BOSTON TEACHERS UNION, LOCAL 66, AFT Non-Profit Org. Preparations and 180 Mount Vernon Street U.S. Postage Boston, Massachusetts 02125 PAID Expectations Boston, MA 2 Permit No. 52088 BTU to Host Mayoral Candidates Forum 2 AFT TEACH Conference “Reclaiming the Promise” 4-6 BostonUnion Teacher The Award-Winning Newspaper of the Boston Teachers Union AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO • Democracy in Education • Volume XLV, Number 11 • July-August, 2013 Introducing the BTU Officers and Staff By Richard Stutman paraprofessional/substitute teacher field area, and reports back to and legislative process. BTU President representative. We welcome Josefina on our membership every She works on a host of e hope your summer is going well, board as well. Josefina has been a member month at our regularly activities: doing campaign Weven as we know that many of you of our negotiating team for two cycles and scheduled meeting. work for pro-public educa- have little vacation time set aside because we are fortunate to have her in the office We have three field tion candidates; testifying of summer school, taking courses and pro- working directly with our members. representatives, who work at hearings; calling and fessional development. I thought I would Let me now break down the responsi- primarily in our schools, emailing elected officials; take a little time in this column to describe bilities of each of our full-time staff and tell handling issues at the lobbying at the State House a bit of who does what in the BTU office. you what we do. school level. Caren, Mi- for pertinent pieces of leg- There will be a few new personnel changes Patrick Connolly is our vice president, chael, and Josefina work islation; working with the enacted next year, both with the hiring of in charge of all grievances and litigation. A with our members in ar- growing rapid response additional staff and with the redistribution grievance is typically filed at the building ranging school visits and team; and using up-to-date of certain responsibilities, and I thought level, where it is assisted by the school’s meetings, and spend the communication tools, like this would be a good time to catch up. BTU representative and one of our field better part of their days social media. First of all, we have hired two new staff representatives (Michael McLaughlin/ in our schools working Richard Stutman Jessica Tang will be members. Jessica Tang, a social studies elementary, Caren Carew/secondary, on local issues, helping BTU President working this year in trying teacher from Young Achievers Pilot, will Josefina Lascano/paraprofessional- members navigate through to enrich the experience now be our full-time BTU organizer. Her substitute teacher). If resolved at the build- Court St., understand our benefit package, for our BTU building representatives as responsibilities will be twofold: helping to ing level, that’s great, and the grievance and providing advice to individual teachers we shore up our communications and out better organize our membership, coordi- is settled. If there is no resolution to the and staff members. In the afternoon, each building-networking capabilities. We hope nate activities, and shore up our building grievance, then Patrick takes over and the generally has office hours. But oftentimes to build more capacity among our ranks representative structure; and working grievance goes to either mediation or the things happen unexpectedly taking people for activism and Jessica will be heading to establish a good relationship with all next step in the grievance process. In either out of the office, so it is advisable – before that effort. More than that, Jessica will community partners, including parents case, Patrick has responsibility from that coming over – to set up all appointments be meeting with those outside the BTU and students. We have also hired Paul point until the matter is either litigated or through their secretaries. (Caren’s sec- with whom we have a potential alliance. She brings a wealth of experience to this position and will bring that experience to better organize, both within and outside New Officers and Staff Ready to Serve You! the union. Paul Tritter will work with members to establish our priorities for professional learning in Boston. Together, we will create opportunities for members to design, lead, and participate in meaningful professional development that impacts student learning and well-being. We look forward to being part, along with Paul, of the process of encouraging the professional growth of our members and the development of our profession. Both Paul and Jessica will work out of the BTU office (we’re creating new offices now for each) and we are looking forward to their being part of our team. New Paraprofessional/Substitute Field Rep. Josefina Lascano, New Director of Organizing Jessica Tang and New Director of Professional Brenda Chaney works part-time in Development Paul Tritter and already hard at work to help serve you – the membership of the Boston Teachers Union. the BTU office as a parent and community liaison. Among her responsibilities is the Tritter, an ELA teacher from Snowden HS resolved. Patrick has also taken responsi- retary is Jeannie, Michael’s is Erin, and management of our Homework Helper to be director of our new BTU Professional bility for the running of our performance Josefina’s is