A publication of the Massachusetts Teachers Association Volume 42, No. 4/April-May 2012
State’s new evaluation system is promising and challenging
Red Sox Star Adrian Gonzalez Joins MTA Reading Team Educators offer ideas to close achievement gap hat do teachers believe is needed to be asked what they believe is needed and our voices to classroom teachers and instructional professionals close the achievement gap in our schools, should carry the most weight. working in schools in Barnstable, Brockton, W particularly those in low- and moderate- “Members of the VIVA staff have a track record Cambridge, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, income communities? of fostering thoughtful discussions about current Haverhill, Holyoke, Leominster, Malden, Methuen, The MTA has been working with a nonprofit education issues, which is why we invited them New Bedford, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, group called the VIVA Project — the letters stand to come here and facilitate a discussion about the Springfield, Taunton, Westfield and Worcester. for Voice Ideas Vision Action — to foster an online difficult issue of how to close the achievement gap, A short-term online discussion — called an discussion about this subject among teachers and which persists despite our state’s overall high level Idea Exchange — was held in April. Participants other instructional professionals in certain urban of performance,” he added. identified as “thought leaders” will join a small districts, including those working in cities and towns While the achievement gap among students of Writing Collaborative. That group will summarize known as Gateway Communities. different socioeconomic backgrounds is prevalent the ideas generated and turn them into actionable “Too often, people with little or no experience in statewide, it is most pressing in communities where recommendations to deliver to MTA leaders. teaching are making the major policy decisions that the challenges related to family income are greater. More information on the project can be found affect how and what we teach,” said MTA President In order to focus on the needs of students in those by visiting http://vivamta.socialsphere.com or Paul Toner. “We believe teachers should continually communities, the MTA conversation was opened only www.vivateachers.org.
MTA’s Mission Statement On the cover in this issue The Massachusetts Teachers Association is a member-driven organization, governed Teachers Chris Fontaine, left, Locals organize to fight Stand initiative 3 and Lorie Banks confer about by democratic principles, that accepts Many organizations and leaders oppose ballot petition 3 math instruction at the Morgan Editorial 4 and supports the interdependence of Elementary School in Holyoke Letters to the Editor 4 professionalism and unionism. The MTA while eighth-graders Melanie Advocacy day focuses on higher education funding 5 promotes the use of its members’ collective Torres, in striped shirt, and New evaluation system is promising and challenging 6 power to advance their professional and Jasmine Suarez work on solving Teamwork and helping kids are ESP Conference themes 8 economic interests. The MTA is committed equations. Implementing the New requirements focus on teachers of ELL students 9 to human and civil rights and advocates for state’s new evaluation system GLBT Issues Committee is recruiting marchers 9 quality public education in an environment in Level 4 schools Survey participation rate tops 50 percent 10 in which lifelong learning and innovation MTA continues to pursue legislative priorities 10 has been a flourish. ‘Unconference’ offers unique learning experience 11 challenge, Leaders are readers 12 but educators NEA president calls for collaborative approach 13 MTA President hope the Special election is set to fill two CRC vacancies 13 Paul Toner result is more feedback and Higher ed units reach agreements 14 MTA Vice President support for Liston named to retirement board 14 Timothy Sullivan teachers and Don’t let high gas prices tank your vacation plans 16 Executive Director-Treasurer administrators. For coverage, New discount directory listings help members save 16 Ann Clarke see pages 6 and 7. Meanwhile, MTA Retired activist now leads legislative team 17 Communications Director/Editor Adrian Gonzalez, who plays A worldwide perspective on public education 18 James Sacks first base for the Boston Red U.S. Senate candidate to address MTA Annual Meeting 19 Sox, has signed on as the Human & Civil Rights Awards Dinner set for June 22 28 Staff Assistant Janice Morrissey spokesman for the MTA reading Obituaries 29 team, replacing catcher Jason Good reasons to belong to MTA/NEA Retired 30 Publisher Varitek, who has retired as Classifieds 34 Ann Clarke a player. A story on the MTA Gonzalez joins MTA reading team 36 Graphic Arts Assistant Red Sox Reading Game’s new A special section containing information about the 2012 MTA Jacqueline Feng season appears on page 36. Annual Meeting of Delegates begins on Page 19. It includes Photos by Christine Peterson the schedule, agenda, candidates’ statements, the report and Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox of the executive director-treasurer and resolution, bylaw and standing rule proposals. This issue of MTA Today also features the spring edition of the MTA Advantage.
MTA TODAY, ISSN 08982481, is published Quote-Unquote quarterly, with an extra issue in June, by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Subscription: $3.04 of MTA members’ dues is designated for MTA Today. The Massachusetts Teachers Association “I don’t want to be a rich guy in a second-rate country.’’ 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Periodicals postage rates paid at Boston, MA, 800.392.6175 or 617.878.8000 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send FAX: 617.742.7046 address changes to: Massachusetts Teachers — Brookline resident Robert S. Bowditch, founder of www.massteacher.org Association, 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. a property management company, expressing Copyright ©2012 by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. All material in this periodical may his support for the “Buffett Rule” in a be reproduced by teachers for distribution to students or by affiliate associations for their Boston Globe story published on April 16 own publications. Unless expressly stated, acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product by MTA or MTA Benefits.
2 April/May 2012 Locals organize to fight Stand initiative Proposal ‘a huge distraction from what teachers believe is needed to help our students succeed’ By Laura Barrett of give and take as participants worked to reach a ‘Stand’s ballot question will consensus. he MTA has been fighting the extremely effectively silence the voice of Stand leaders never raised the issues contained divisive Stand for Children ballot question teachers in important decisions in their ballot initiative during these discussions or T on two fronts: in court and in the Legislature. related to our schools regarding in their public testimony to the Board of Elementary Soon, the battle will be taken to the public, which and Secondary Education. will be asked to vote on the initiative petition in evaluation, professional status Now, with a huge war chest built up from November if it is not stricken from the ballot or and personnel decisions.’ donations by corporate foundations and executives, voluntarily removed by Stand. — MTA President Paul Toner Stand has decided to go it alone in promoting its own “This ballot question will negatively affect agenda. students and teachers. It is a huge distraction from “It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Sullivan what teachers believe is needed to help our students The net effect is to give administrators the power said of the petition. “The initiative is so long and succeed,” said MTA President Paul Toner. “Stand’s to make more personnel decisions based on subjective complicated, very few voters will ever read it. ballot question will effectively silence the voice criteria, potentially opening the door to favoritism and Instead, all they may know about it will be from of teachers in important decisions related to our nepotism. It also makes experienced teachers at the a slick multimillion-dollar ad campaign saying it schools regarding evaluation, professional status and top of the pay scale more vulnerable to being laid off will create ‘great teachers, great schools.’ This is a personnel decisions.” by districts seeking to save money during an economic distortion of how the initiative petition process was Since July, the MTA has been informing leaders downturn. And it gives districts a perverse incentive supposed to work.” and members about the petition. MTA field staff to hire more part-time faculty, who will have no job The MTA believes that going to the ballot members are beginning to meet with the executive protections and face the prospect of non-renewal at the with this complex question is not only bad public boards of the local associations they represent to end of every school year. policy, but a violation of the state Constitution. The explain the initiative and the negative impact it will “Experience will count for very little if the association filed a complaint against the attorney have on teachers, students and schools if it is passed. Stand petition is passed,” said MTA Vice President general in January on behalf of seven plaintiffs Many locals are now beginning to organize against Tim Sullivan. “Your job security will depend heavily asking that the question be barred from the ballot. In the petition, and more actions will be implemented on how well you get along with your immediate a detailed brief in support of the complaint, the MTA as the election season progresses. supervisor, not on what you have contributed to the argues that the petition impermissibly makes changes The lengthy, complex initiative has 11 sections district over many years.” in unrelated domains, interferes with the powers of that make numerous changes to state law governing Despite giving principals more power, the the court and is incompletely described in the AG’s school district personnel practices and collective initiative is opposed by the associations representing summary. bargaining. Among other changes, the petition: both elementary and secondary school principals. MTA attorneys expect the lawsuit to be decided n Guts important bargaining rights, including When MTA leaders learned that Stand was by mid-July. eliminating negotiations over what should be planning to file the petition, they quickly sought to Meanwhile, under the initiative process, the included in performance evaluations and the persuade Stand’s state and national leaders to pull petition has gone to the Legislature, which has until criteria or processes that a district must follow in the question from the ballot. Instead, they urged the May 2 to approve the question as is, reject it and layoffs, recalls, voluntary and involuntary transfers, group to follow the legislative process and discuss approve a related question to appear alongside it on promotions and other personnel decisions. its ideas collaboratively with the dozens of parent, the ballot or take no action. In all scenarios except n Strips teachers of the right to arbitrate or teacher, administrator and business groups that had approval, the proponents will have to collect another grieve over these personnel decisions. recently been meeting — with Stand included — to 11,485 certified signatures by July 3 to qualify it for n Denies professional teacher status to part-time develop the new teacher evaluation system. Those the ballot. teachers. discussions involved extensive research and hours Please turn to Stand/Page 15
Many organizations and leaders oppose ballot petition umerous organizations and educational Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Graduate School of Education; Sue Freedman, and political leaders are joining Association, Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, director of the RTTT Human Resources Pilot N educators in opposing the Stand ballot the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association, Project, Working Group for Educator Excellence; initiative, and the list is growing. the Massachusetts Organization of Educational John Walsh, chair of the Massachusetts Opponents of the petition — along with Collaboratives, the Massachusetts Reading Democratic Party; and Lou Mandarini, secretary- the MTA and AFT Massachusetts — include Association, the Massachusetts School Library treasurer of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. the American Civil Liberties Union of Association, the Massachusetts Secondary School The seven plaintiffs on whose behalf MTA Massachusetts, Arise for Social Justice, Citizens Administrators’ Association, the New England has filed a complaint seeking to strike the initiative for Public Schools, the Jewish Alliance for Jewish Labor Committee and the Union of from the ballot are three former Massachusetts Law and Social Action, the League of Women Minority Neighborhoods. Teachers of the Year, Michael Flynn, Jae Voters of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Goodwin and Floris Wilma Ortiz-Marrero; Jon Administrators for Special Education, the ducational, political and labor leaders Saphier, an evaluation expert; Richard Herbert, a Massachusetts Association for Supervision and opposing the initiative, among others, member of the Scituate School Committee; Mary Curriculum Development, the Massachusetts E include Massachusetts Secretary of Ann Stewart, immediate past president of the Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Education Paul Reville; Susan Moore Johnson Massachusetts PTA; and Geju Brown, a Boston the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, the and Robert Schwartz, professors at the Harvard public school parent.
April/May 2012 3 Editorial Support candidates who support public education
he Republican primary season has been Details of Warren’s proposals are available at to organize for better wages, for better health care, a wakeup call proving that we cannot www.elizabethwarren.com. and for better working conditions, they should have T take support for public schools and public Obama and Warren also support equity — the right to do so.” higher education for granted. We have had serious increasing taxes on the wealthy to help balance the Romney, on the other hand, recently told Fox candidates who do not believe in evolution and who budget without having to raise taxes on middle- and News, “But the role I see that ought to remain in the do believe that public employee unions — not poorly lower-income families. They understand that jobs are president’s agenda with regards to education is to regulated investment banks and hedge funds — are created when workers have enough money for goods push back against the federal teachers’ unions.” responsible for our economic problems. and services. Affordable health care is alive under One candidate, Rick Santorum, called President Warren is perhaps best known for helping to Obama — unless it ends up being struck down Barack Obama a “snob” for urging high school create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, by Republican appointees on the Supreme Court. graduates to participate in some form of higher which was set up to crack down on deceptive Romney is on both sides of this issue, opposing education or training in order to survive in this practices by credit card and mortgage companies. Obamacare — which of course was based on the economy. In contrast, GOP presidential candidate Mitt health care bill he championed in Massachusetts. No Fortunately, there are good choices for educators Romney and Scott Brown, Warren’s Republican wonder Etch A Sketch sales have skyrocketed. in 2012. The MTA recommends re-electing President opponent, support “trickle-down economics” that MTA delegates not only support the state and Obama and electing Elizabeth Warren to the U.S. favor the wealthy. Brown, who has accepted over federal affordable health care acts, but also favor Senate. Both advocate for $1.1 million in donations from Wall Street interests, moving toward a single-payer system, sometimes policies that benefit students, was a swing vote in watering down regulations referred to as “Medicare for all.” Although it would educators, our families and covering the financial services industry. Forbes be difficult to pass single-payer in this climate, the our communities. magazine called him one of “Wall Street’s favorite sentiment is there: Affordable, quality health care is a Obama has done a congressmen.” vital benefit that all U.S. residents should receive. remarkable job despite Meanwhile, public education is also “alive” The choice is clear. governing during a major in large measure thanks to Obama’s decision to In making the case for Obama, NEA President recession that he didn’t cause provide a huge share of the stimulus package to Dennis Van Roekel said last spring, “Will we allow and trying to disentangle the help our students. And Warren, who was a special Congress to gut Medicare, slash education and cut nation from two wars that he needs teacher at a public elementary school in New Social Security and continue to make it just fine for didn’t start — all while being Jersey before she became a lawyer, understands how hedge fund managers and corporations to sidestep Paul Toner MTA President thwarted by an obstructionist important the teacher voice is in making education paying taxes? Or will we act and assert the real Congress. policy. American values of hard work and responsibility, Vice President Joseph Biden summed up why Brown takes an opposite path, supporting a commitment to a vibrant middle class, to college Obama deserves another four years, stating: “Osama budgets that make deep cuts in education. Romney, affordability, and the opportunity to reach the bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive!” for his part, presided over significant education American dream?” The same arguments can be These are just two of the reasons many educators spending reductions in Massachusetts when he was made in favor of Warren, an intelligent, thoughtful, support the president. governor. Both take guidance on education policy articulate defender of the middle class and a staunch Under Obama, the economy is improving, thanks from the business community instead of listening advocate of public education. in large part to stimulus spending, much of which to teachers and administrators and the groups that Whomever you support, please make sure your went to public education, and low interest rates. represent them, such as the MTA and the NEA. voices are heard in this November’s election. Warren likewise supports the judicious use of Obama and Warren support unions and strong Members can get involved in the Obama stimulus funds, as well as streamlining regulations labor laws. On her campaign website, Warren writes, campaign by visiting www.neafund.org. Another NEA and promoting the industries of the future, including “We need to make it easier for workers who want to site, www.educationvotes.org, provides state-specific renewable energy. organize together to have that chance. If people want information on national education issues.
Letters to the Editor Occupy Movement highlights I urge MTA and NEA to sever their connections MTAB endorses certain programs offered through economic system’s inequities with Bank of America and find appropriate NEA Member Benefits, including some Bank of alternatives, as other organizations have done. I America financial products. NEA has had a long-term To the Editor: encourage members to change your MTA or NEA partnership with Bank of America and a predecessor credit cards and move your money to local banks bank. These associations have yielded superior terms I applaud the MTA for issuing a statement or credit unions that put money back into our for members. MTAB assesses its programs annually, in October 2011 supporting Occupy Wall Street, communities. and member feedback is a crucial component of this including the point that “financial and political The Occupy Movement has highlighted the stark assessment. institutions must be held accountable for the excesses inequities of our economic system. Our union can do that led to the current economic crisis ...” better than the Bank of America. Letters policy TA Today welcomes letters to the editor from MTA members. I was, therefore, dismayed to learn that MTA MLetters should be no longer than 200 words. Each letter Benefits, in affiliation with NEA Benefits, offers Pennie Marcus submitted for publication must address a topic covered in MTA Today, must be signed and must include the writer’s telephone credit cards and other financial services through Holyoke Community College Chapter, MCCC number for confirmation purposes. Opinions must be clearly identified as belonging to the letter-writer. We reserve the right to edit for Bank of America. This is a bank that has never been length, clarity and style. To submit a letter, mail it to MTA Today, held accountable for its deceptive and unscrupulous Editor’s Note: MTA Benefits provides value-added 20 Ashburton Place, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02108 or e-mail it to [email protected]. For additional information, please mortgage practices, its failure to pay taxes and other products and services to MTA members and acts as refer to the guidelines posted on www.massteacher.org. costly assaults on the 99 percent. a strong advocate for members when issues arise.
