cruz told MTA Today. She added that students who do not read over the school break start to fall behind, and it shows by the time classes resume. “It can sometimes take a week to get kids back to where they were, so anything that we can do to keep them reading is really important,” Cruz said. The Revere teacher’s comments reflect what many studies have shown — that it is vital for students to keep reading during summer vacation. That is one reason so many educators, parents and children value the reading game, which is funded by The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation. Another is the simple joy of participating, which is why the contest draws tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through eighth grade each year. Photo by Bob Duffy In May, entry forms and posters featuring All- Boston Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster and team representative Mike Prizio join the Star Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who serves as kids in the after-school program at the Central Community Branch of the Worcester YMCA in a bit of stretching and limbering up. Afterward, Wally and the children acted out scenes from the the spokesman for the program, and Wally the Green book Hello Wally while Prizio read out loud to the group. Monster, the team’s mascot, were sent to schools across the Commonwealth. pleased to encourage students to be proactive and Ever since, the excitement has been building. ‘As a company, we are dedicated to exercise their writing skills to recognize teachers To enter, each student must promise to read nine who have made a difference in their lives.” books during the summer — one for each position helping young people realize their Between the two programs, students across the on the baseball field. After all of the pledge forms full potential, and this initiative Commonwealth have the opportunity to read or write arrive at MTA Headquarters in Boston, winning aligns well with our mission to their way to Fenway. It all adds up to a great way for cards are drawn, and 100 students and their teachers educators to get their students excited about the very are given tickets to a Sox game at Fenway Park. Five encourage and empower youth,’ skills that will help them succeed, Cruz noted. of the children are chosen to be grand prize winners says Linda McGowan, president “The fact that everything says ‘Red Sox’ is very — meaning they get to participate in a pregame of The Hanover Insurance Group helpful,” she said. “Students have pride in their team, ceremony on the field, tour the ballpark and receive so they want to do the players proud. They feel like baseballs signed by Varitek. Foundation. they can relate to these very famous sports figures. The Hanover Foundation also joins the MTA and They don’t want to let them down.” the Red Sox in sponsoring the Most Valuable Educator Linda McGowan, president of the foundation, The kickoff for the game, which took place in program, which invites students to nominate educators said Hanover is “thrilled to support such a fun and June, featured Wally conducting a reading assembly — including teachers, librarians, education support exciting educational program.” for 80 children who participate in afternoon professionals and coaches — by writing about what “As a company, we are dedicated to helping activities at the Central Community Branch of the makes them special. Winners are chosen based on the young people realize their full potential, and this Worcester YMCA. The event served to remind them essays that students submit and are invited onto the initiative aligns well with our mission to encourage that reading is not only important, but enjoyable, field during home games. Each MVE receives a pair and empower youth,” she said. according to Pam Suprenant, who oversees the of Fenway tickets, as does the student whose essay is The MVE program, McGowan added, is a good program. “It went great,” she said. “The children the basis for the selection. way to shine the spotlight on deserving educators. really enjoyed the presentation, and the autographs, They tend to beam with pride as their names are “First-class educators are very important to books for the library and other giveaways were also announced over the public address system. making our vision a reality,” she said. “We are very a big hit.” 28 June/July 2010 VOLUME 22 / NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 2010 The MTA Advantage

The MTA Advantage is a publication of MTA Benefits, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Teachers Association