Patty.) program, which places a teacher or a para Learning Initiative. We are excited about evaluation workshops, and he has become (N.B. To better represent you, we are ‘helper’ in each of the 25 libraries in the the possibilities of our being able, under our point person in working with teachers making a few changes in the structure of city each night the library is open. Brenda Paul’s leadership to nurture the growth of who are either in a needs improvement or the responsibilities of each teacher field teaches reading at the O’Bryant and has PD and leadership opportunities for our unsatisfactory situation. rep., so please see the section that follows served the union in a variety of capacities members. We’re happy to bring both Jes- Charles Johnson is the union’s secre- at end.) over many years. We are glad to have her sica and Paul on board to work with our tary treasurer, the keeper of the records, Angela Cristiani is our political direc- on board. leadership to improve our schools and to and the manager of our office’s secretarial tor and she engages members in political My job as president of this wonderful enhance teaching and learning opportuni- staff and operations. Charles also has be- action using a grassroots approach that organization is to quarterback the office ties for all. come our point person on the city’s public promotes, educates, and strengthens and to make sure that all of our members’ The rest of the office staff remains employees’ committee, which is respon- our organization’s commitment to public needs are taken care of in a timely, efficient the same, except that Josefina Lascano sible for our health insurance coverage. education by facilitating members to take and helpful manner. While we each have has replaced Jenna Fitzgerald as our Charles monitors all developments in that an active part in all aspects of the political (continued on page 2) Preparation and Expectations Patrick J. Connolly to Level 3 or fice to discuss your situation. There are evolving. A close analysis of factors such Executive Vice President Level 4 by the resources available to assist teachers with as race and age will be done to ensure that s summer speeds by, the newspapers Department of evaluation issues, take advantage of them. our members are being evaluated in a fair Aand other media call our attention to Elementary and During the 2013 – 2014 school year and equitable manner. back to school sales. We begin to prepare Secondary Edu- there will be further work done to meet As the school year begins, it is important our own children, grandchildren, nieces cation there are DESE requirements. Work on district de- to have high expectations for yourself, and nephews for the upcoming school year. some additional veloped measures to go along with MCAS your students, and your school. The key Teachers and paraprofessionals prepare to resources. Also in scores is being required. Likewise an to success is in the preparation for each welcome a new group of students whose Grade 6 in these educator’s impact on student learning will and every class. I wish the BPS and all parents and guardians have entrusted schools the class Patrick J. Connolly become part of an educator’s evaluation in BTU members a very successful school them to us, to help them learn, grow and size maxima will BTU Executive a couple of years. The process is ongoing year. If there are questions or concerns be kept safe. For new teachers and veteran be reduced from Vice President and evolving. The response of the BTU with which I can assist, please contact me teachers this is a great responsibility, one 28 students to 26 to these issues is likewise ongoing and at [email protected]. which we welcome and to which we have students. At schools designated Level 3 or committed our careers. 4 the Grade 9 maxima will be 30 students. This September we begin the school For more detailed information refer to page Because It’s Good Politics: Angela Cristiani, BTU Political Director year with a contract in place and settled for 24 in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. the next several years. The BTU welcomes The school year 2013 – 2014 also brings the additional nurses who were hired last us into the second year of a new evalua- BTU to Host Mayoral year and begin their first full year of service tion system (for the original Turnaround in the BPS. Likewise the BTU welcomes Schools it will be the third year). Both Candidate Forum the additional Social Workers who are to educators and evaluators had to learn ark your calendars! The corner- be hired for the start of the 2013 – 2014 and work with a new system. There were M A Mayoral Candidate Forum will stone of our de- school year. The services they will provide successes and failures. Some issues were be hosted by the Boston Teachers Union mocracy is pub- are sorely needed by our students we teach. raised regarding the timing of the system. (BTU) on September 11, 7 PM at 180 Mt. lic education, Our students face many issues outside the Some issues were related to observations, Vernon Street in Dorchester. To date, the which serves classroom and this is one step in helping feedback, and the gathering of evidence. BTU has not made an endorsement in the all the children teachers, students, and families to manage The new EDFS system was an undertak- Mayoral race. in the City of these issues. ing for both. Not all issues have