4 April/May 2012 A call for more higher ed funding Faculty, staff, students and administrators converge on Beacon Hill to lobby legislators
By Sarah Nathan
or the first time in at least recent memory, students, faculty, staff and administrators F convened collectively at the State House to ask the Legislature for increased funding for the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities. The joint lobbying effort took place on March 8. State funding for public higher education has declined by approximately $700 million — or 42 percent — since 2001, while enrollment figures continue to rise. Participants in the Beacon Hill event urged legislators to support a 5 percent increase in the operating budgets for all 29 public higher education campuses and to include the collective bargaining reserves sought by the governor in House 2, his proposed state budget for the coming fiscal year. They also called on their representatives and senators to increase the scholarship account, which provides financial aid to students, by 5 percent. “I’m here today because I work at a university and am the mother of three children and have seven grandchildren, and I am concerned about how much is being cut,” said Dianne Kroll, a member of the Professional Staff Union at UMass Boston. “I’d like to support higher education for my grandchildren and for the future.” Hundreds of higher Kroll was one of an estimated 600 people who education supporters, packed into Gardner Auditorium to kick off the above, packed into Massachusetts Public Higher Education Advocacy Gardner Auditorium Day before heading out to meet with legislators. on March 8 to call for more funding for “We are here to welcome you to the people’s public colleges and house,” said state Representative Tom Sannicandro universities. Later, (D-Ashland), earning a huge round of applause from Bristol Community the crowd. “This is your house. We are your state College staff members representatives, and we work for you. We want you Kathy Burns, center, to get out there today and tell your stories.” Ron Weisberger and Sannicandro addressed the audience alongside Ellen Oliveira met Senator Richard Moore. Sannicandro and Moore with Democratic state (D-Uxbridge) are the co-chairs of the Joint Representative David Committee on Higher Education. Education Sullivan of Fall River, Secretary Paul Reville, Higher Education who is seated at left.
Commissioner Richard Freeland, Board of Higher Photos by Sarah Nathan Education Chairman Charles Desmond, MTA President Paul Toner and several students also spoke at the opening session. could only dream of for herself. Now I’m poised here for each other today. It’s great to see faculty UMass Amherst student to contribute to my community and my state in a and students speaking in one voice in support of our Melanie Mulvey brought down meaningful way. Public education works.” public higher education institutions.” the house when she talked about The energy and excitement of the day were A video of the kickoff can be viewed on youtube. her own background and the captured on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Before com/massteacher, and pictures are posted on flickr. opportunities that are ahead of the groups of students, MTA higher ed members and com/mtacommunications. For information on her — thanks to her college administrators headed out to meet with their own higher ed funding, visit the activist toolkit at http:// education. representatives and senators, Toner told the crowd massteacher.org/advocating/toolkits/highered.aspx. “I am a kid from Dorchester that “it’s time to start talking about revenues.” If you missed the Massachusetts Public Higher Melanie Mulvey born to a 21-year-old single He also took the opportunity to thank the Education Advocacy Day, you can still do your mother on welfare and I’m students for their efforts. part by visiting http://www.capwiz.com/nea/ma/ two months away from graduating,” Mulvey said. “Thank you for your support,” said Toner, who issues/alert/?alertid=61076186 to send messages to “I’ve been able to achieve things that my mother earned a master’s degree at UMass Boston. “We are legislators.
April/May 2012 5 State’s new evaluation system is promising and challenging
By Laura Barrett teacher, said that being named a Level ‘All in all, I think the new system is better. But it 4 school is a mixed blessing. f teachers and administrators in is difficult to do it all. Once I go through the whole “In some respects, being a Level 4 schools that are designated process one time, I will be able to do it again.’ school is demoralizing,” she said. “At I underperforming had to grade — Interim Principal Aliza Pluta the same time, we’ve come together in the state’s new educator evaluation wonderful ways. It’s a unifying thing system, most would probably give it an for the school.” “incomplete.” however, also expressed concern about system in the district’s two Level 4 None of the teachers left when the “The goal makes sense — to help the speedy implementation, which schools: the Morgan, a K-8 school, school received its designation, and all all teachers improve and move to the required certain changes locally before and Dean Vocational Technical High are working hard to implement changes proficient and exemplary categories,” guidance was developed by the DESE. School. to boost their students’ achievement. said Springfield Education Association Notably, the Level 4 schools were “As much as we’re complaining For example, to help meet the goal President Tim Collins. “But something supposed to begin implementing major about how difficult this is, I think of increasing parental involvement this massive takes time. My concern as portions of the system starting in the we’re in a better place than other in their children’s education, Banks this thing rolls out is that if we don’t fall, but it wasn’t until halfway through districts that don’t have the benefit of invited the parents of her students to take the time to readjust and do it the year that the DESE produced training from the MTA,” said Pluta, come to school for a math lesson. right, it could seriously hinder the new model rubrics. The MTA worked with who is in her first year as a school “I wanted it to be a positive instrument’s effectiveness.” the DESE on the revision of its initial principal. Previously she was an ESL activity, not something they were Aliza Pluta, interim principal rubrics so that the final products reflect teacher and then an assistant principal. coming in for because there was a at Morgan Elementary School in the standards and indictors approved All Morgan and Dean teachers problem with their child,” she said. Holyoke, one of the schools the by the Board of Elementary and and administrators completed a Banks kept a sharp eye on her state has categorized as Level 4, or Secondary Education. In addition, the professional learning program at their class even while being interviewed. underperforming, agreed. MTA worked with the department, and own schools last winter. Now, the MTA She maintained focus with a few “All in all, I think the new system eventually the associations representing is providing professional instruction to decisive words, sometimes peppering is better,” she said. “But it is difficult superintendents and school committee all administrators in the district, with her comments with Spanish. A former to do it all. Once I go through the members, to craft model contract a focus on how to conduct effective ESL teacher, she has many strategies whole process one time, I will be able language for teachers. These groups observations, provide feedback that for making sure all of her students to do it again. are now working on model contract is timely and constructive and rate understand her lessons. “At this point,” Pluta said in late language for administrators. performance using the Professional She experienced a very different March, “I don’t see the endpoint. It is Districts and locals are free to Practice rubrics. kind of teaching after graduating from still not clear to me how all of this is negotiate any changes they want, Even before the training, though, Boston University. Banks received supposed to work.” as long as they meet the regulatory Pluta was in and out of classrooms all a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in This year, the state’s 34 Level requirements. But districts that do not the time, conducting as many as 48 Versailles, a wealthy suburb of Paris. 4 schools were required by the adopt the DESE model must submit walkthroughs a month. In addition, the The challenges were different there, Department of Elementary and any revisions to the department to Holyoke system calls for three to four she said, but there were also some Secondary Education to begin determine whether the changes comply unannounced observations of about similarities because “kids are kids.” using most elements of the educator with the regulatory requirements. 10 minutes for each teacher. Pluta She has been teaching in Holyoke for evaluation system required under state Starting next fall, all 232 Race has to evaluate 37 teachers, while the 19 years and has no plans to leave. regulations adopted last June. They to the Top districts will have to begin principal at Dean has even more. Banks and seventh-grade math call for educator self-assessments, implementing the new system, and the Pluta said she thinks the frequent, teacher Chris Fontaine, a graduate of developing individual and team following year all districts in the state brief observations are better than one Holyoke High School and Westfield goals and collecting “artifacts” that will have to comply. long one since they show “trends over State College, agreed that one of the demonstrate what the teacher has taught New components will also be time,” rather than a snapshot. best aspects of the new evaluation and the students have learned. The new phased in. By September 2013, She said she loves going into system is the required “self-reflection.” rules have also meant revamping the all districts will have to begin to the classrooms and has learned a lot Both said they have always done a lot system and rubrics for observations, ensure that teacher and administrator about good teaching from observing of self-reflection in any case, but that with more frequent unannounced evaluations incorporate the educators’ others. To give her staff the benefit having to do it in a more formal way classroom visits required. impact on student learning outcomes of that experience, she is planning to linked to team goals is helpful. Much of the new process requires based on multiple measures. have all of its members participate in Fontaine is in a perpetual state contractual changes, so new practices Identifying and developing those non-evaluative observations of other of reflection and discussion about are being developed side-by-side with measures will be one of the most teachers in the school. how to improve the school since he new language. challenging tasks of the entire new Morgan teachers interviewed serves on the school’s leadership, Most educators interviewed agreed system. by MTA Today said that the new data and evaluation teams, in addition that the system being rolled out is more The MTA, one of the DESE’s evaluation system is just one of to volunteering to coach the middle thorough than the old one and holds out approved vendors, was hired by the many changes they had to implement school basketball team after school. the promise of providing teachers with Holyoke Public Schools to provide this year as part of their school’s Morgan is building its program more feedback to help them improve extensive professional development improvement plan. while speeding forward in other ways their classroom strategies. Most, in implementing the new evaluation Lorie Banks, an eighth-grade math Continued on next page
6 April/May 2012 Student pride is evident in a mural on the wall of the Morgan Elementary School. Lorie Banks, immediate left, an eighth-grade math teacher, said that being named a Level 4 school is a mixed blessing. “In some respects, being a Level 4 school is demoralizing,” she said. “At the same time, we’ve come together in wonderful ways. It’s a unifying thing for the school.”
Photos by Laura Barrett and Christine Peterson Toner: ‘Getting this right is a high priority for the MTA’ Continued from previous page high-poverty schools everywhere.” miss a lot of school will be one of the be a stretch,” he said. “It is way too this year. It is in the process of The Morgan is located near thorny issues to be negotiated. ambitious within the time frames we becoming a full-service community several abandoned warehouses in “We can’t teach them if they have been given.” school, which includes offering social a low-slung brick building. Nearly aren’t here,” Sullivan said. According to an FAQ posted on services in the building. The school all — 98 percent — of Morgan’s 389 That concern notwithstanding, the DESE website, the agency plans day is an hour longer, and many students are low-income, and nearly Banks and Fontaine said they have to issue guidance on the student students participate in free after-school half — 43 percent — have limited high expectations for their students. performance measures in July. services, including a program called English proficiency. Nine out of 10 are Asked about being held “People are doing the best that Connections that offers homework Hispanic. The transiency rate is high. accountable for her students’ growth they can at both the administrative and help and enrichment activities. Sullivan said that absenteeism scores, Banks said, “I have no problem teacher end,” said Collins. “We want Jim Sullivan, acting president of among students district-wide is high. with that. I stand by my work.” She to do this right. My concern is that if the Holyoke Education Association, He estimated that about 10 percent has reason to be confident. According they try to rush this out and don’t do it said that Morgan’s Level 4 status is fail to meet the district’s attendance to DESE data, her students and appropriately, confidence will be lost no reflection on the teachers. “They requirement, which is not to miss more Fontaine’s have outstanding growth that the new system will be able to do are an excellent staff,” he said. “All than 10 percent of the year, or 18 days. scores, meaning they performed better the job we want it to do.” the schools in Holyoke have trouble Figuring out whether or how to include on their math MCAS tests than most MTA President Paul Toner said meeting the state’s MCAS goals, like achievement data for students who other students with similar score that the MTA will press the DESE to histories. It is confusing to many make reasonable adjustments in the Paid Advertisement teachers that their schools can be implementation schedule, if necessary. Lesley University School of Education considered underperforming by one set “We believe the new system will of metrics even if the “student growth help improve teaching and learning in Providing a better learning experience percentiles” — one measure by which our schools if it is done right,” he said. teachers will be judged — are high. “The point is not to create a ‘gotcha’ for teachers for more than 100 years Pluta said she is very proud system, but a new way of looking at of the Morgan staff and how hard staff development that gives teachers Lesley’s Graduate School of Education is everyone is working to improve and administrators feedback they need marked by its commitment to the preparation student performance. “We have a very to do their jobs better. These changes and professional development of educators, strong team,” she said, adding that have to be done thoughtfully if they innovative and challenging coursework, and state officials will be disappointed if are going to be effective.” lifelong learning. We offer a wide range they expect that she is going to rate a Toner said the MTA professional of learning opportunities for education lot of staff “unsatisfactory” or “needs development staff will be “training the professionals, including: improvement” under the new system. trainers” to help members understand Each district implementing the how the new system is supposed to • Master’s programs leading to evaluation changes this year for Level work and that the field staff will help initial and professional licensure 4 schools has had to cobble together a locals negotiate new contract language. hybrid system, using old rubrics until “Getting this right is a high • Licensure-only programs new ones are developed and making priority for the MTA,” he said. certain changes provisionally while “Massachusetts already has the • 12-credit post-Master’s options the contractual changes are being highest performing students in the • Advanced Professional Certificates negotiated. country, but we still have a significant SEA President Collins said that in achievement gap,” Toner added. • Ph.D. programs Springfield, the local and district have “Our hope is that this new system agreed they will sunset contractual will help teachers help their students Lesley offers programs to fit your lifestyle. changes implemented this year in be even more successful. We are order to reassess what is working known nationwide for the quality Learn on-campus, online, or at a location near you. and what isn’t as the new system is of our schools. It makes sense for Questions? implemented. Massachusetts to be at the vanguard Contact [email protected] or 888.LESLEY.U He is concerned that the DESE of building a better evaluation system. may be rushing the next phase. We very much want to be part of teach.lesley.edu/mta “I expect that adding the student that development so that the voice of SE11_CAM_PA001 performance piece next year will teachers is heard every step of the way.”
April/May 2012 7 Making a difference for students Teamwork and helping children are key themes at MTA ESP Conference
By Meg Secatore and Sarah Nathan
he money isn’t great, and lately it seems that education support professionals must fight T even harder for pay and benefits. So what attracts them to the profession? The answer to that question — raised at the recent MTA ESP Conference by NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen — is that it provides ESPs with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. That finding was evident in a recent NEA survey and was affirmed by the nearly 375 ESPs who were Above, ESP of the Year Lorraine Niccoli shares a in Hyannis to hear Eskelsen’s keynote speech at the happy moment with her husband, Fred, during conference, which was held March 30-31. the MTA ESP Conference. At left, participants Eskelsen told the audience that she began her view a display during a workshop titled “Putting own professional journey at age 18 as Lily the Lunch Locally Grown Food within a Hand’s Reach of Every Student.” NEA Vice President Lily Lady. (“The salad girl — not up to hot foods yet!”) Eskelsen, below, provided a keynote address She later worked as a kindergarten aide. and a song during the Friday evening dinner. “There are no insignificant positions that touch Photos by Meg Secatore and Sarah Nathan the life of a child, and there are no insignificant members of this union,” Eskelsen said. “We are a team. We are a team in that school building and we have to be a team in this union.” Teamwork was also the theme of remarks by MTA President Paul Toner and Vice President Timothy Sullivan, who preceded Eskelsen at the podium. Toner said the MTA faces many challenges in the coming months, including defeating the Stand for Children ballot question; passing bills on Beacon Hill that call for studying funding and providing adequate resources for public education, as well as allowing union representation of early childhood educators; and helping to ensure the election of Democrat Elizabeth Warren to the U.S. Senate. Sullivan noted that none of this can be Brockton Paraprofessionals Association. The award be essential. MTA would play a big role in my accomplished without collective effort. was presented by Donna Johnson, MTA’s at-large developing the skills I needed to be better in my “I became involved because someone asked,” he director to represent ESPs, during the closing lunch career.” told the ESPs. “Now, I ask you to ask someone to get on Saturday. Niccoli also gave a shout-out to Toner for his involved in your local.” “Lorraine works closely with MTA and is a support and encouragement and one to Sullivan, Eskelsen offered this thought on the same leader who understands the value of engaging her who previously served as president of the Brockton theme: “People with a lot more money, bigger corner membership,” Johnson said. “Lorraine does not look Education Association, which represents the city’s offices and impressive titles will listen to us only at contract negotiations or grievance processing as teachers. because we have come together. They don’t always her only union duties. In fact, Lorraine has built “Tim always kept me informed of any important agree with us, but they want to know where we strong relationships within her local, has worked issues and concerns involving the Brockton stand. They will listen to us because we have the tirelessly for the rights of her members and always Education Association that could potentially impact power to let our friends and neighbors in our circle seeks to increase the power of her members through the paraprofessionals as well,” Niccoli said. “We of influence know what we know. We make the their engagement and involvement. She is an worked together as a team — and that doesn’t always difference in an election. We have the power to tell authentic leader and a marvelous example of how happen in many communities. our own members the truth.” leaders can make a difference.” “There isn’t an ESP sitting before me today who Throughout the conference, numerous high- Niccoli recounted her first few months as a isn’t deserving of this award,” she continued. “You quality professional workshops were presented. library paraprofessional at the Winthrop School in chose to be here for a reason, and I know it wasn’t Prizes provided by MTA Benefits were raffled off at Brockton. to sit here and listen to me. That reason is to be key moments. “The positive influence I had over these better-educated ESPs so that we can be better at our As at ESP conferences past, a highlight children was a power greater than anything I had careers.” was the recognition of the MTA ESP of the ever experienced in my life,” she said. “My work Year. This year’s honoree is Lorraine Niccoli, a was truly becoming my passion, and I knew almost For more photographs of the ESP Conference, paraprofessional educator and president of the immediately that developing my own skills would please visit flickr.com/mtacommunications.