5 percent discount on regular rates. Want to travel without a care – • Cruises on the high seas – from Alaska to the Mediterranean – and through the and save money? world’s most scenic river passages with CruisesOnly, America’s largest cruise THE MTA VACATION CENTER HAS JUST THE TICKET agency and the one with the lowest rates. hotel facilities and amenities and set • Trips to amazing destinations – up an excursion for us to the Mayan Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Kenya’s Chichen-Itza Ruins. We didn’t have to wildlife preserves, the cultural wonders worry about anything.” of Rome and more – with Go Ahead Tours, which offers a $150-per-person Bradley also considered the Omni resort MTA discount. and staff “wonderful.” Set amid tropical gardens and cascading pools, the resort Other MTA Vacation Center savings offers an expansive palm-lined beach, casual Wyndham Hotels gives MTA members an Elise Bradley on her Cancun vacation and gourmet restaurants, several outdoor additional 20 percent discount on the best “My husband and I left Boston on a pools and a long list of other amenities. available rate at all of its properties worldwide, while Endless Vacation Rentals by nonstop chartered flight in the morning, “I’m already thinking about my next trip and just after lunch we were in Cancun,” Wyndham features 60,000 vacation proper- through the MTA Vacation Center,” ties around the world where members said Elise Bradley, a member of the Bradley said. Northboro Teachers Association. “That receive an additional 10 percent off the best began one of the best-run vacations we Special MTA discounts available rate. have ever experienced.” Established to provide a one-stop source Orlando Vacations – the Disney vacation where members could find every type connection – offers members the best prices Led by TNT Vacations, an MTA Vacation of travel resource with special MTA on Disney park tickets, hotels, home rentals Center travel company, the seven-day trip discounts, the MTA Vacation Center has and more. during April school vacation week was grown to be one of MTAB’s largest mem- meticulously arranged to meet every Avis Budget ber-participation programs. and save MTA members up need of its tour group, which included to 20 percent on car rentals worldwide. many educators. Here are just a few MTA Vacation Center opportunities: For these discounts and more information “We were met at t he airport by TNT on the MTA Vacation Center – including representatives and taken by van to the • Stays at luxurious by-the-sea special promotions and last-minute deals – Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas,” said tropical resorts – from Mexico to visit www.mtavacations.com. To get your Bradley. “The TNT staff also changed Aruba – with TNT Vacations, which exclusive discount, make sure to mention currency for us, introduced us to the gives MTA members an exclusive MTA when calling or booking online. An MTA member since 2005 DENISE COTE ~ another fan of MTA Benefits ASSOCIATION: Springfield Education Association PROFESSION: Eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher at the Springfield Renaissance School

Why she became a teacher: “When I was a child, I discovered my grandfather was illiterate. It was impossible to imagine what his world was like. I knew then that I would become a teacher so I could help others overcome the kind of difficulties he faced. I love the career I have chosen, especially my role in helping students develop a passion for reading. This will empower them during their school years and throughout their lives, both personally and professionally.”

What she likes about MTA Benefits: “It helps take the extra work out of my everyday life. When I wanted help with financial planning, I didn’t have to search around. I simply chose the MTA Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program with MetL ife because I had confidence in MTAB’s choice of partners. Using the MTA Discount Directory and Hotel Directory saves me time in planning trips. And I save money – I received great MTA discounts on a recent vacation in San Antonio.”

Why MTA Benefits is important for members: “With MTA Benefits, members know they are getting tangible benefits back from their union membership – a wide range of programs designed for educators and savings that make a difference.” FHA-backed loans soaring in popularity LOW 3.5 PERCENT DOWN PAYMENT

espite the continued tightening of income, assets and earnings, which can credit, the mortgage industry offers The FHA offers 10 distinct work to the advantage of buyers.” Dsome good news. Loans insured advantages, many of which by the Federal Housing Administration MTA members with FHA loans require only a 3.5 percent down payment are not available from Jennifer Furano, Needham Education from approved applicants. FHA’s popular- Association, and Christine DePari, ity is on the rise because of this and other mortgage giants Freddie Newton Teachers Association, took borrower-friendly practices. According to Mac and Fannie Mae. advantage of a low down payment a recent syndicated news report, last year through the FHA mortgage program the FHA insured 21.5 percent of all new when buying their first home. mortgages, up from less than 6 percent in 2007. » Up-front mortgage insurance can be “When we first decided to buy a home, we financed into the loan. weren't able to find a lender who would The FHA offers 10 distinct advantages, provide financing,” said Furano. “As both many of which are not available from » Monthly mortgage insurance is of us are in assistant teaching positions, mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie significantly less than traditional our incomes are limited and wouldn't Mae. These are: mortgage insurance. qualify us for the standard loan. Then » All down payments can be gift funds » Cash-out refinances can be up to we remembered Greenpark Mortgage, from a family member. 85 percent of the appraised value of and that changed everything. We not the home. only obtained financing, but secured an » The 3.5 percent down payment can FHA-insured loan which required only be used for single-family residences, The downside of FHA is some added a low down payment. We also saved multi-residences of up to four units costs, including an insurance premium. money with Greenpark and closed in and condos. Greenpark Mortgage, partner in the MTA time to take advantage of the tax credit » Credit score requirements are lower. Home Mortgage Program, has extensive for first-time homebuyers. The service was experience in providing MTA members exceptional – Greenpark professionals » Higher debt ratios are allowed. with FHA-backed mortgages and other went out of their way to explain every step of the process and were available Non-owner occupant co-borrowers are types of mortgages. » at all times to answer questions.” allowed on one-unit properties. “The FHA-insured loan is a strong, For information on mortgages and » FHA-backed loans are assumable. viable option for people with a limited down payment,” said Paul Gershkowitz, refinancing options, call the MTA Home » No reserve requirements apply after the president of Greenpark. “FHA takes a Mortgage specialists at Greenpark closing for one- or two-unit properties. more liberal approach to looking at Mortgage, 866.475.HOME (4663).