8 April/May 2012 New requirements focus on teachers of ELL students
By Laura Barrett Sheltered English Immersion law. The subjects will have to participate in PD n Will teachers who took part in SEI law was passed by the voters in that may be equivalent to a three-credit category training receive credit? he Board of Elementary and 2002 and was called the “Unz” petition graduate course, or 67.5 PDPs, in n Will the PD be offered at times Secondary Education is after Ron Unz, the main proponent. order to receive an SEI endorsement. and locations that are accessible T scheduled to vote May 22 on This law ended most bilingual The training will be rolled out to to all teachers subject to the new new regulations governing requirements education programs in the state and different cohorts of teachers starting requirements? for teachers of English language requires districts to place most ELL in September 2012 and continuing n Will the DESE change current learners. students in regular classrooms within through June 2016. requirements so that all of the PDPs If approved, these regulations will one year. After June 1, 2016, no district will required under these new regulations require tens of thousands of teachers As a result of the Unz law and the be allowed to assign ELL students to can count toward the 150 PDPs that in certain “core academic subjects” growth in the number of ELL students, a teacher who does not have an SEI teachers already must get every five to participate in significant new many teachers who have received endorsement. years in order to renew their licenses? professional development over the next little or no instruction in how to teach Targeted first will be teachers in The MTA is advocating for few years that is designed to improve these children now have them in their districts with a high number of ELL changes in the proposed regulations, how they teach ELL students. classrooms. students and low test scores. including extending the deadline The state will also change course The DESE has previously offered For purposes of the SEI by two years, counting “category requirements for pre-service teachers SEI teachers “category” training endorsement, the core academic training” toward the requirement and will require teachers who don’t in how to teach ELL students. Last subjects are defined as Civics and and allowing teachers to use all SEI fall under the “core academic subjects” summer, the Department of Justice Government, Early Childhood, training PDPs to meet license renewal requirement to receive 15 professional found significant shortcomings in the Economics, Elementary, English, mandates. development points in ELL instruction training and determined that the civil History and Geography, Language and another 15 in special needs rights of ELL students were being Arts, Mathematics, Reading, Science, Further information about instruction in order to renew their violated. and SPED — Moderate and Severe the requirements is available on licenses after July 1, 2014. In response, the DESE has created Disabilities. the Department of Elementary and The plan is a response to a this new initiative, which is dubbed Among the many questions raised Secondary Education’s website at finding by the U.S. Department of RETELL, for Rethinking Equity by the MTA and its members are: http://www.doe.mass.edu/retell/. Justice that Massachusetts educators and Teaching for English Language n Will the professional Testimony submitted by the MTA have inadequate training in how to Learners. Under this proposed development be provided free by the is posted on the MTA website, teach ELL students under the state’s initiative, teachers of core academic state? www.massteacher.org. Paid Advertisement GLBT Issues ENGAGE, MOTIVATE, and EDUCATE Committee the 21st-Century Learner is recruiting marchers Master of Education Learning and Instruction Specialization
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Complementing these themes are seven areas of focus: The members of the MTA’s Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Issues • Adult and Organizational Learning • Math Committee are actively recruiting • English Language Learning • Science fellow educators and supporters to • Literacy • Technology march with them in the Boston Gay • Leadership Pride Parade on Saturday, June 9. The parade steps off at noon in the Offering online and on-campus courses as well as flexible enrollment options, South End of Boston. MTA members this program allows you to study where and when it’s convenient for you. will gather between 11 and 11:30 a.m. near the starting line on Tremont Street. Check the association Learn more: Call 1.877.668.7727 or visit website, www.massteacher.org, as the www.northeastern.edu/cps/MED-LI parade date draws near for specific information about a meeting location. For more information, please contact MTA GLBT Issues Committee Chairwoman Bernadette Marso at 508.753.8359 or by e-mail at [email protected].
April/May 2012 9 Education survey’s Lawmakers grapple with budget decisions participation rate By Sarah Nathan and universities. Most of the increase formula. In March, the members of tops 50 percent for public higher education, $49 the Joint Committee on Education ust over half of the state’s ey decisions about funding million, was designated for collective sent legislation supported by the MTA 84,000 teachers and for public schools and the bargaining reserves. and a long list of other education administrators — 42,331, to be K Commonwealth’s public Reduced revenues and the fallout organizations to a study committee for J higher education system will be made from the nationwide recession continue the remainder of this legislative session. precise — took a state-administered survey on teaching, learning and in the weeks ahead. to present challenges for elected Meanwhile, the MTA is still leading conditions in their schools. As MTA Today went to press, the leaders making decisions about what to working to further legislation that Schools in which more that 50 House of Representatives was debating cut and what to fund. would pave the way for a non- percent took the survey will receive the fate of a $32.3 million spending In recent years, the state’s public traditional union for early education the results. plan for fiscal 2012-2013 that had been colleges and universities have faced teachers and staff working at centers TELL Mass — the Teaching, prepared by the chamber’s Ways and drastic funding cuts. In concert serving some of the neediest children Empowering, Learning and Means Committee. The committee’s with the MTA’s Higher Education in Massachusetts. Efforts are focused Leading Massachusetts survey budget, released on April 11, included Leadership Council, MTA leaders on advancing House Bill 1671: An Act — was commissioned by the $4.15 billion for K-12 education and and lobbyists were actively pursuing to Improve Quality in Early Education Massachusetts Department of $1 billion for public higher education. amendments to the Ways and Means Care Centers; that measure was sent to Elementary and Secondary Like Governor Deval Patrick, budget to increase both state aid a study committee by the members of Education as part of the state’s who released his budget proposal for public higher education and the Joint Committee on Public Service. federal Race to the Top grant. earlier in the year, the Ways and scholarships for students by 5 percent. The House was expected to decide It was developed by the New Means Committee called for additional The MTA is also backing efforts on its final budget plan by the end Teacher Center, which is the funding for Chapter 70 state aid for to give faculty and staff a seat at the of April. Following House action, same organization the MTA K-12 education and for public higher table and a strong voice in decisions the Senate will consider its spending commissioned to create a similar education. about the mission and future of all 15 proposal. The governor, House and survey in 2008 called MassTELLS. The budget proposed by the Ways community colleges in the state. Senate have until June 30 to reach an The goal of TELL Mass was to and Means Committee for the new Despite a recent setback in the agreement on the state budget. provide teachers and administrators fiscal year, which begins July 1, sought Legislature, the MTA also continues For updated information on with a chance to anonymously offer about a 4 percent increase in state aid to pursue alternative ways to get a the state budget and the MTA’s their views about the conditions for public schools and a 5.7 percent full and complete adequacy study legislative priorities, please visit in their schools. Subjects included increase in funding for public colleges of the Chapter 70 education funding www.massteacher.org.
educator perceptions on curriculum Paid Advertisement alignment, class size, the availability of technology, parental involvement, the quality of professional development and whether there is our degree is clo . an atmosphere of mutual respect and y ser than ink.. trust in the school. you th Teachers and administrators who receive the results are expected to use them to reflect on what is working well and what can be improved in their schools. A number of schools and districts made changes in practices and policies as a result of the 2008 survey, and it is hoped that even more will do so after this round, now that they are familiar with the process. MASTER OF EDUCATION and LICENSURE PROGRAMS Education Commissioner Special needS (Moderate or Severe) and applied Behavior analySiS Mitchell Chester asked all schools to participate and informed district autiSM and applied Behavior analySiS | reading and literacy leaders that participation was eleMentary education | accelerated Secondary licenSure mandatory in Race to the Top districts. When some school leaders online, on campus, or at a regional teacher center in your area failed to distribute the pass-codes that educators needed to take the For more information, contact Marge Silvestri | 978.232.2776 | [email protected] survey, the MTA successfully lobbied the DESE to change its policy and allow teachers to Van Loan SchooL of
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10 April/May 2012 ‘Unconference’ offers unique learning experience By Meg Secatore presenting at a conference,” he said. “Even after a decade in education, here will be no keynote speaker, I know I still have a lot of room to no plenary session. No requests grow as a teacher,” Callahan wrote in T for proposals and no poster a recent blog post. “The unfortunate presentations. Workbooks and handouts? reality, though, is that most of the No and no. There will not be a schedule state- or district-provided professional of workshops. development has been woefully But when educators gather for inadequate at actually helping me the “Unconference” at the MTA’s to improve my practice. I know Summer Conference in Williamstown, better than most what I need to work organizers promise a unique profes- on and the things I need to learn sional development experience. Based about. I don’t think it’s too much to on the popular EdCamp model, MTA’s demand opportunities for the kind of Unconference will take place on professional development that will Tuesday, Aug. 7. Photo by Meg Secatore actually lead to that.” Participants will gather in the Diana Marcus, left, Laura D’Elia and Dan Callahan of the Burlington “EdCamp is organized,” said morning to brainstorm over topics for Educators Association are coordinating MTA’s first Unconference. Laura D’Elia, librarian at Pine the day and to build a schedule based instructional technology specialist at international, with EdCamps held or Glen and a coordinator of the MTA on shared interests. (Picture a bulletin Burlington’s Pine Glen Elementary planned for Santiago, Dubai, Hong Unconference as well as EdCamp board with a timeslot grid and lots of School and a member of a group of Kong, Stockholm and many other U.S. Boston. “It’s organized around sticky note ideas.) Philadelphia educators who came up and global locations. your passion! Keeping that alive is If you choose a session that does with the EdCamp idea in 2010. From At EdCamp, you need to step up important to your career. We’re about not meet your needs, the EdCamp that seed, 21 EdCamps sprouted in and take charge, Callahan explained. what you’re about.” philosophy says it’s OK to leave and 2011. It’s an empowering experience for the “I think the biggest difference look for another conversation. People By May 2012, 102 will have educators formerly known as the PD with an unconference is that people used to “sit and git” professional been held, according to the newly audience. are there voluntarily,” said Diana development may need to make some formed EdCamp Foundation, which “I’m really proud that EdCamp Marcus, a fifth-grade teacher at Pine adjustments, said Dan Callahan, an Callahan chairs. The movement is now is some people’s first experience Glen, president of the Burlington local GSE Ad_Layout 1 11/2/11 7:33 PM Page 1 and the third member of the MTA Paid Advertisement Unconference coordinating team. She likens the unconference experience to those unscheduled and unscripted moments that occur whenever educators get together — the deep conversations and networking that often add up to the best takeaway from a traditional conference or professional development day. “It’s an opportunity to share ideas, trade experiences and delve into a subject that really interests you,” Marcus said. “The connections you make with people who have similar At the Graduate School interests are one of the most valuable assets of going to an unconference.” of Education, you can: As chairman of the EdCamp Foundation Board, Callahan spends a lot of time on the road visiting • Become an elementary or secondary school teacher new programs. New organizers will sometimes ask him if he’d like to • Continue your professional development through speak and maybe officially open the an advanced degree online The Standard of Excellence event. But he stays true to the EdCamp In Teacher Preparation • Join one of our three research-focused doctoral philosophy and tells them: “This is your degree programs EdCamp and we’re all equals here.” University of Massachusetts Lowell The Unconference will be offered We offer Graduate Certificates, M.Ed., Ed.S. Graduate School of Education as a full- or half-day option during (previously CAGS) and Ed.D. degrees. 61 Wilder St., O’Leary 510 Lowell, MA 01854-3098 MTA’s Summer Conference and is 978.934.4601 open to any conference registrant Visit our website, www.uml.edu/education, www.uml.edu/education from any level of education. Watch or contact us at edoffi[email protected] http://massteacher.org/summer beginning May 4 for further developments. April/May 2012 11 Photos by Bob Duffy Leaders are readers! Millions of adults and students throughout the nation celebrated their love of books on Read Across America Day. The event, sponsored by the NEA, was held on March 2 and commemorated what would have been the 108th birthday of children’s author Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Above, MTA President Paul Toner reads The Lorax to a first-grade class at the Andrew Peabody School in Cambridge that includes his son, Jack. At right, MTA Vice President Timothy Sullivan takes the “Reader’s Oath” with students at the Frederick C. Murphy Primary School in Weymouth. SAVE THE DATE 11th Annual MTA Retired Members Gathering Thursday, September 27 | Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough
Registration materials will be available by mid-July on the MTA website, www.massteacher.org DON’T BE LEFT OUT!
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12 April/May 2012 NEA president calls for collaborative approach
By Sarah Nathan He challenged those critical of unions to offer up substitute plans for ollaboration is vital to resolving issues. addressing the challenges “I don’t believe that those who C facing our public schools, think that collective bargaining doesn’t NEA President Dennis Van Roekel told work have a better alternative,” Van the crowd during a recent appearance Roekel said. “Collective bargaining is at the Harvard Graduate School of a way to resolve differences. It doesn’t Education. mean that it always goes well, but it is Silver bullets and one-size-fits-all a process that allows two sides to sit solutions don’t exist, Van Roekel said, down and talk. but teachers, administrators, parents “We have a responsibility to and others can all sit down together change the system,” he added. “The in their communities and figure out status quo is not acceptable, and we what is working and what is not as cannot remain where we are as a they design effective systems for the nation. If we only play defensively and students in their schools. aim to stop all the bad ideas, we’ll stay Change, he told the Harvard where we are. audience on April 3, is absolutely “That’s not a choice,” he added. necessary. “We need to figure out a different way “We have to set aside petty to help our kids.” differences and battles and work Photo by Sarah Nathan Van Roekel said he encourages together to find ways to give our kids “The status quo is not acceptable,” NEA President Dennis Van Roekel union leaders to reach out to different what they need,” he said. “We have to told a crowd at the Harvard Graduate School of Education on April 3. groups in a new way. decide together what we believe are the He suggested that union leaders union’s initial ideas, he advised, don’t “We need to view partnerships two or three most important things to start by seeking out common ground give up. differently than we have in the past,” change what is happening to kids. If we with other education stakeholders. If “Work your way down the ladder” Van Roekel said. “If we only talk to don’t do that, we are not living up to administrators or school committee until you can find a mutual starting the people we agree with … it is a very our responsibility as a union.” members are not responsive to the point, Van Roekel said. small world.”
Special election is set to fill two CRC vacancies special interim election is being held for two seats A on the MTA Candidate Recommendation Committee. Vacancies have been declared in the new Congressional District 3 and the new Congressional District 4. The committee is responsible for If “someday” the recommendation of candidates for state and federal office. seems far away... The election procedure provides that vacancies that occur in the period between regular election cycles may be filled by votes of the current committee members. The terms of the two interim members who are chosen will Study your retirement options so you don’t get left behind. commence immediately upon election You help your students prepare for the future. But are you preparing for yours? and end on March 14, 2015. Anyone seeking a seat must live in the district to MetLife Resources is here to help you take control of your fi nancial future and be represented. prepare for the “ifs” in life. Eligible members interested in For an appointment, contact Randy Feid, Regional Managing Director at running should contact Diane Foley MetLife Resources, at 508.870.1925, ext. 1725, or [email protected]. of the MTA Division of Governance by calling 617.878.8217 or e-mailing [email protected] to request a nomination form/bio-statement grid. The form and statement of not more
MetLife offers various products and services to MTA members through the MTA Benefi ts program. MTA Benefi ts receives a sponsorship fee from MetLife in connection with its endorsement of its products and services. than 100 words must be received by MetLife Resources is a division of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. L0511179408[exp0613][All States][DC] MLR19000235038 ©2011 PNTS 1112-4554 June 1. April/May 2012 13 Higher ed units reach agreements
By Sarah Nathan ‘In these difficult economic times, knowing that we will required to close the budget gap,” LeBlanc added. “MTA lobbyists receive periodic pay increases for the next two years is a ew two-year contract deals and leadership will work diligently good thing. We can now turn our attention to other higher with periodic pay increases to attempt to secure funding of education policies.’ have been successfully these contracts before the end of the N — HELC Chairman and MCCC President Joseph LeBlanc negotiated for all MTA higher legislative session.” education members. In addition to the APA and the The majority of the agreements units, whose members earn step MTA’s Higher Education Leadership MCCC, the units affected by the will go into effect on July 1. increases, include 1.5 percent Council and president of the MCCC, contracts include the Classified Staff Most of the contracts, bargained increases as of July 1 and three said he welcomed the chance to work Union at UMass Boston, the Classified by MTA higher ed leaders and staff subsequent 1.5 percent increases. on other issues of importance to MTA and Technical Union at UMass Lowell, with employer representatives from Two MTA unions, the Association faculty and staff members. the Massachusetts State College the UMass Board of Trustees and the of Professional Administrators and the “In these difficult economic times, Association, the Massachusetts state Board of Higher Education, were Massachusetts Community College knowing that we will receive periodic Society of Professors and Faculty Staff finalized in recent weeks and have Council, are on different contract pay increases for the next two years is Union at UMass Amherst and UMass been overwhelmingly ratified by their cycles than the other units. APA and a good thing,” LeBlanc said. “We can Boston, the Massachusetts Society members. MCCC members will both receive now turn our attention to other higher of Professors at UMass Lowell, the The latest round of bargaining was the same initial 1.75 percent pay education policies. We have a range Maintenance and Trades Union at done on a relatively short timetable. increases and three subsequent 1.75 of issues that I hope we can focus on UMass Lowell, the Professional Staff The agreements now await funding percent raises over two years. The instead of going from crisis to crisis.” Union at UMass Amherst and UMass through the legislative process. contract for APA members will go into When asked about the legislative Boston and the University Staff The contracts reached by MTA effect retroactively, since the current process, which has been long and Association at UMass Amherst. unions representing faculty, librarians agreement expired on Dec. 31. drawn out in past years, LeBlanc Another higher ed unit, the Grant and professional staff include 1.75 The MCCC contract is scheduled said, “We have every indication that and Contract Funded Employees percent increases as of July 1 and three to begin on July 1, 2013, when the our elected leaders will support our Association at UMass Lowell, is subsequent 1.75 percent increases. agreement currently in place expires. contracts. expected to settle its contract shortly The new agreements for MTA With negotiations completed, “The Legislature is in a challenging on similar terms, though without the members represented by classified Joseph LeBlanc, chairman of the position, given that some cuts are still need for state funding.
Liston named to retirement board
TA Retired member Richard schools,” Liston said. “I view the Your travel partner Liston has been selected opportunity to serve on the MTRB M to fill a vacancy on the very seriously and look forward to for lifelong learning Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement working with all MTRB members.” Board. Liston joins fellow MTA members Liston was chosen for a four- Karen Mitchell and Dennis Naughton year term on a vote by the six other and former MTA President Anne Wass members. on the MTRB. The board administers He has been an MTA and NEA the Massachusetts Teachers’ activist throughout his 40-year career Retirement as a special education teacher in the System and Everett Public Schools, where his wife, is composed Cheryl, was also a special education of seven teacher. members. Liston worked tirelessly for 27 Members years as the president of the Everett vote on every Teachers Association. He currently disability represents MTA Retired members retirement on the MTA Board and is the co- allowance, chair of the MTA Retired Members investigate MTA members Committee; he has also served on all claims for • Tours to all seven continents SAVE $150 the MTA Executive Committee. At accidental • Round-trip air transportation on more than the national level, he was an NEA and ordinary • Expert local Tour Directors 100 tours Richard Liston director for six years and was on the disabilities, • Best Price Guarantee NEA’s Resolutions Committee for 12 establish years. rules and regulations and oversee “I have always had a strong the dissemination of services and commitment to both quality public information to more than 88,000 active 1-888-466-2849 education for all students and to all educators and 55,000 retirees and goaheadtours.com/mta educators who work in our public survivors. R 19, G67, B100 HEX: 134364
14 April/May 2012 Stand adopts bare-knuckled tactics
Continued from Page 3 ‘great teachers, great schools,’” Toner Stand came to Massachusetts ‘Public education is not about bumper continued. “It’s about Stand building a in 2003 as a grassroots organization sticker slogans. It is about the hard work name for itself and raising even more mainly focused on school funding. of going into classrooms every day and money at the expense of a quality The MTA worked with Stand in the education for our students. early years and encouraged members educating our students.’ “The MTA stands for teachers to do the same. Since then, Stand has who stand for students,” Toner said. changed its focus and tactics. — MTA President Paul Toner “Our members have devoted their Donations from corporate professional lives to standing with foundations and wealthy executives given by national Stand Director Jonah their throats the same way pension students, parents and community may be responsible for some of the Edelman at a conference last summer reform had been jammed down their groups for what is best for public shift. Major donors include executives in which he claimed credit for pushing throats six months earlier.” Although education. Public education is not from Bain Capital, where Mitt through legislation under which, Edelman subsequently apologized for about bumper sticker slogans. It is Romney was a partner, and the Walton among other changes, the length of the his comments, the organization has about the hard work of going into Family Foundation, established by school day and year were no longer continued to shift its focus away from classrooms every day and educating the notoriously anti-union founders of subject to collective bargaining in funding and toward promoting a raft of our students. Walmart. Chicago. changes that affect teacher bargaining “Please join in the effort to defeat “It is simply wrong that corporate Edelman boasted in the talk, rights in the name of so-called reform. this ballot petition,” he concluded, executives who have little or no “And so essentially what we did in Toner commented, “The MTA urging members and others throughout experience working in our public a very short period of time was shift has proven again and again that the state to understand what is at stake schools have so much power over the balance of power. And I can tell teachers are not obstacles to change and act accordingly. education policy, leaving teachers, you there was a palpable sense of and genuine reform. But we are also administrators and school committee concern, if not shock, on the part of clear that educators need to be the For materials and more members out of the discussion,” said the teachers’ unions in Illinois that architects of reform, not the objects of information on the Stand initiative — Toner. (House) Speaker Michael Madigan it. Stand is trying to do its own brand including fact sheets, court documents Stand’s new bare-knuckled had changed allegiance and that of ‘reform’ to us, and that is deeply, and a video of Edelman’s remarks practices and anti-union attitude were we had clear political capability to deeply offensive. concerning unions — please visit disclosed in a frank videotaped talk potentially jam this proposal down “This ballot initiative is not about www.massteacher.org/stand.
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16 April/May 2012 MTA Retired activist now leads legislative team By Jo Ann Fitzgerald constituents, and he has found the ‘Taking the first step is always information provided by MTA to be TA Retired member Neil invaluable in his efforts. Clarke taught middle hard, but we will continue to The teams were instrumental in M school math in Lee for 34 reach out, one person at a time.’ the recent Massachusetts Teachers’ years before retiring. In addition to Retirement Board Election. making sure his students had strong — LPAT Coordinator Neil Clarke “Getting the word out to our math skills, Clarke found the time to members about the importance of that work for better working conditions and election was extremely important,” benefits for his colleagues, serving as with the MTA community about “Elected officials and their Clarke said. “The increase in those president of his local association and legislative issues that matter to appointees make decisions that returning their ballots shows that if our in elected MTA positions. educators and recruit other MTA impact teachers, faculty, staff and members are contacted and know the As a retiree, Clarke continues to members to become involved,” Clarke our communities,” Clarke said. “It is issues, they will respond.” advocate for educators, students and said. important that we all make our voices Clarke recently joined 73 other others who live in the Commonwealth “Retired members are excellent heard.” activists and Senate district coordinators by serving as a district coordinator members of LPATs because of their Like others in his generation, at a training session where participants for the MTA Legislative and Political experience as educators and because Clarke is open to learning from all discussed building work-site Action Team in the district represented of the flexibility in their schedules,” he members, including those who have communication structures, legislative by Senator Benjamin Downing, a added. recently entered the profession. issues and the importance of adequate Democrat. PreK-12 and higher education “Every community and school state revenues. Currently there are The MTA has established LPATs members — including education district has its own culture and way of about 700 member activists across the in most state Senate districts and is support professionals, teachers, faculty accomplishing things,” he noted. “The Commonwealth, and legislators have working to create teams in the others. and professional staff — join their LPATs work within those cultures to already met with 537 MTA members. LPAT members are charged with retired colleagues on the teams. All strengthen our relationships with our “There’s a place for everyone educating, organizing and mobilizing work together to empower members, legislators.” in our LPAT structure,” Clarke said. MTA members and others around a strengthen relationships with each As a coordinator, Clarke has had “Teamwork is crucial to our success. pro-public-education agenda. other and with legislators and advocate the opportunity to lobby on a variety Taking the first step is always hard, “LPAT members lobby legislators, for the MTA’s legislative and political of important issues. He has found but we will continue to reach out, one map out action plans, communicate agenda. that legislators are eager to hear from person at a time.”
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April/May 2012 17 A worldwide perspective on public education By Kerry Costello Attending an international convention focused on education uilding the Future through and union issues was an energizing Quality Education was the experience. It also served to remind us B theme of the sixth World that regardless of our battles at home, Congress hosted by Education many of our colleagues across the International in Cape Town, South globe experience dire conditions that Africa. And the 1,600 delegates all we can barely imagine. did their part to help make the goal a The recipient of one award was reality. forbidden to attend the congress by EI represents 30 million her government. I conversed with a teachers and other education workers delegate who had once been jailed worldwide and holds its convention because he was a teacher and therefore every four years. Delegates considered a subversive. Other representing six continents were on delegates experienced denial of visas, hand for the congress in July. Standing up for public education at the EI Congress in South Africa are, and EI had to intervene on their behalf. The event was opened by South from left, Len Paolillo of the Massachusetts State College Association, The seventh EI World Congress African President Jacob Zuma, who Gerry Ruane of Malden, Jim Rice of the MSCA, Kerry Costello of Andover will be held in Canada in 2015. urged all present to strengthen their and Robert V. Travers, Jr., of Cambridge. Although an international destination resolve to aggressively pursue a bright democratic approach of our unions. to the power of social networking,” even for us, it presents an affordable future for all children. The NEA played a prominent Stocks remarked. He then discussed option to be an active participant in EI President Susan Hopgood role in the congress in Cape Town. Education Votes, which is NEA’s an international education experience. reiterated the organization’s NEA Executive Director John Stocks multi-faceted campaign to aggressively Members should not hesitate to commitment to securing resources gave a keynote address. His theme fight such assaults. explore this exciting opportunity. in every country to provide a revolved around the threat to unions In addition, the delegates paid Kerry Costello, president of the more balanced educational system worldwide, and he used the attacks on tribute to former NEA President Reg Andover Education Association, is also worldwide. “EI will use our expertise collective bargaining in Wisconsin as Weaver for his years of service to EI, a member of the MTA Board. To obtain to review recent developments in his key example. The initial phase of and current NEA President Dennis Van more information about EI, e-mail her global education policy and debate best that campaign “really opened my eyes Roekel was elected vice president. at [email protected]. practices to recruit, prepare and support Paid Advertisement teachers and other education employees to deliver effective quality public education for all,” Hopgood said. The NEA sends the largest Graduate and Continuing Education delegation, based on our membership. The NEA president appoints delegates framingham.edu/dgce | 508.626.4550 and official observers who serve as alternates when needed. The MTA was represented in South Africa by me and four other members: Len Paolillo and Jim Rice of the Massachusetts State Summer Sessions College Association, Gerry Ruane of Get your license Malden and Robert V. Travers, Jr., of start May 21. Cambridge. What was most surprising Register Now! to many new attendees was the structure Unlock your future of EI and how it conducts business, which is very different from the way Master’s programs, graduate certi cates, and an Online Professional Development Center things proceed at the NEA RA and the MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates. for Educators = Endless Possibilities! The president of the delegation A ordably priced. Conveniently scheduled. Lots of online options. casts votes for a slate of officers, and all delegates support floor votes that are decided in advance of the business Master of Education: Literacy and Language (I) (P) Graduate Certificates: Professional Development: sessions. Art (P) Mathematics (P) Human Resource Management One-Credit Online Courses for Resolutions and bylaws are done Curriculum & Instructional Nutrition Education (online) Instructional Technology Educators (22.5 PDPs, $169, by committee, although floor debate Technology (I,online) Spanish (P) Proficiency (online) June 25–July 20) Early Childhood Education (P) Special Education (I) Merchandising (online) is allowed. New business — which Educational Technology (online) STEM Nutrition Education (online) (I) = Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure is a favorite of NEA affiliates such as (P) = Leads to Professional Teacher Licensure the MTA at our annual meetings — is Elementary Education (P) The Teaching of ESL (I) STEM Education English (P) Licensure varies by program. Please contact not allowed to be brought forward to the Division of Graduate and Continuing History (P) Education for further clarification. the floor by an individual and must be Phone: 508.626.4550 Email: [email protected] vetted for approval by a committee. Speaking for myself, I much prefer the
18 April/May 2012 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s Senate candidate to address members
By Sarah Nathan regulatory agencies, including the Department of ‘Elizabeth Warren has the right Labor Relations. enate candidate Elizabeth Warren will values and vision to stand up for The Annual Meeting will introduce herself to MTA members during the educators and students in Congress.’ officially be called to order at association’s upcoming 167th Annual 12:30 p.m. on May 11. The S — MTA President Paul Toner Meeting of Delegates. session will include new business Warren, a Democrat, has been endorsed by the items, a proposed resolution and NEA’s Political Action Committee, The NEA Fund, Also Saturday morning, Adam William Gray, a a proposed bylaw change, as well based on the advice of the MTA’s high school math teacher in Boston who was named as a keynote address titled “The Candidate Recommendation the 2012 Massachusetts Teacher National Political Landscape.” Committee. She is seeking to of the Year, will receive an The speech, to be delivered Joanne Goldstein unseat Republican Senator Scott award. by Joyce Powell, a member of Brown in what will be one of the MTA Friend of Education the NEA Executive Committee most closely watched races this awards will be given to retiring and a special education teacher from New Jersey, election season. Control of the U.S. Representatives John Olver is intended to give delegates a better understanding U.S. Senate could be at stake. and Barney Frank. of the anti-education and anti- “Elizabeth Warren has the Olver, a former chemistry worker groups that currently right values and vision to stand Elizabeth Warren professor at UMass Amherst, exist in America. The request to up for educators and students will be recognized for his efforts Adam William Gray provide MTA members with the in Congress,” said MTA President Paul Toner. “She on behalf of working families. information was outlined in a understands the issues facing teachers because she During his 21-year career in Congress, Olver has new business item passed at the was one. Elizabeth Warren recognizes just how fought to increase workers’ rights and benefits, expand 2011 Annual Meeting. important good educators are to the future of our access to affordable health care Also on Friday, leadership families, our communities and our country, and she and improve education and job reports will be delivered by will fight to create new opportunities for all of our training. Olver, who represents President Toner, Vice President Joyce Powell students, from preschool to graduate school.” the First Congressional District, Tim Sullivan and Executive While most people know that Warren is a law has fought for adequate funding Director-Treasurer Ann Clarke. professor at Harvard University, Toner said, few for students and public schools. The Saturday business session will take up people know that before she went to law school He also has advocated for cutting the proposed MTA budget for 2012-2013, as well she worked at a public elementary school in New interest rates on college loans as other subjects. The MTA Board of Directors, Jersey teaching special needs students. Having a U.S. and increasing the amount of aid following recommendations by the Executive senator with a teaching background, Toner added, available through Pell Grants. John Olver Committee and the Advisory Budget Committee, will be a huge benefit to teachers, education support Frank, who has represented will propose annual dues of $450 — a $4 increase. professionals, higher education faculty and staff and the Fourth Congressional District since 1981, has Recommended dues for education support others working in public education across the state. earned national attention for his work on the House professionals are the following: For secretaries, “Education is at the core of investing in our Financial Services Committee clerks and custodians, they are $255; and for aides, future and building a strong middle class,” Warren and as an advocate for civil food service workers and others, they are $128. said on Feb. 9, the day the NEA Fund endorsed rights. The Board is also recommending a $5 increase in her candidacy. “For years, I have worked to level Massachusetts Secretary the annual assessment for the Public Relations/ the playing field for middle-class families, and I of Labor and Workforce Organizing Campaign budget, which would restore will continue the fight to ensure both students and Development Joanne Goldstein it from $25 to its prior level of $30. teachers have the tools they need to succeed here in will be presented with the This year, the MTA Human & Civil Rights Massachusetts.” MTA Friend of Labor Award. Awards Dinner will not take place at the start of
The Annual Meeting will begin on Friday, May Goldstein, a former labor Barney Frank the Annual Meeting. Instead, it will take place 11, and end on Saturday, May 12. It will be held at lawyer and chief of the on Friday, June 22, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Hynes Convention Center. Warren will address attorney general’s Fair Labor Division, oversees Natick, on the eve of a meeting of the MTA Board the delegates early on the meeting’s second day. the Commonwealth’s five labor and workforce of Directors.