SIGHTINGS AT THE RECENT MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates

Back row, left to right: Lynn Skavis, Christine Wilkinson, Deb Troio and Adriane Ashton Front row, left to right: Melissa Rebello and Robin Grout

Left to right: Carol Chisolm, Robert Jones, Paul Left to right: Michele Witherell, Lisa Mazzola, McNeil and Cheryl Ann Bomal Moniquel Boirin, Loraine Hug and Sandy Ryle

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 Seven ways to make it Tip Sheet a summer to remember

Visit a New England Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway 1 lighthouse 4 Built in 1869, this coal-fired cog railway climbs the Legends swirl around these slope of Mount Washington on the steepest famous landmarks along the New England railroad tracks in North America. As you ascend to coastline that still serve as beacons of light the highest peak in the Northeast, spectacular views for seafaring vessels. Known as “The of mountains and valleys spread out before you in Lighthouse State,” Maine erected a string all directions. Whether you choose the historic charm of lighthouses to help mariners navigate of old steam locomotives or the eco-friendly efficiency of safely along the state’s rugged, rocky new bio-diesels, the Cog Railway is one of the world's great Atlantic coastline. In Massachusetts, you’ll railway adventures. For information, visit www.thecog.com. (No MTA discount.) find lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod and Cape Ann. New Visit mansions of the Enjoy a picnic and a Hampshire’s most recognized lighthouses ultra rich and famous Tanglewood concert are the Portsmouth Harbor Light and White 5 7 Island Light on the Isles of Shoals. For more in Newport On Aug. 5, 1937, the Boston information on New England lighthouses, Tour Newport’s opulent mansions, the Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert go to www.lighthouse.cc/. summer “cottages” of America’s wealthiest at Tanglewood, a luxurious 21-acre estate families, and see how the Vanderbilts, Astors in the Berkshires given to conductor and others of that gilded society lived and Serge Koussevitzky and the BSO. Today Go whitewater rafting entertained. Also take the three-mile Cliff Tanglewood annually draws over 350,000 visitors to hear its artistic musical in Maine Walk, which runs along the front of the 2 Bellevue Avenue mansions and above the performances. Pack a picnic lunch and A Kennebec River adventure Newport skyline. For more information, hear a concert on the lawn. You can also takes you through a narrow gorge that is visit www.gonewport.com/. take a free one-hour walking tour of the hundreds of feet deep, plunges you into Tanglewood campus to see the Koussevitzky huge rolling waves and heart-pounding Music Shed, Ozawa Hall and other music drops and guides you through a series of See the sea world facilities. MTA members get a 30 percent rapids. The last part of your rafting trip is Head for a harbor and a discount on Tanglewood tickets, subject more leisurely, giving you a chance to view 6 whale-watching tour, where to availability (excludes the jazz festival the primitive wilderness along the river- you might see these magnificent creatures and popular artists) with no refunds or bank. Upon your return, you are treated and sometimes dolphins swim and exchanges. Call 413.637.5165 or to a hot tub or hot shower and a hearty play right alongside the boat. Visit 617.266.1492 for information. cookout. For information, phone Crab www.mtabenefits.com and look under Apple Whitewater at 800.553.7238 or visit “Discount Directory – Sea” for tours www.crabapplewhitewater.com. MTA mem- offering MTA discounts that leave from bers and their families get a $5 discount on Gloucester, Cape Ann, Provincetown and Tanglewood rafting trips and inflatable kayak rentals. other ports.