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April/May 2012 19 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, May 10 Saturday, May 12 2 – 4 p.m. Hynes Ballroom Pre-Function Area, 3rd Floor 8 a.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor MTAB Sponsors’ Registration Business Session Doors Open
2 – 4 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor 8 – 11 a.m. Hynes Rooms 304-306, 3rd Floor MTA Candidate Booth Registration Delegate and Non-Delegate Registration
8 – 11 a.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Friday, May 11 Election: Polls Open
8 – 9:30 a.m. Hynes Ballroom Pre-Function Area, 3rd Floor 8 – 11 a.m. Hynes Ballroom Pre-Function Area, 3rd Floor MTAB Sponsors’ Registration MTAB Sponsors’ Booths
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Hynes Plaza Level, Main Lobby 8 a.m. – Noon Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor Emergency Medical Technician Information Booth/Message Center
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hynes Rooms 304-306, 3rd Floor 8 a.m. – Noon Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor Delegate and Non-Delegate Registration Boston Concierge Service Desk
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor 8 a.m. – Adjournment Hynes Rooms 301, 302, 303 and 305, 3rd Floor Retirement Consultations Caucus Rooms
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hynes Ballroom Pre-Function Area, 3rd Floor 8 a.m. – Adjournment Hynes Plaza Level, Main Lobby MTAB Sponsors Emergency Medical Technician
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor 9 a.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor MTA Candidates’ Booths Business Session Reconvenes
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor 9 – 9:30 a.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor Boston Concierge Service Desk Presentation of Awards
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hynes Rooms 301, 302, 303 and 305, 3rd Floor 10 a.m. (Approximately) Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Podium) Caucus Rooms Saturday Final Deadline: New Business Items without Budgetary Implications
10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor 10:55 a.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Information Booth/Message Center Admittance/Briefing of Observers
11 a.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Business Session Doors Open Election: Polls Close
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Bylaws and Rules Committee Table) 11 a.m. Sheraton Boston Hotel and Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers Final Deadline: Submit Proposed Amendments to the Standing Rules Hotel Checkout
Noon – 12:20 p.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. – Noon Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) MTA Chorus Election Tabulation
12:30 p.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hynes Ballroom Pre-Function Area, 3rd Floor Business Session Convenes Dismantling of MTAB Sponsors’ Booths
4 p.m. on Sheraton Boston Hotel and Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers 11:15 a.m. – Adjournment Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor Hotel Registration for Local Presidents Non-Delegate Registration
Prior to Recess Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Podium) 11:15 a.m. – Adjournment Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor Friday Deadline: New Business Items without Budgetary Implications Late Delegate Seating
Prior to Recess Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Podium) 12:15 p.m. (Approximately) Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Podium) Final Deadline: New Business Items with Budgetary Implications Election Results Announced
Prior to Recess Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Resolutions Committee Table) 1 – 1:30 p.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Final Deadline: Proposed Resolutions Runoff Election: Polls Reopen (if Necessary)
6 p.m. (Approximately) Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor 1:25 p.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Business Session Recesses Admittance of Observers (if Necessary)
6 p.m. Sheraton Boston Hotel and Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers 1:30 – 2 p.m. Hynes Room 311, 3rd Floor (Voting Area) Hotel Check-in for Delegates Runoff Election Tabulation (if Necessary)
6 – 7 p.m. Hynes Room 301, 3rd Floor 2 p.m. Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor (Podium) Resolutions Committee Meeting Runoff Election Results Announced (if Necessary)
6:15 – 7 p.m. Hynes Room 302, 3rd Floor 3 p.m. (Approximately) Hynes Ballroom, 3rd Floor Candidate Speeches for Contested Seats: Retired Members Committee Business Session Adjourns 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hynes Boylston Street Hallway, 3rd Floor Dismantling of MTA Candidates’ Booths
20 April/May 2012 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s
BUSINESS SESSION AGENDA
Friday, May 11 Saturday, May 12 The Saturday Session Lasts through Adjournment with No Lunch Break 1. Call to Order (12:30 p.m.) Paul Toner, President, Presiding 23. Call to Order (9 a.m.) 2. Pledge of Allegiance 24. Announcements Tim Sullivan, Vice President Paul Toner, President 3. “The Star-Spangled Banner” 25. Adopt the Supplemental Credentials Report MTA Annual Meeting Chorus Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee 4. Moment of Remembrance 26. Presentation of the MTA Special Recognition for the Recipient 5. Announcements of the 2012 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award Paul Toner, President Adam William Gray, Boston Latin School 6. Adopt the Preliminary Credentials Report (Quorum) 27. Presentation of the 2012 MTA Friend of Education Awards Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee Barney Frank, Member of Congress, Fourth District, 7. Adopt the Order of Business Massachusetts, and John Olver, Member of Congress, 8. Act on Proposed Amendments to the MTA Standing Rules First District, Massachusetts Gary Gilardi, Chair, Bylaws and Rules Committee 28. Presentation of the 2012 MTA Friend of Labor Award 9. Act on Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting Joanne Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development of May 13-14, 2011 29. Greetings 10. Report on Certified Candidates Elizabeth Warren, MTA/NEA Recommended Candidate Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee for the United States Senate 11. Act on a Proposed Amendment to the MTA Bylaws 30. Act on Proposed New Business Items with Budgetary Implications Gary Gilardi, Chair, Bylaws and Rules Committee 31. Act on the Recommendations of the MTA Board of Directors on the Annual Budget in Two Parts from Which the Annual 12. Presentation of the Grant for the MTA Red Sox Reading Game Dues Will Be Determined for FY 2012-2013 13. Video — “Year in Review” Tim Sullivan, Vice President and Chair 14. MTA Leadership Reports of the Advisory Budget Committee a. Paul Toner, President, and Tim Sullivan, Vice President a. Presentation and Discussion of the b. Ann Clarke, Executive Director-Treasurer Recommended Operating Budget 15. Greetings b. Act on the Annual Operating Budget Tom Gosnell, President, AFT Massachusetts c. Presentation and Discussion of the 16. Act on Proposed Resolutions Public Relations/Organizing Campaign Budget Diana Marcus, Chair, Resolutions Committee d. Act on the Proposed Public Relations/Organizing 17. Keynote Address: “The National Political Landscape” Campaign Budget Joyce Powell, NEA Executive Committee Article IV, Section 1C of the MTA Bylaws: 18. Act on Proposed New Business Items “…The adoption of the budget will automatically 19. Report and Video on the Public Relations/Organizing Campaign determine the annual dues for active members Tim Sullivan, Vice President and Co-Chair of the rounded to the next higher dollar amount.” Public Relations/Organizing Campaign Committee 32. Video — “MTA/NEA Retired Membership” 20. Adopt the Supplemental Credentials Report 33. Adopt the Results of the Election Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee 21. Statewide Candidate Speeches (if Necessary) 34. Act on Additional Proposed Resolutions (if Necessary) 22. Recess Diana Marcus, Chair, Resolutions Committee 35. Adopt the Results of Any Runoff Election (if Necessary) Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee 36. Adopt the Final Credentials Report Election waiver Maurice Bracken, Chair, Credentials and Ballot Committee If the number of candidates is equal to or less than 37. Act on Proposed New Business Items without Budgetary Implications the number of positions to be filled, elections may 38. Remarks by the President-Elect and the Vice President-Elect be waived and the candidates declared elected to the 39. Announcements and Points of Personal Privilege positions in question. 40. VOTE Giveaway 41. Adjournment
April/May 2012 21 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s Toner runs for re-election as MTA President
y name is Paul Toner and I am a candidate for President of the Massachusetts M Teachers Association. I am running for re-election as MTA President because I believe that I am the best and most prepared person to lead MTA through the highly challenging times that we continue to face as a profession, a union and a nation. My years of experience as MTA President, MTA Vice President, an MTA Board member, local president in Cambridge, a middle school social studies teacher, a lawyer and a public school parent have prepared me to lead our state association. As MTA President, I have had the honor of working with our Vice President, Tim Sullivan. Together we have worked tirelessly with our Executive Committee, the MTA Board of Directors, local and chapter presidents, the MTA staff and other statewide unions and progressive organizations to protect well-earned rights at the local collective bargaining MTA President Paul Toner addresses a large crowd during a rally in support of workers’ rights. table, at the State House and in the media. We have fought hard to preserve what many of our veteran In addition to being a strong union and voice and members from around the Commonwealth and retired members achieved over decades of union for the middle class, I believe the MTA must also include: activism. be the voice of our profession and public education. n Promoting a positive public image of My vision of the MTA is as a union of Many others in the public arena claim to speak on educators, our union and the profession. professional educators serving two equally important behalf of public education and the best interests of n Developing partnerships with community functions. our students and members. Those others may be self- groups that support public education and unions. First, as the largest labor union in the proclaimed education experts, but we are the true n Giving real teachers a voice in setting Commonwealth, we are a proud voice for workers’ experts. Our strength lies in that expertise and in our education policy. rights, collective bargaining, due process in the united voice. n Protecting collective bargaining rights. workplace, improved compensation and benefits, We must all work together to make our n Continuing to work for higher pay for ESP human rights and social justice. As a local collective voice heard over those of the think tanks, members. president, I fought hard on behalf of teachers, policymakers, politicians and media. Change in n Fighting to increase revenues to support public paraprofessionals, administrators, clerks and education is all around us, and we must position education and public services. substitutes to protect their contractual rights and ourselves to lead the conversation for positive n Reducing the reliance on part-time faculty on improve their salaries. I successfully chaired teams change in order to improve our schools and support our college and university campuses. that negotiated 15 collective bargaining agreements our students. Where there are issues to be addressed, n Making Massachusetts number one in state and filed, presented and resolved hundreds of such as significant achievement gaps between our fiscal support for public higher education as a share grievances. I truly understand the demanding nature student populations, we must not shy away from of personal income, instead of number 48. of being a local or chapter president, and I thank these challenges. We must be the agent of positive n Controlling spiraling healthcare costs while those of you who hold these posts for all that you do changes to improve public education, and we must maintaining access to quality care. on behalf of our members. present our models of teacher-led change. Teachers’ n Repealing the Government Pension Offset and As MTA President, I have supported our unions are not the problem; we have the solutions. the Windfall Elimination Provision. members and our local leaders as you face the MTA and your locals have had some very tough n Increasing the cost-of-living allowance on daily challenges of defending our members and battles over the past few years. In these challenging state pensions. our contracts. I have worked to maintain MTA’s economic times, we have many more battles before n Maintaining a defined-benefit pension plan for position as the leading labor organization in the state us. More than ever, we must be vocal and proactive our active members. and to be a strong advocate for public education in promoting our agenda for advancing the interests n Reducing special education paperwork. employees. I have stood in opposition whenever of our students and our members. We must be These battles can only be won by collective those in government have espoused policies that are the leading advocates for increasing revenues action. As your MTA President, I am proud and detrimental to our rights. If, as some critics claim, and resources for our schools, campuses and honored to have had the opportunity to have led teachers’ unions and their contracts are the problem, communities. you for the past two years. I will welcome the why has Massachusetts — one of the most highly As President, my main priority will be to opportunity to lead you in these important battles for unionized states in the country — been number continue to work with each and every one of you the next two years. one in the nation on the National Assessment for to move our members to greater mobilization and We have a lot of work ahead of us. We need Educational Progress in reading and math for four collective action. I want to organize and mobilize to continue the fight for our members and public years running? Teachers’ unions are not the problem; members across the state around the issues they face education. I ask that you join me in this fight and we have the solutions. And I will continue my efforts daily in their classrooms and on their campuses. give me your vote on Saturday, May 12, at the MTA to assert our positions. Those issues I’ve heard in discussions with leaders Annual Meeting of Delegates.
22 April/May 2012 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s Sullivan seeks second term as Vice President y name is Timothy D. Sullivan and I am he or she is an ESP, a teacher, an administrator, or running for re-election to the office of a higher ed member — who should be the standard M Vice President of the Massachusetts bearer of public education. I believe the MTA is at Teachers Association. I am seeking re-election a critical point where we need to remain true to our because of my passion for the fundamental values of core union values while continuing to remain open unionism and professionalism and my commitment to the possibilities of collaboration that have the to preserving them. I have demonstrated this potential to change education policy for the good of commitment during my tenure as your Vice President. our members and the students of the Commonwealth. I believe that my association experiences at When I became your Vice President two years the state, county, local (Brockton), and national ago, I could not have imagined the significant levels have prepared me well for the continued challenges that the organization would face. I’m not challenges that await the MTA and our students. In sure anyone could have predicted that in “union- my current capacity as MTA Vice President, I serve friendly” Massachusetts we would be confronted as chairperson of the Advisory Budget Committee with changes to pensions, health care, teacher and as co-chair of the Public Relations/Organizing evaluation and seniority. Now, more than ever, is the Campaign Committee. Both of these positions have time to use our collective power to defeat those who afforded me an opportunity to work on issues that seek to harm us and to work with those who are truly affect all of our members each and every day. My interested in partnering with us for the betterment of focus as a leader has always been, and will continue Full Capacity Locals, now is the time to use our our profession. As a result of our recent challenges, to be, on our members, who are the core reason for collective power to its fullest. We must meet head- the MTA has emerged as a strong and rational voice our existence. on those who seek to diminish our voices and our for unionism, education reform and the profession. Throughout my tenure as MTA Vice President, profession. On a personal note, my wife, Joyce, and I are I have focused on our mission. The MTA mission We must harness our common expertise by public school graduates (K-12 and higher ed) and statement reads, in part: “The MTA promotes the use continuing to put our own imprimatur on education the proud parents of Timmy Jr., a fifth-grader in the of its members’ collective power to advance their reform, thereby sending a message to the political Weymouth Public Schools. professional and economic interests.” With MTA’s establishment that we insist that our collective voice I ask for your consideration and your vote. emerging focus on our Strategic Action Plan and be heard. After all, it is the practitioner — whether Thank you! Alternative nomination process is available under MTA Bylaws rticle VII, Section 2B(2), of Committee prior to the close of the of Delegates. The candidate(s) must then to the close of the first business session, the MTA Bylaws provides first business session. file the nomination papers with the chair the chair of the Credentials and Ballot A for an alternative nomination d. The committee will certify that the of the Credentials and Ballot Committee Committee will present a supplementary process for President and Vice President nomination papers comply with through the podium assistant at the (amended) report of the committee by at the Annual Meeting of Delegates: the requirements in Sections 2B(1) podium prior to the close of the Annual reading into the record the names of those a. Nomination papers may be obtained b, 2B(2)b and 2B(2)c of the MTA Meeting. who have requested nomination papers at the Annual Meeting from the Bylaws. Upon certification, the for President and/or Vice President. Executive Director-Treasurer. candidate’s name will be placed on he Credentials and Ballot The Credentials and Ballot b. Nomination papers must be signed the ballot for the office sought. Committee will process the Committee will ensure that the names by 200 of the registered delegates A candidate who has not previously T nomination papers for certification of all certified candidates for President with the same limitations as filed papers can obtain nomination in accordance with the established and/or Vice President will appear on the described in Section 2B(1)b of the papers from the Executive Director- procedure and will certify the papers if ballots. Sufficient space will be available MTA Bylaws. Treasurer or his/her designee at the they are in compliance with the MTA on the ballots to allow for the names of c. Nomination papers must be filed podium after the opening of the first Bylaws. certified additional candidates under the with the Credentials and Ballot business session of the Annual Meeting As the last item of business prior supervision of the committee.
Guidelines for caucuses, admittance, new business items and reaching delegates aucus Rooms will be available on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hynes Rooms 301, budgetary implications will be considered in the order in which they are received but before other 302, 303 and 305 on the third floor. On May 12, these rooms will be available from 8 New Business Items without budgetary implications. C a.m. to the end of the Business Session. Sign-up sheets will be available at each room. Reservations must be made in advance for peak hours, which are Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 Other New Business Items without budgetary implications may be submitted during the p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. For further information, contact Jill Luci at 617.878.8320 or meeting up to the end of the first hour on Saturday morning (by approximately 10 a.m. on May [email protected]. 12). These may be considered during the meeting in the order in which they are received. The cooperation of the delegates in observing these timelines is appreciated. For information, contact New Business Items submitted to the President in the MTA Boston office by 5 p.m. on Mary Ann Alfond at 617.878.8213 or [email protected]. Monday, May 7, will be distributed to the delegates at registration and commence to be considered at the Friday session. New Business Items with budgetary implications should be submitted either Messages for delegates who are hotel guests should be left with the Sheraton Boston Hotel by the Monday prior to the Annual Meeting (May 7) or no later than prior to the conclusion at 617.236.2000 or Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers at 617.426.2000. The special line for use of business on Friday (May 11) at the Annual Meeting so that they may be acted upon prior to by families to contact delegates during Business Session hours for medical emergencies only is adoption of the annual budget and the dues for FY 2012-2013, which will occur Saturday morning. the Hynes Medical Emergency Line: 617.954.2111. The Business Session doors in the Hynes A new business item with budgetary implications is defined as any activity or action that would Ballroom, which is on the third floor, will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and at 8 a.m. on Saturday. result in an additional expenditure of more than $1,000 by the MTA. New Business Items with Admittance at all times requires a proper badge.
April/May 2012 23 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s Election waiver applies for director seats TA President Paul Toner and MTA Vice President Timothy Sullivan are running M unopposed for re-election at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Delegates, and all candidates for the Board of Directors have been declared elected under the association’s election waiver. Toner and Sullivan are seeking two-year terms. Their candidate statements appear on pages 22 and 23 of this issue of MTA Today. The election waiver in the MTA Bylaws provides that if there is only one candidate for an open Board position, District 1A District 9B District 10B the election will be waived and the candidate is declared Ginger Armstrong Robert P. Becker Leonard Zalauskas elected. Terms on the Board last for three years and begin Lee Wachusett Regional Worcester July 1. The president and vice president take office on July 15. The candidates declared elected because of the election waiver are as follows.
District 1A: Ginger Armstrong, Lee. District 9B: Robert P. Becker, Wachusett Regional. District 10B: Leonard Zalauskas, Worcester. District 35C: Beverly Saccocia, Bridgewater-Raynham. District 42C: Joan Dillon, Harwich. District 14D: Rosemary Jebari, Framingham. District 35C District 23F District 19G Maria P. Gray Christine Colbath-Hess District 28D: Maryann Ziemba, Millis. Beverly Saccocia Pentucket Cambridge District 32D: Lynn Howard, Weymouth. Bridgewater-Raynham District 30E: David Cuzzi, Walpole. District 23F: Maria P. Gray, Pentucket. District 25F: Brendon Sullivan, Saugus. District 19G: Christine Colbath-Hess, Cambridge. District 44H: Candace Shivers, MCCC. District 46H: Dan Clawson, MSP-Amherst. At-Large Director to Represent Ethnic-Minority Membership: Susan Douglass Baker, Falmouth.
There are no candidates in Districts 7B and 47H. District 46H At-Large Dan Clawson Susan Douglass Baker Note: Candidates who supplied photos are pictured with MSP-Amherst Falmouth this article. The biographical statements of Board candidates who supplied them appear below and on page 25. Board candidates’ biographical statements
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1A BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 9B
Ginger Armstrong, Lee Robert P. Becker, Wachusett Regional Essential to education is bringing professional voices to issues. I’m As a classroom teacher for 25 years and as an active member in my excited to represent District 1A on the Board. I have worked outside local association for much of that time, including being President, I education, held teaching positions around Berkshire County, and been feel that I have both the experience and the knowledge to continue to Treasurer and President in Lee. I live in West Stockbridge with my represent 9B. I would very much appreciate your consideration. Thank husband and have three children in college. you.
24 April/May 2012 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s Board candidates’ biographical statements
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 35C BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 28D
Beverly Saccocia, Bridgewater-Raynham Maryann Ziemba, Millis Board of Directors, 35C, MTA; liaison paraprofessional to BREA I’m a sixth-year H.S. social studies teacher and my local’s Vice Executive Board member; Workplace Equity Committee — MTA; President. I’ve served as building representative, participated in member, MTA statewide ESP Committee; co-chaired NEA RA State negotiations, attended Annual Meetings, advocated for union and public Contact Subcommittee, 2006-2010; Emerging Leaders’ Program education legislation as a PAL, and presented at JFNT and summer graduate — Williamstown; NEA RA mentor, 2007-2011; BREA building conferences as an active member of the New Member Committee. representative; member, Personnel Selection Committee — MTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 32D BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 30E
Lynn Howard, Weymouth David Cuzzi, Walpole I am the head teacher at the Murphy School. I have been involved with I have been involved in the MTA for the past 13 years. During that time many committees in my district and in the community. I feel that my I have served as a building representative, secretary and, for the past two experiences will help me to make the important decisions that the MTA years, as the president of my local. Most recently I have been filling a Board of Directors must make. I would greatly appreciate your vote. vacated Board seat in District 30E.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 23F BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 19G
Maria P. Gray, Pentucket Christine Colbath-Hess, Cambridge Given the many challenges facing today’s educators, membership on the I have represented the CTA since 1999 and have been president since MTA Board of Directors is both a humbling and important opportunity. 2009. Attended Annual Meeting since 2006 and NEA RA since 2008. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues concerning current Active in NEA and MTA PD committees. I want to work with you to educational and legislative changes and initiatives, working on behalf of keep MTA a strong leader in our profession. I would appreciate your our members and serving my MTA district and region. vote.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 44H BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 46H
Candace Shivers, MCCC Dan Clawson, MSP-Amherst My name is Candace Shivers, and I am asking for your vote for District For too long the MTA has been playing defense. We need to be pro- Director. I am currently serving on committees on the local, statewide active in promoting our own vision, such as quality free public higher and national levels. Now I would like to serve you as District Director. education. Our actions should always be bottom-up, relying primarily Thank you in advance for your vote. on rank-and-file educators.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT-LARGE / ethnic minority
Susan Douglass Baker, Falmouth I am Susan Douglass Baker. I have served as your At-Large Director representing ethnic minorities for the past three years. I am asking for your vote to continue my work as a member of the Board. I strive to serve you. Please re-elect me to the Board. Thank you.
April/May 2012 25 2 0 1 2 M T A A n n u a l M e e t i n g o f D e l e g at e s One new MTA resolution is recommended
TA Resolutions are the association’s Directors. To become an official position of the The MTA strongly supports paraprofessionals statements of principle on issues relating MTA, a resolution must be adopted by the delegates being provided with high-quality professional M to members, public education, the welfare at the Annual Meeting. development to ensure that they have the knowledge, of students and human and civil rights. New Resolution D-17, printed below, has skills and ability they need to assist and educate the Resolutions may be submitted by any member to been approved by the Resolutions Committee and students who are assigned to them. the Resolutions Committee by the second Friday in unanimously supported by the Board of Directors. Furthermore, the MTA believes that January. paraprofessionals should be informed about the They also may be submitted by the end of D-17 Professional Development and Access to educational goals of their students and should receive business on Friday at the Annual Meeting of Information for Paraprofessionals all relevant information needed to help their students Delegates. In addition, the committee may propose meet those goals. resolutions. The Massachusetts Teachers Association All resolutions submitted are considered by recognizes that paraprofessionals play a critically For a copy of all current resolutions, go to the the committee, and those submitted by the January important role in supporting the education of MTA website, www.massteacher.org, and search for deadline are also brought before the Board of students in our public schools. “Resolutions.”
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE MTA BYLAWS PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE MTA STANDING RULES
PRESENT TEXT PROPOSED NEW TEXT PRESENT TEXT PROPOSED NEW TEXT Bold and Italic Portions Show Revisions Bold and Italic Portions Show Revisions
1. Proposal to Amend the Quorum Count 1. Proposal Relative to Closing Debate
ARTICLE IX ARTICLE IX RULE 6 RULE 6 Delegate Meetings Delegate Meetings Order of Business and Debate Order of Business and Debate
Section 4. Quorum Section 4. Quorum Section 12. New Section 12.
The number of members to constitute a quorum of the The number of delegates to constitute a quorum of the No Present Text No delegate speaking in debate may move the previous delegates shall be one fifth (20 percent) of the total delegates shall be 350 delegates who are registered question. number of delegates entitled to be present. and attending. (Renumber remaining sections) (Effective immediately upon adoption) SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED BY: Mary J. Gilmore, MTA Retired Mary J. Gilmore, MTA Retired Kim Auger, Everett Teachers Association Millie Ficarra, Weymouth Teachers Association MTA BYLAWS AND RULES COMMITTEE: MTA BYLAWS AND RULES COMMITTEE: Recommends Adoption (9-0) Recommends Adoption (6-3) MTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Recommends Adoption: (54-0) Recommends Adoption: (53-1)
IMPACT STATEMENT: IMPACT STATEMENT:
This amendment would change the quorum of the In keeping with past practice, this amendment would delegate assembly from one-fifth (20 percent) of the prevent a delegate from moving to close debate while total number of delegates entitled to be present to a speaking to the motion on the floor. specified number (350) of delegates who areactually registered on site and attending. For the 2011 Annual Meeting of Delegates, the quorum count was 556 (20 percent of the 2,778 delegates entitled to be present). Six candidates seek seats on Retired Members Committee
This amendment would reduce the number of delegates Four vacancies — two-year terms commencing July 1, 2012; numbers reflect ballot lottery order required to have a quorum. 1. Gerard “Gerry” Ruane 4. Stephen E. Gorrie
2. Paul V. McLaughlin 5. Gladys W. Durant
3. Nancy Mickunas 6. Francis J. Leary, Jr.
26 April/May 2012 A n n u a l R e p o r t o f t h e E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r - T r e a s u r e r We must continue to make our union stronger
reat unions are built on strong foundations. efforts to improve the way locals and chapters It is a long list and an impressive one — and They are flexible, powerful and capable bargain with education employers. as someone who has dedicated her heart and soul to G of pursuing ambitious goals — but as they n We have put together a multi-pronged the MTA for more than three decades, I can look on move forward, they adhere to the firm principles that approach to battle the Stand for Children ballot it with satisfaction. Yet that feeling is mixed with underlie true organizational integrity. petition, which threatens our public schools in impatience and the gnawing knowledge that those We have kept that understanding front and numerous ways. sharks I mentioned earlier continue to circle below center throughout the year as we have worked to help n We are running community organizing us with every intent of destroying the safety net for all students succeed, close the achievement gap and programs in the state’s gateway communities. children and families, public education at all levels, support our communities in every possible way. n We have lobbied constantly to gain or hold unions, decent health care for people who aren’t It is a perspective that has been the guiding ground for members in working conditions, salaries, wealthy, and many other things that have made the force of our legislative, policy, political and benefits and other areas that are vital to recruiting United States a great country. So now is a good communications and retaining first-rate educators. time to turn toward what we have yet to achieve, as programs. Moreover, n We have continued organizing early childhood opposed to our many accomplishments in the months it has been at the employees. just passed. core of our campaign n We have begun or continued important projects under the Strategic across many disciplines, developing website toolkits uilding, strategizing and restructuring Action Plan to on critical subjects, putting together model contract all have a common purpose — one we continuously reinforce language, training members of Full Capacity Locals B must adhere to with energy, dedication the underpinnings and naming a task force to examine distance and and perseverance if we are to meet the towering of the MTA, our online learning. challenge we face today as an organization and as locals and our n We have held a highly successful series of individuals. In just the next few months, we will chapters as we move regional presidents’ meetings and all presidents’ have to make gains as the legislative session draws forcefully toward a meetings, providing opportunities for the robust to a close on Beacon Hill, fully engage in a political model that relies on exchange of opinions, information sharing and campaign that will in large measure determine organizing, member training. our nation’s future, fight a heightened media war, empowerment and n We have grown membership in our Legislative contend for adequate revenues for public education broad participation Ann Clarke and Political Action Teams to about 700, conducted and other vital services, and deal with countless while also continuing Executive Director-Treasurer meeting after meeting with state representatives attacks and unforeseeable occurrences. to provide first-rate and senators and helped elect MTA activists to the What will we do to win what we must? services through every division. Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board. n First, I am counting on all who read this to Indeed, we sometimes feel as though we are n We have helped shape public opinion and think hard about what is at stake on Election Day. fixing our airplane — I dare say reconstructing it — highlight members’ accomplishments through It is crucial that MTA members play a large role in while flying over a body of water filled with sharks. newspaper and broadcast interviews, MTA Today re-electing President Barack Obama, supporting The good news is that our work is as exciting stories, an expanded presence on social media, U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren and and worthwhile as it is challenging — and it is legislative testimony, sponsorships, advertising, making sure pro-education candidates will be all dedicated to ensuring that tens of thousands of advocacy days and rallies. serving in the Massachusetts House and Senate as students have the best possible chance to succeed not n We have provided excellent and far-reaching 2013 dawns. only in our schools and on our campuses, but also in legal services on behalf of members; in fact, I do not n The MTA must continue to organize, organize, life. And it never hurts to point out, as we often do, hesitate to say that our Supreme Judicial Court brief organize. We recognize that our members are that MTA educators are having a substantial impact seeking to have the Stand initiative removed from the incredibly busy, but only through the continued in keeping Massachusetts public schools number one ballot is one of the best such filings I have ever seen. strengthening of our union and our coalitions can we in the nation. n As part of our aggressive move toward digital truly and fully represent the interests of our students We need to take great pride in that, and communications, we have launched an overhaul — which is why we entered the education profession we should all realize the many ways that our of the MTA website, which is beginning with an in the first place. organization — composed of members, leaders and attractive new homepage that includes slideshows, n We need to ramp up our campaign to make our staff working together — has not only supported videos, calendars and many other features, as well voices heard in every area. We will move forward the interests of students and democracy, but helped as up-to-the-minute news and an array of advocacy with our Education Ambassadors project, and we create a brighter future for our state. materials. expect to soon see the results of our collaboration n We have led the development of initiatives that n We have conducted top-notch conferences with VIVA Teachers — the letters stand for Voice will maintain and improve the quality of our schools, — drawing record crowds in some instances — to Ideas Vision Action — to improve education in urban colleges and universities, including an innovative provide training for all types of members, including communities. new educator evaluation system and a campaign to higher education faculty and staff, ethnic minority n We have to ensure that Massachusetts residents raise state revenues for education and other vital educators, new educators, education support from Pittsfield to Provincetown understand that services. professionals and retirees. educators’ working conditions are students’ learning n During a phenomenally difficult economic n We have run another highly successful season conditions and advocate accordingly. This calls period, we have united to negotiate the best possible of the MTA Red Sox Reading Game and continued for telling the education story, which is our story as contracts and to improve policies for the students other efforts to help students in ways large and it relates to the stories of the students we teach. in our schools and our higher education system; in small, including giving out funds through The It demands that we join our lobbyists in the State addition, we are now seeking grants for progressive Massachusetts Child charity. Please turn to We/Page 28
April/May 2012 27 A n n u a l R e p o r t o f t h e E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r - T r e a s u r e r We are more than equal to the challenges that face us
Continued from Page 27 with intent and reach its destination with appropriate long-term priorities even as we meet short-term House in seeking adequate resources and passing speed. goals. specific bills, participate in the Revenue Campaign, Horace Mann, the Commonwealth’s first That will happen if we support one another in all back up our bargaining teams, join MTA LPATs, secretary of education, offered this thought way that we are doing and celebrate our noble purpose, push ahead with the Full Capacity Local program, back in 1846: “Having no other mines to work, which is to inspire every student at every possible enlighten our friends and neighbors about what Massachusetts has mined into the human intellect; turn. It will not come to pass unless we continue to is happening in public education, speak at public and, from its limitless resources, she has won more build the MTA so that it speaks ever more powerfully meetings, send e-mails and postcards and write sustaining and enduring prosperity and happiness for a great public education system that serves every letters and op-eds. than if she had been founded on a stratification of child. There is more, of course; the list could go on silver and gold, reaching deeper down than geology I, for one, believe we are more than equal to the for pages and it still would not encompass every has yet penetrated.” challenge. obstacle we face as we confront the ever-expanding Mann’s assertion holds as true now as it did A longer version of the Annual Report of the array of right-wing ideologues, deceptive media then — and it remains a call to action for educators, Executive Director-Treasurer, including sections on mills and moneyed interests that together serve as parents, opinion leaders and everyone else in our the work of each MTA division and department, is a front for stealth attacks on families and students. state. It tells us as MTA members that to succeed included in the 2012 Delegate Handbook. The full But it all comes back to making sure the airplane on behalf of our students and help public education report is also posted in the members’ area of the MTA we are building in mid-air can remain on course, fly thrive, we must make sure we stand ready to address website.
Human & Civil Rights Awards Dinner Reservation Form MTA’s Friday, June 22 6 – 6:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception The Verve | Crowne Plaza 7 p.m. – Dinner Human & Civil Rights Natick 8 p.m. – Awards $60 per person. Awards Dinner Evening attire is suggested. Name: ______Local Association: ______Will Be Held on June 22 Membership ID#: ______Address: ______The Verve I Crowne Plaza | Natick City: ______State: ______ZIP:______Work Phone: ______Home Phone:______Since 1983, MTA’s Human Relations Committee has reviewed E-mail Address for Confirmation: ______and selected nominees for the Annual Human & Civil Rights Awards. The Human & Civil Rights Awards Dinner, attended by educators from Tickets X $60 = Total Due: $_ across the state, honors MTA members and others who have put their lives, employment or professional careers on the line in defense of human and By Check: civil rights. Honoring those who dedicate themselves to equality for all has Make Check Payable to: Massachusetts Teachers Association. become a proud organizational tradition for MTA. Mail to: MTA Meetings, 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108.
By Credit Card: Online Registration: Fill out Credit Card Information Below. www.massteacher.org/hcr Please Check: q MasterCard q Visa You can also use the form at right. Name on Card & Card Number: ______Billing Address for Card: ______Deadline for event Registration is Friday, June 15. City: ______State: ______ZIP:______Telephone reservations will NOT be accepted. Expiration Date:______Phone Listing for Card: ______
28 April/May 2012 MTA members are urged to choose whether they want to get Obituaries MTA Today in print or receive a link by e-mail when the magazine Lillian Ahokas, 89, of Hyannis. is posted on the MTA website Was an elementary teacher in Barnstable, retiring in 1984. March 4. MTA Today provides important news about your association, as well as vital information on leadership opportunities, professional development, member benefits, politics, policies that affect your school or campus, and much, much more. Claire R. Berthiaume, 86, of Shrewsbury. Taught in Northbridge and As the result of a vote by the delegates to the 2009 MTA Annual Meeting, you then in Framingham, where she was a are being asked to decide whether you want to receive hard copies or be To sign up, you will need your MTA department head for 20 years. Jan. 14. notified by e-mail when the magazine is posted on the MTA website. MTA Today membership card or an issue of Lawrence J. Boyle, 87, of Making your selection is simple, so please do not delay. that was mailed to you as a member: Quincy. Taught in Stoughton, And don’t worry! You can change your mind at any time about whether Go online to: Hingham and at the Broadmeadows you want to receive printed issues or be notified by e-mail when MTA Today www.massteacher.org/mymtatoday Junior High School in Quincy, is posted. retiring in 1986 after 36 years in the profession. Feb. 24. Cynthia “Sissy” Cosmo, 71, of North Grafton. Was a kindergarten teacher in Worcester for 38 years and a curriculum specialist, spending her career at Union Hill School before retiring in 2000. Also was responsible for establishing alternative programs in Worcester. Feb. 15. Robert F. Crowley, 74, of Groveland. Was a teacher and guidance counselor at Norwell Junior High School in Norwell. Jan. 10. Barbara C. Cushing-Geary, 89, of Hingham. Taught in Rockland, Hingham and Braintree for many years. Feb. 12. Harriet “Jimmie’ M. Dowler, Long-Term Care insurance 96, of Springfield. Taught kindergarten and first grade in Westfield Public Schools and served as art director and lets YOU choose the best a supervisor in the West Springfield Public Schools, retiring in 1972. March 6. direction for your future George W. Evans of Mattapoisett. Taught marketing, merchandising As you seek to secure your financial future, you need to plan today for the certainty and salesmanship at Fairhaven High of older age and the health challenges that accompany it. School. Feb. 29. Claire Hatfield, 77, of I Will you be able to choose where and how you receive care? Springfield. Taught Latin and English in Chicopee at both the elementary and I What protection is there for your assets and savings when high school levels for 30 years, retiring health care bills start to arrive? in 1995. Feb. 19. I How can you prepare to pay the $75,000 annually for care – Marilyn Higgins, 57, of the national average for 24-hour care in a nursing home?* Belchertown. Taught in the Belchertown schools for more than 25 That’s the role of Long-Term Care insurance – the smart, years and coached for many seasons at realistic way to plan for the unknown. Belchertown High School. Noe O. Medeiros, 65, of New MTA LTC plans provide affordable, quality solutions Bedford. Was a teacher at Ford from major insurance providers that will work Middle School in Acushnet until his specifically for you. retirement. Feb. 8. Peter S. Sarno, 87, of Revere. To find out more, visit www.mtabenefits.com. Served as principal and football coach at the Paul Revere School and Revere Competitive Plans Offered 888.646.1972, ext. 3015 High School. Jan. 8. MTA Benefits Dr. Charles R. “Chuck” Wilcox, MTA Member Discount Available 20 Ashburton Place 62, of Beverly. Taught at Salem State Boston, MA 02108-2795 University and was employed by the *John Hancock “Cost of Care Survey,” conducted by CareScout 2008 www.mtabenefits.com Department of Mental Health. Feb. 20.