Take the family 3 to Cape Cod Stroll the beaches, plunge into the surf, relax on the sand and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Cape Cod’s diverse coastline, which extends along Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Treat yourself to a lobster roll for Travel trivia lunch, a clambake at dinner and other If you travel outside New England, you might come across some of these strange-sounding favorite Cape summer cuisine. And towns: Jugville, Ky.; Accident, Md.; Frankenstein, Mo.; Meat Camp, N.C.; Why Not, along the way, stay at places that offer N.C.; Knockemstiff, Ohio; Slaughterville, Okla.; Ding Dong, Texas; and Unalaska, Alaska. MTA discounts, which are listed in the MTA Hotel Directory. As an example, MTA members ge0t a 1 percent discount, children age 17 “Must haves” for your trips and younger stay free and pets are When planning your summer trips, see the MTA Discount Directory and MTA Hotel welcome at the family friendly Directory. The Discount Directory lists more than a thousand places that give member Sandwich Lodge and Resort. Certain discounts – everything from zoos and aquariums to historic houses and theme parks. restrictions apply. For The Hotel Discount Directory lists hundreds more information and of hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs all lebrat over New England and the e in summer specials, visit C g www.sandwichlodge.com. country where you can save Great40 Years money with your MTA card. September 2009 – August 2010 Take both directories with Benefits you on your trips. See them 2009-2010 and online at www.mtabenefits.com. MTA Hotel Discount Discount Directory Directory 3 OOHs and AHHs THINGS TO EXCITE – AT A DISCOUNT

Chocolates to die for Living the legend

The Nantucket Chocolatier creates Sail on the historic Schooner Margaret hand-fashioned chocolates, such as Coco Todd, feel the wind at your back and the Whale™ artisan truffles, inspired by see the horizon stretch out ahead of you. the island’s rich seafaring history, and Measuring 151 feet stem to stern, this Cranberry Creations™ chocolates, famous windjammer takes you from Bar celebrating the island’s cranberry harvests. Harbor Inn Pier back into history to A member of Retail Confectioners experience what sailing was like in centuries International and recognized by Food past. The only four-masted schooner to Network’s Food Finds, The Nantucket work New England waters in over half a Chocolatier has won numerous awards, century, the Margaret Todd sails three times including Boston Magazine’s Best of daily – morning, afternoon and sunset – for Boston recognition. MTA members Total self-indulgence a cruise that lasts one and a half to two get a 10 percent discount. Visit The hours. Other types of sailing experiences are Nantucket Chocolatier/Sweet Inspirations The pleasure of being luxuriously pampered also available from Downeast Windjammer at www.NantucketChocolatier.com. awaits you at the Beach Plum Spa at the Cruises. MTA members and immediate Dan’l Webster Inn in Sandwich. Choose family members get a 10 percent discount. the Drape Yourself in Pearls package and For information, call 207.546.2927 or experience the relaxation and renewal of an visit www.downeastwindjammer.com. iridescent glow wrap that uses real crushed pearls that are rich in calcium, leaving your skin with a luminescent pearl-like complexion. Or try another option such as the Spa Romance package, with stress-reducing b ody massages and other indulgent pampering. For added enjoyment, stay the night at the historic inn. MTA members get a 25 percent discount at the inn and spa Sunday through Thursday, with certain restrictions. For information, Sail on the historic Schooner Margaret Todd, call 508.888.3622 or 800.444.3566 or feel the wind at your back and see the horizon visit www.danlwebsterinn.com. stretch out ahead of you. Jewelry that dazzles A scene from Belkin Wear diamonds that seem on fire and Family Lookout Farm precious stones with great glitter – luxury that makes you feel special. What woman doesn’t love this? You’ll find stunning necklaces, earrings and bracelets at the fine jewelry stores listed in the Discount Directory – many at a 20 percent discount for MTA members. Visit “Discount Directory – Jewelry” at www.mtabenefits.com.

MTA Appreciation Week at AUGUST 16-22 All the fun for half the price. Bring the kids to Belkin Family Lookout Farm during MTA Appreciation Week Aug. 16-22 for a great family outing. Head to the orchards, where luscious peaches, plums, nectarines and early apples will be ripe for the picking. Take a train ride around the farm. Explore the children’s play area, hay pyramid, burlap maze and moon bounce. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy face painting and live children’s entertainment. Less than 20 miles from Boston in historic Natick, Lookout Farm is one of the oldest continuously working farms in the United States, dating back to 1651. Admission for MTA members during Appreciation Week is $4 instead of the regular $8 Monday through Friday and $5 instead of $10 Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.lookoutf arm.com for U-Pick and other information.

All program and pricing information was current at the time of publication (June 2010) 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