April/May 2012 29 Good Reasons to Belong to MTA/NEA Retired YOUR ORGANIZATION the NEA Retired Annual Meeting and the NEA Retired MTA RETIRED MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Regional Conference. The Massachusetts Teachers Association is your For decades, MTA has led the way for most of the organization. It gets its strength from 110,000 key legislation enacted to improve benefits for MTA members and from its national affiliation with MTA BENEFITS retired members. the National Education Association, which has more MTA Benefits, a wholly owned subsidiary of the MTA believes that our members should have than 3 million members. MTA, can help you make the most of your retirement a financially sound retirement upon the Your membership in MTA Retired and NEA Retired years. MTAB provides members and their families completion of active employment. gives you the ability to keep abreast of educational, with a vast array of competitive programs in political and legislative issues. MTA and its members auto, homeowners and dental insurance; reverse MTA serves as a strong advocate for its dedicate significant resources to working to maintain mortgages; and credit cards. MTAB also provides retired members through MTA’s Legislative and improve the benefits of retired members. discounts on travel, hotels, car rentals and a wide Program. Through organized political action range of items you purchase every day. under the auspices of MTA, your concerns CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT Your MTA Retired card provides discounts at about COLAs, Social Security, pension more than 250,000 cultural, recreational and As a member of MTA Retired and NEA Retired, you benefits and improving the standard of living entertainment attractions and locations nationwide. will participate in the governance of your union. for retirees are actively addressed. For more information, call 800.336.0990 or log You will help elect two retired members to the MTA on to www.mtabenefits.com. MTA’s Division of Governmental Services Board of Directors and one retired member to the provides research on, and testimony for, MTA Executive Committee — members with full COMMUNICATIONS maintaining and improving post-retirement voting rights. benefits. The MTA Retired Members Committee meets Receive information of special interest to retired throughout the year to provide a forum for retired members through MTA Today, NEA Today, the MTA Governmental Services has five registered members to address and pursue issues of concern. Reporter, This Active Life and other publications. lobbyists who advocate for active educators Eight MTA Retired members are elected to the MTA Receive timely updates by e-mail on matters relating and retired members. When MTA lobbyists Retired Members Committee by the MTA Retired to pension and retirement from both Beacon Hill speak to legislators, legislators know that delegates to the MTA Annual Meeting. and Capitol Hill as a member of the MTA Retired they represent 110,000 members. In addition, MTA provides some financial support e-lert system. NEA and MTA maintain websites for MTA Retired delegates to the MTA Annual with valuable information for retired members: Meeting, the annual NEA Representative Assembly, www.nea.org and www.massteacher.org.
GOOD Select Membership Options: REASONS TO BELONG TO Membership Form MTA/NEA RETIRED MTA Retired Annual $30 MTA Retired and NEA Retired MTA Retired Life $345 MTA Retired Age 80+ $0 MTA Member ID # and NEA Retired Annual $25 Name NEA Retired Life $200 until 8/31/12 Address NEA Retired Life $250 after 8/31/12 City total enclosed $ State ZIP ( ) Tear off this form and send it with a check for the appropriate amount, Telephone made payable to the MTA, to: E-mail Membership Accounting ( ) Fax Massachusetts Teachers Association You can also join online 20 Ashburton Place Estimated Date of Retirement by visiting: Boston, MA 02108 www.massteacher.org Prior Local Association
There are 110,000 good reasons to belong to MTA Retired— the 110,000 women and men who make up the strongest force for public education in Massachusetts.
30 April/May 2012 Have you missed Regional retirement Building B, Lynnfield; 781.246.9779, or at consultations available home, 978.372.2031; fax, 978.372.2035. an issue? PITTSFIELD — Ward F. Johnson: second Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. The MTA conducts retirement 20 Ashburton Place, Boston; 617.878.8240 to 1 p.m., MTA Berkshire Office, consultations throughout the state to or 800.392.6175, ext. 8240. 188 East St., Pittsfield; 413.499.0257, assist members. Proof of membership or at home, 413.443.1722; e-mail: BRAINTREE — Mary Hanna: second must be submitted when requesting [email protected]. retirement services. This schedule Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. is in effect from September to June, to 1 p.m., MTA Metropolitan Office, 100 RAYNHAM — Sandra Stephenson: third except in the Boston office, which Grandview Road, Braintree; 781.380.1410, Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. is staffed during the summer months or at home, 781.545.2069. to 1 p.m., MTA Southeast Office, 90 New and school vacations. In the event of State Highway (Rte. 44), Raynham; CAPE COD — Lawrence Abbruzzi: second inclement weather, it is advisable to 508.822.5371, or at home, 508.747.2234; Saturday of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to call consultants in advance. e-mail: [email protected]. Edward 1 p.m., Barnstable Teachers Association Nelson: fourth Saturday of each (BTA), 100 West Main St., Suite #7, Hyannis; ASHBURNHAM — Robert Zbikowski: month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 508.775.8625, or at home, 508.824.9194. second Thursday of each month MTA Southeast Office, 90 New (walk in), 4 to 8 p.m., Overlook Middle HOLYOKE — Ron Lech: third Saturday State Highway (Rte. 44), Raynham; School library, front entrance, of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 508.822.5371, or at home, 508.853.5769. 10 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham; MTA Western Office, 55 Bobala Road, 978.827.1425, or at home, 978.297.0123; Higher education At-Large — Suite 3, Holyoke; 413.535.2415, or at home, e-mail: [email protected]. Edward McCourt, Massachusetts 413.566.3039. Bay Community College, Wellesley; Find back copies AUBURN — Louise Gaskins: first and LYNNFIELD — Mary Parry: third and fourth 781.239.2207; e-mail: second Saturdays of each month Saturdays of each month (walk in), 9 a.m. to [email protected]. of MTA Today (walk in), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MTA 1 p.m., MTA Northeast Office, 50 Salem St., Central Office, 48 Sword St., Auburn; online! 508.791.2121, or at home, 978.448.5351. Note: If you or your association would like to have a retirement workshop at your BOSTON — Harold Crowley: Tuesdays, school, your local president should call Harold Crowley at 800.392.6175, ext. 8240. Wednesdays and Thursdays (by Please be aware that the MTA does not have a record of your service, so members appointment only), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., MTA, are advised to bring that information along to meetings.
April/May 2012 31 MetLife gives you more reasons to feel comfortable. As a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, you now can have access to a specially designed MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) with many advantages: • Lower costs with negotiated fees that are typically 15%–45% less* than the average fee charged by dentists in the same community when you visit a dentist in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP). • Freedom of choice to visit any dentist or keep the one you feel comfortable with, whether or not the dentist is in the MetLife PDP network. • More service, less paperwork and fewer worries, with easy access to pre-treatment estimates, real-time claims processing** and 24-hour customer service by phone, fax or online. • A commitment to your oral health means educational tools and resources that help you and your dentist make informed choices. For more information about your dental plan options through MetLife or to enroll, contact: MTA Benefits: 800-336-0990 / www.mtabenefits.com Karen Nagle: 877-705-6390 / [email protected]
*Savings from enrolling in the MetLife PDP Program will depend on various factors, including how often participants visit the dentist and the cost for services rendered. **Transactions are in real-time except when systems are undergoing scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or interruption. Like most group accident and health insurance policies, MetLife dental insurance policies contain certain exclusions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10166. © 2012 MetLife, Inc. © 2012 Peanuts L0212241424[exp0513][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI] 1202-0809
April and Ryan Romano R AV I N G FA N S O F G R E E N PA R K M O RTG AG E
April and Ryan Romano April taught at the Chandler School in Duxbury.
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32 April/May 2012 Support your union! Try us first!
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EDUCATION/LICENSURE EDWARD HALLOWELL — Aug. 6-10. A Strength- VACATION RENTALS bedroom, large-living-room cottage. Kitchen area, Based Approach to ADHD across the Life Span — deck, parking for two cars. Sleeps four. $950 per week ADMINISTRATOR LICENSURE PROGRAM — If www.cape.org. CAPE COD, OCEAN EDGE RESORT, BREWSTER, in season. Call or e-mail for details: 508.865.3156 or you are looking for a district-based, cost-effective MASS. — Perfect vacation resort setting. Spacious, [email protected]. program for licensure as an administrator, consult AUREEN WAGNER — Aug. 13-17. Up and Down nicely appointed villa; spiral staircase to large loft; the website of The Education Cooperative (TEC), the Worry Hill — OCD/Anxiety in Youngsters — two baths, sleeps six. Excellent location within LITTLE COMPTON, R.I., NEAR WESTPORT, www.tec-coop.org, and click on “Professional www.cape.org. resort, steps from indoor/outdoor pools, tennis. MASS. — Fully furnished two-bedroom, one-bath Development and Licensure.” Courses are offered in Nearby beaches, shopping, bike trails and more. Cape on a peaceful laneway. Near beaches. Pets OK. Dedham in cooperation with Boston University. TRAVEL Owned/offered by MTA member, summer weekly, Available starting Memorial Day weekend weekly, off-season weeks or weekends. 413.594.4056 or bi-weekly and monthly. Also available off-season. Call M.Ed. IN STEM/M.A. IN EDUCATIONAL SUMMER TRAVEL — Durgan Travel, an award- [email protected]. 401.846.4027. LEADERSHIP — Looking to advance your winning tour operator, has a full schedule of all/mostly Initial Early Childhood/Elementary license or inclusive tours through 2012 including jet tours and CAPE COD, WEST YARMOUTH — Colonial Acres PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA — Incredible STEM expertise? Perhaps looking for an Initial cruises (domestic and international). We have the Resort on Nantucket Sound. Saturdays, 8/4-8/11, 8/11- modern ocean-view cottage private sleeps 6+. Walk administrator license? Want hybrid courses? The highest-value, best-priced tours in the industry! Group/ 8/18. Call for price and details: 781.335.6849. to beach, fishing, golf, restaurants, shopping; wireless. Norfolk County Teachers Association and Framingham leader special promotions. Call Durgan Travel at Only $800/week. Please call 813.767.3537 or e-mail State University are forming cohorts to support your 781.438.2224 or toll-free at 800.234.9959, or visit CAPE COD, ONSET — “Charming.” Four bedrooms, [email protected]. goals. Contact Judy Riley Brown at 617.733.1782 or www.durgantravel.com. 1.5 baths, Victorian. Steps away from long white-sand [email protected]. saltwater beach for swimming and kayaking. Enjoy CAPE COD, DENNIS, MASS. — Three-bedroom PLEASE ALLOW US TO BE OF TRAVEL SERVICE morning coffee on the three-sided porch, filled with house with two baths. Fireplace, living room, fully LOOKING FOR AN ACCELERATED MASTER’S — Individual/small groups: we arrange F.I.T.’s, wicker rockers and geraniums. “Seamist Cottage.” equipped kitchen and finished basement w/washer and DEGREE PROGRAM that leads to an Initial with best rates, service on jet or cruise vacations. Bonuses: second-floor deck for happy hour sunsets, dryer. Great location near beaches, golf, restaurants, license or online professional development toward a Custom groups: absolutely highest value, lowest hot outside shower, grill, kayak, “child safe” rear yard/ shopping and bike trails. All linens and bikes included. Professional license? Check out Jon L. Jenmarc, Inc. prices, flexible group leader remuneration. Call garden. July/August, $1,000/week. Call 508.295.3408 or Spring and fall weekends $350; summer weeks $1,200. (www.jonljenmarc.com) or contact Fran Garcea at Durgan Travel, Stoneham, Mass., at 781.438.2224 e-mail [email protected]. Contact [email protected]. 508.586.3574 or [email protected]. Jenmarc or toll-free at 800.234.9959. Check out our website, is in partnership with Endicott College. Onsite/hybrid www.durgantravel.com. DEER ISLE, MAINE — Spacious country house near GOOSE ROCKS BEACH, KENNEBUNKPORT, classes held in Brockton or at Stonehill College, Easton. the sea, 1.5 acres, sleeps six. Sparkling clean, three MAINE — Charming duplex just steps from the sand! TRAVEL/STUDY bedrooms, two baths. Stroll to beach, boat landing, Two to three bedrooms available. Light, bright and new TEACHER LICENSURE PROGRAM — If you have protected shoreline. Hardwood floors, fieldstone inside! Washer/dryer, dishwasher, cable TV and gas Preliminary licensure at the secondary level and are EDUCATION SEMINAR — Education in Ireland fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, Internet, three grills. Enjoy pristine beach with dining and shopping seeking Initial licensure, The Education Cooperative (six graduate credits) July 5-28. National University decks, picnic table, grill, many extras. Dogs just a few miles away. On- and off-season rates (TEC) has a program for you. Go to www.tec-coop.org of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Study aspects of the by arrangement. $1,000-$1,150/week. Details: available. Call Kathy, 207.967.4246. and click on “Professional Development and Licensure.” Irish education system and history, literature and www.hardyshillhouse.com. Call 978.283.3738 or e-mail Courses are offered on weekends and during the summer culture of Ireland. Write Barney Keenan, NUI [email protected]. WELLFLEET ROOM FOR RENT — Bedroom with at our Dedham site. coordinator, 127 Glen Road, Gorham, N.H. 03581; private bath, $80 per night. Two bedrooms with shared call 603.466.2972; or e-mail [email protected]. YORK/OGUNQUIT LINE, MAINE — Walking bath, $150 per night. Call 508.349.5848 or e-mail EMPLOYMENT The Trip of a Lifetime! distance to Perkins Cove and Marginal Way. Two- [email protected].
NEED ADDITIONAL INCOME? Could you provide room, board and tutoring for a foreign student of English in your own home (within 2 hours of Boston)? Pay from $550 per student per week. For more info, visit: http://www.HLI-HostFamilies-Boston.com Contact: [email protected]. IT’S A TOUGH ECONOMY. FOR SALE Get the most BREWSTER, CAPE COD getaway or residence for couple or single; renovated, spacious one bedroom, one bath, eat-in kitchen, lr/dr, in Sea Pines Association. out of your Beautiful private bayside beach, sunsets, pool, clubhouse, tennis, quiet neighborhood; yard, deck, hard-earned gardens, garage. Great storage, a/c, w/d, new windows/ slider. $225,000. Call 860.231.1345. dollars. PD
NORFOLK COUNTY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION You can save thousands of dollars a year. Here’s how: — Professional Development courses at reasonable prices. Offering online and onsite courses in 8 Use the MTA Benefits and Discount Directory. Get MTA discounts partnership with Framingham State University — on more than 1,000 items and services, such as mortgages, all three graduate credits. Check out NCTA’s course offerings and membership details at www.myncta.com. insurance, car rentals, travel, financial programs, jewelry, Courses open to everyone. Please e-mail Debra Barrett computers, skiing and much, much more. You also receive at [email protected] with questions. FREE admission to many museums throughout New England. FIFTH ANNUAL SUMMER STORYTELLING 8 Get discounts through Access. New from MTAB, this program INSTITUTE RETREAT in Western Mass. August 3-5 with international storyteller and certified teacher offers savings of up to 50 percent in-store or online from more Rona Leventhal. Learn the art of storytelling and than 250,000 local and national retailers. You can save at why it’s such a successful tool for motivating kids websites, stores, entertainment attractions and other locations and promoting language and learning. 20 PDPs! Call 413.586.0624 or visit www.ronatales.com. such as Sheraton Hotels, Verizon Wireless, Fandango, Blue Man Group and SeaWorld. 33rd CAPE COD INSTITUTE — June 18-Aug. 24. Twenty seven-week-long courses taught by master Check out all the ways to save every day of the year at teachers. Call 888.394.9293, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cape.org. www.mtabenefits.com.
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April/May 2012 35 v i s i t u s at : Volume 42, No. 4 April/May 2012 massteacher . o r g Official Publication of the Massachusetts Teachers Association
t w i t t e r . c o m / massteacher
f a c e b o o k . c o m / massteacher
y o u t u b e . c o m / massteacher
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Gonzalez joins MTA Red Sox reading team
By Bob Duffy “Reading opens the doors to ed Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez is swinging achievement,” for the fences on behalf of children and says Red Sox first literacy as the 2012 season opens for the baseman Adrian R Gonzalez, the new MTA’s summer reading contest. Gonzalez, who plays first base, is taking over as spokesman for the spokesman for the MTA Red Sox Reading Game the MTA’s annual following the announcement that catcher Jason summertime effort to promote the love Varitek has retired from active play. Varitek, who of books among was the team’s longtime captain, has taken the lead students. in promoting the contest for the past several years. Photo by Michael Ivins “I’m thrilled to be joining the reading game Boston Red Sox team of students, teachers and parents across the state who are part of this wonderful literacy especially pleased to be involved in the MTA’s be accompanied by an essay that explains how the initiative,” Gonzalez told MTA Today. “Reading summer reading program again,” remarked Tavares, nominee helps establish a positive educational climate. opens the doors to achievement — and programs a lifelong Red Sox fan who grew up in Winchester Those selected as MVEs will have the chance such as this one are crucial building blocks that help and now lives in Maine. to go out onto the field at Fenway Park to be greeted make the joys of books an integral part of every Public service announcements are also being by the fans, while the people who send in winning child’s life.” developed to promote the contest. essays will receive tickets to a game. Gonzalez added that it is important for students The deadline for students to make their reading This is a particularly important year for both to read during the summer, when school is not in pledges, get their entry forms signed by a parent or the Sox and Boston, since Fenway Park is marking session. guardian and send them to the MTA is July 16. its centennial. Team officials are inviting groups of The reading game — principally sponsored by MTA President Paul Toner noted that the game students and educators to visit for tours; charges apply, The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation — is open has now lasted more than a decade, inspiring tens of but special arrangements for schools are available. to all kindergarten-through-eighth-grade students thousands of students to read millions of books. “To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of in Massachusetts. Each child who pledges to read “We all know that the more children read outside Fenway Park, the team is highlighting 100 plaques nine books over the summer will be entered into a of school, the better they do in the classroom and in and displays around the ballpark,” noted the Sox’ drawing for free tickets to watch the Sox play the life,” Toner said. “The reading game is a catalyst for Scott Towers. Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Sept. 8. helping students succeed, and MTA educators are In addition, schools can book Wally the Green The names of 100 students will be chosen at proud to bring it back each summer.” Monster, the team’s jolly mascot, for assemblies and random; each will receive two tickets, as will the Toner praised Gonzalez for joining the other events. teacher of every child selected. Five of the students association’s reading team, but also expressed his will be designated as grand prize winners and will deep gratitude for the hard work done by Varitek in To learn more about the MTA Red Sox participate in a ceremony on the baseball field before recent years. Reading Game, visit www.readingmatters.org; new the game. As the game gets under way, the MTA Red Sox materials will be posted by early May. To nominate As part of the effort to highlight the literacy Most Valuable Educator program is also returning someone to be an MTA Red Sox Most Valuable effort, posters featuring Gonzalez and this year’s for another season of celebrating teachers and others Educator, send an essay of 400 words or less to contest book — There Goes Ted Williams, by who are dedicated to inspiring a love of learning. An Most Valuable Educator, c/o Red Sox Community Matt Tavares — will be sent to MTA K-8 schools MVE nominee can be a teacher, an education support Relations, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston MA 02215. throughout the state in May. One of the author’s professional, a library media specialist, a counselor, a MVE nominations must be postmarked by July 31. other books, Zachary’s Ball, was a previous reading social worker, a coach, a school nurse or anyone else For information about tours of Fenway Park and game selection. who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to school visits from Wally the Green Monster, “I’m happy to be involved with any program promote student achievement. Nominations should please go to http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/ or that encourages reading and literacy, but I am be submitted directly to the Red Sox. Each must http://redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/wally_world.jsp.
36 April/May 2012 The VOLUME 24 / NUMBER 3 / SPRING 2012 MTA Advantage
The MTA Advantage is a publication of MTA Benefits, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Teachers Association FAMILY MEMBER BENEFITS Member saves money for mother in her 90s You don’t have to be an MTA “We are taking advantage of MTAB’s family member benefits by signing up my member to save like one mother for the home heating oil discount,” ou just have to be part of an MTA member’s family. You can get MTA discounts said MTA retired member Julia Monteiro Johnson, and savings if you’re a mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, spouse or domestic former president of the Ypartner of an MTA member (active, retired or deceased). That could save you up to Dennis-Yarmouth Educators thousands of dollars a year on mortgages, auto insurance and travel, along with many other Association. “She is in her Julia Monteiro Johnson programs and services. 90s, and making ends meet gets tougher every year. This will help her “For 43 years, we’ve been designing benefits for members and their families to help them cut costs during the heating season.” achieve greater personal financial security and economic savings,” said Maryann Robinson, Johnson also gets discounts for programs she president of MTA Benefits. uses. “We changed to MTA car insurance Members are encouraged to review the family member page on MTAB’s website to understand because my sister, who works in insurance, said it was the best deal we could get,” she the extent of the potential savings. Members themselves can easily save more than the cost of commented. “That's all my husband needed their MTA dues by participating in MTAB programs. It’s exciting to know that when you to hear. It was easy to switch. My BJ’s card include family members in the calculation, you’ll find that membership can actually give you was purchased with an MTA discount, and back more than you pay to belong. For a complete listing of benefits offered to family members, we received MTA discounts on our family visit www.mtabenefits.com, and click on “Members Only” and then “Family Members.” trips to Disney World. The best savings came when I used my MTA card to buy a Bose® radio Applying for a family membership is simple. Print the application from the link on the family and CD player, which we plan to expand member page. Ask your “sponsor” (your family member who is the MTA member) to complete into a whole Bose entertainment system.” the application and send it to MTA’s Affiliate Services Division. Once it is approved, you can Johnson added that her MTA card is helpful sign up for the programs for which you are eligible. in establishing credentials when she travels.
The happy Saving money makes everyone smile. That’s why MTA Benefits, more than ever, is giving members savings on things they need every day. Whether you’re buying auto insurance or groceries, the savings really add up. Members should check out MTA’s programs first faces of MTA when they are looking for ways to curb their expenses. The benefits come along with MTA membership, so why pay membership fees elsewhere to get similar discounts? REVERSE MORTGAGES A cash option for seniors
“ ough economic times, stock market 3. Upon the homeowner’s death or sale of losses and other financial setbacks can the property, the total amount paid out, My reverse mortgage Tmake it difficult – even impossible – plus interest and fees, is due and payable ‘ for today’s seniors to stay in their homes,” to the lender. eliminated my monthly said Paul Gershkowitz, president of 4. The program offers borrowers two Greenpark Mortgage, partner in the MTA mortgage payments options for FHA mortgage insurance: Home Mortgage Program. “Many don’t have HECM Standard and HECM Saver, enough money for day-to-day living expenses and was the best thing both of which protect the lender and or the lifestyle they expected to enjoy.” borrower. The saver plan minimizes the I ever did. No more There is a smart solution, Gershkowitz noted. up-front premium, reducing the closing monthly stress. A reverse mortgage – a special financial costs, but also reducing the money ’ product for homeowners 62 and older – available to the borrower. Comment from a senior who obtained a can provide a cash amount based on age, reverse mortgage through Greenpark Like most financial programs, a reverse the appraised value of the home and the level mortgage is complex. Jerry Congdon, of equity. Greenpark’s reverse mortgage specialist, “They can use tax-free money to pay off an spends a great deal of time with seniors “My health care services are paid for by my existing home loan, take care of medical and and their families to make them aware of reverse mortgage, allowing me to stay in my other expenses or even buy a vacation home – the program’s advantages and disadvantages. home. What a relief.” Applicants also talk with a HUD-approved whatever they want,” said Gershkowitz. In addition to “raving fan” service, Greenpark reverse mortgage counseling agency represen- “And they don’t have to make monthly offers MTA members an average of $850 off tative who makes sure they understand the mortgage payments.” loan closing costs and other advantages. For program and will benefit from it. How a reverse mortgage works information on the reverse mortgage program, Praise for the program contact Gershkowitz at 866.475.HOME, ext. The basics of a reverse mortgage – the most 125, or visit www.mtabenefits.com. “We common being a home equity conversion Members who have worked with Congdon are happy to give an at-home one-on-one or mortgage, or HECM – include: to get reverse mortgages have made these group presentation to any member or local comments: 1. A homeowner can receive a one-time association at no charge,” said Gershkowitz. total cash payment, monthly checks or “Greenpark made the process to get my MA Lender and Broker MC#2030, Licensed by credit-line withdrawals based on the reverse mortgage so easy – and now I don’t the New Hampshire Banking Department, RI Broker amount of the mortgage. worry about paying my bills.” #20072173LB and Lender #20072174LL, CT Mortgage Lender MCL-2030, FL Correspondent Mortgage 2. No monthly payments to the bank are “My reverse mortgage eliminated my monthly Lender CL0700511, ME Supervised Lender SLM10152, required during the lifetime of the borrower mortgage payments and was the best thing I VT Mortgage Lender #6090, Licensed by the Mississippi as long as the person remains in the house. ever did. No more monthly stress.” Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, NMLS #2030. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum opens a dazzling new wing
Situated behind the original building on its site living room. The performance hall is the along the Fenway in Boston, the new addition largest space in the new wing, with three provides spaces for concerts, exhibitions and balcony levels and 6,000 square feet. A gallery classes. It complements the historic Isabella that will present three major exhibitions each Stewart Gardner palace, with its treasured year is a flexible area with a retractable ceiling collections and beautifully landscaped courtyard. and a full wall of windows overlooking the museum. The addition also houses working Innovative design greenhouses, a landscape classroom and expanded outdoor garden spaces, two artist The new wing incorporates glass and natural apartments, conservation labs and an art light to create an open and welcoming studio. A new restaurant, Café G, features entrance, as well as providing uninterrupted indoor and seasonal outdoor seating. he new 70,000-square-foot wing at the views of the historic palace and gardens. TIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, designed by prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, was Visitors enter the museum through a new MTA members are admitted for opened to the public in January along with glass-enclosed lobby and can find information half price. For more information, visit restored historic galleries at the museum. about the institution in an adjoining intimate www.gardnermuseum.org.
Editor: Elizabeth A. Bejoian 20 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 No dues dollars are The MTA Advantage is published three 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. Website: www.mtabenefits.com Benefits programs.
2 The MAKE THIS YEAR’S VACATION Tip Sheet AN ADVENTURE Ride through the Explore the waterways Alaskan wilderness of the czars Moscow’s Kremlin and St. Petersburg’s Hermitage are among the world-famous landmarks on this Viking River Cruises tour, which takes you past Russian cities and towns on waterways once traveled by the czars. Or sail with Viking past the lavender fields of Provence and other landscapes considered to be among the most beautiful in France, then venture to charming historic towns such as Arles, painted This 114-mile Alaskan Railroad trip takes for posterity by Vincent Van Gogh. Viking and other cruise you from Anchorage to Seward through the companies take you on rivers, oceans and seas through Kenai Mountains and some of the world’s countries and continents for adventures of a lifetime. For wildest landscapes. Watch for moose, bear, more information, visit www.mtabenefits.com and link to Beluga whales, bald eagles and Dall sheep the “MTA Vacation Center,” then “CruisesOnly.” as you travel along the coast and then head inland, passing by blue glaciers and over a river gorge on your way to Seward on Resurrection Bay. You can return home the Walk a legendary trail same day to Anchorage or stay overnight The longest continuously marked footpath in the and explore historic Seward, formerly a world, the Appalachian Trail measures more than fur-trading post. For information on the train 2,000 miles in length, starting at Mt. Katahdin in ride, visit www.alaskarailroad.com. Maine and traversing through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range to Springer Mountain in Georgia. Members Drive 27 thrilling miles of all ages and abilities can enjoy short walks, day hikes or long-distance backpacking journeys. If you join the Appalachian Mountain Club, you can The Park Loop Road get an MTA member discount on Lodge to Hut Adventures led by experienced guides, which give you a deeper understanding of the natural and historical significance of the trail. Visit www.outdoors.org for information. Dig for Roman ruins Join others on an Earthwatch expedition to excavate a Romano-British settlement in Devon, England. This settlement includes the largest ruins ever The Park Loop Road on Mt. Desert Island found in the country. Visitors can expect to see native roundhouses, enclosures, in Maine winds by the ocean and around a Roman road and mountains and forests, with every turn other discoveries. The Celts called revealing more breathtaking natural the area Dumnonia, and you’ll beauty. The road, partially financed by help discover how the Romans John D. Rockefeller, is part of Maine’s interacted with the Dumnonian Acadia National Park and the national people and what life was like in park system. Carved by glacial force, the Britain’s southwest around 2,000 40,000-acre park offers unique visual years ago. To learn more about thrills, such as waves pounding on rugged this trip and other Earthwatch rock formations, views of sunsets over expeditions – plus available the ocean from the highest point on the teacher and student fellowships Atlantic coast and trails that take you and MTA discounts – visit through pristine forests. For information www.earthwatch.org. No on the park’s attractions and lodging, special training or experience is visit www.nps.gov. necessary to go on an expedition.
Don’t forget to take your MTAB Discount Directory, which lists savings on attractions, lodging and other travel-related expenses. And use your MTA credit card for the easy and rewarding way to save. 3 SBLI offers affordable, dependable life insurance for MTA members
xperience is the best teacher, worth of free life insurance Community pillars which means one should for each child of the policy- Whether hosting local children at a free Elearn to expect the holder. football clinic at Gillette Stadium with SBLI unexpected. Based on that spokesperson and former New England Patriot principle, MTA families should No-nonsense approach Teddy Bruschi or recognizing parent volunteers look to SBLI to learn how to To make buying life insurance in schools across the country through the best protect their future security. easier, SBLI embraces a no- SBLI Superstar Volunteer Program, SBLI is nonsense approach, which a mainstay in the community. SBLI was founded in 1907 by eliminates hassles, delays and Boston attorney and eventual For more information on SBLI life insurance, confusing jargon from the Supreme Court Justice Louis buying process. call 877.272.SBLI (7254). D. Brandeis as a safe alternative within an industry plagued by corruption and “Although buying life insurance is one of the scandal. Brandeis believed savings banks – most important decisions a family will make, The SBLI advantage highly regarded by families and communities – there is no reason it has to be complicated,” could also provide affordable, dependable life says Robert K. Sheridan, SBLI’s president and • Proud provider of life insurance to all families who need it. Thus CEO. “We have purposely kept our entire insurance for the MTA began Savings Bank Life Insurance, or SBLI. business – from products to processes – simple • Offers some of the and straightforward.” Since then, generations of families have chosen lowest term life rates in the country for both men and women SBLI to protect their future. And today, thanks Examples abound. SBLI.com recently was to SBLI Term Advantage, more and more re-launched to include a more prominent • Holds an A+ (superior) rating from A.M. MTA members are doing the same. “quick quote” tool as well as educational Best for financial strength1 content tailored to specific life events. SBLI’s Term Advantage is a life insurance product • Committed to simplifying life insurance many accredited experts give empowering, created specifically with the needs of MTA with a no-nonsense approach common-sense answers to questions. Soon, members in mind. Not only does it offer the company’s already prompt underwriting 1. Visit ambest.com to learn more. 2. Monthly some of the best rates in the country for process will be counted in days, not weeks. premiums are available for 20-year Guaranteed both men and women, it also includes $5,000 Level Premium Term Advantage Life Insurance only when using SBLI’s Automatic Payment Plan (APP). This rate is for very healthy applicants. Sample monthly premiums for $300,000 20-year fully guaranteed Level Rates may differ based on health and underwriting. Premium Term Advantage Life Insurance, Preferred Plus Non-Nicotine2. The rates are guaranteed not to increase for 20 years or during the level premium period. At the Sample Rates for Women Sample Rates for Men end of the level premium period, coverage may be continued to age 85 at increasing yearly term Age3 SBLI Term Advantage Age3 SBLI Term Advantage rates without insurability. 3. Age nearest birth- 30 $13.57 30 $15.40 day. The children’s rider is for children who are dependent on the insured for financial support, 35 $14.09 35 $15.92 are at least 15 days old and have not reached 40 $18.01 40 $20.62 age 17 on effective date. 4. SBLI Term Advantage 45 $27.41 45 $34.19 Life Insurance is an SBLI groupterm product for 50 $37.85 50 $51.68 MTA members only. PolicyForm Series G-46, GC-46, GC-30. May not be available in all states. NAIC # 70435. Policies also include $5,000 in free life insurance for each of the policyholder’s children.4 $100 Visa cards for three lucky members
Want to win some extra cash for your summer travels? Just enter the next MTAB online giveaway and you could walk, drive or fly away with a $100 Visa card. Sign up between June 18 and July 2 at www.mtabenefits.com. To participate, click on “Members Only,” then “MTAB Giveaways” and follow the instructions. Log on to the website on July 10 to see if you’re a winner.
Also, don’t miss out on a special giveaway in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-12. How much would you appreciate winning a $750 American Express card? Educators Insurance Agency (EIA) is the proud sponsor of $750 this giveaway. EIA has been servicing the auto and home insurance needs of MTA members for more than 15 years. Giveaway! Mark May 6 in your calendar now so you don’t miss entering our largest giveaway this year!
All program and pricing information was current at the time of publication (April 2012) and is subject to change without notice. To find out what may have changed, please call MTA Benefits at 800.336.0990. 4