yet been The Forum will be moderated by Da- Boston schools. The contract has not settled all out- resolved to the satisfaction of either or vid Bernstein, a leading Massachusetts The BTU re- standing issues. The BPS and the BTU both parties. political analyst and journalist. mains dedicat- do not exist in a closed universe. Both are Educators will begin again to enter goals Specifics regarding the BTU Mayoral ed to students, influenced and impacted by events and and action steps. They should be tied to the Forum will be forthcoming. families, the happenings outside our control. One ex- school goals. The evaluator should then The Preliminary Municipal Election community, Angela Cristiani ample is the requirement for content area approve the goals. Hopefully this process in Boston is on Tuesday, September 24th. and ensuring teachers to obtain an SEI Endorsement in will move along more smoothly and more The Mayoral candidates, in ballot order, that each child receives a well-rounded, order to obtain, advance, or renew their timely with a year’s experience. All educa- for the Municipal Primary are as follows: quality education from teachers who are educator’s license. While many completed tors should refer to the Collective Bargain- Charles L. Clemons, Bill Walczak, credentialed and highly-qualified. the category training in past years, there ing Agreement to inform themselves of the Charles Calvin Yancey, Rob Consalvo, Boston, as well as public education, will are new requirements now. With many process and procedures. Charlotte Golar Richie, Michael P. transition into a new era with the election of teachers needing to recertify in 2014, There are and will still be disputes re- Ross, Martin J. Walsh, John R. Con- a new mayor. There are many candidates special attention needs to be paid to the garding the evaluation process. Grievances nolly, Felix G. Arroyo, David James in Boston City Council race, as well. requirements and timelines being devel- need to be filed when violations occur. Wyatt, Daniel F. Conley, and John F. Stay tuned for more information and oped by the Massachusetts Department There have been educators dismissed Barros. candidate recommendations! of Elementary and Secondary Education. based on the new evaluation system. The Likewise the economic issues facing BTU is contesting some of these dismissals other cities cannot be ignored. School at arbitration. To date there has not been a Commentary: Garret Virchick closings in Philadelphia and Chicago case that has proceeded to a final decision and elsewhere resound in Boston with by an arbitrator. demands for fiscal accountability. The eco- As of July, 2013 there are approximately Summer Reading: nomic crisis faced by Detroit is a reminder 340 educators who have received a rating that promises of future pensions may not of less than Proficient. About 60 of these be a guarantee. The rising cost of health educators were rated ”Unsatisfactory”. My Favorite Blogs care is an issue that faces all municipalities These educators may start the year with a he current HBO hit series The News- But the bias that and states. The BPS and the BTU need to plan of much shorter duration than those Troom reminds us there once was a is all to prevalent address these issues together. on a self – directed plan. If you are in one time when facts rather than gossip and in the corporate For example as schools are assigned of these categories, contact the BTU Of- bias were the guiding light for news media. controlled media has forced many Garret Virchick Introducing the BTU Officers and Staff… of us to get our information from non-traditional sources. (continued from page 1) One of my favorite blogs that gives the different areas of expertise, we all ‘pinch to your needs. So help us help you. Be- which will be Caren’s will be announced honest truth about what is happening in hit’ for each other whenever the need come involved. Please feel free to email in an upcoming e-bulletin. the world of public education is written arises. Many of us have particular areas me at [email protected] if you have any Josefina, who represents all paras and by Diane Ravitch: http://dianeravitch. of expertise (retirement, health insurance, questions. substitute teacjhers in each school, will net/. Ravitch is Research Professor of performance evaluation, tax-sheltering, H H H H H continue to travel to all 128 schools as Education at New York University and a school-based management and do one) (Through the end of the last school needed. historian of education. From 1991-1993 and we work with each other to get the year, teacher field representative duties We have also decided to juggle admin- she was Assistant Secretary of Education correct information out to you as quickly were assigned to grades, not necessarily istratively which field representative has and Counselor to Secretary of Education as possible with any call to the office. Our schools. So Caren worked with teachers responsibility for which itinerant group Lamar Alexander during the presidency of office is open from 8 AM-5 PM, and pro- in secondary grades and Michael worked with cross-school assignments. Currently, George H.W. Bush. She also was appointed fessional staff are customarily available at with teachers in elementary grades. There there are a number of groups of varying by the Clinton administration Secretary of the office from 8 AM to 7 PM. Each of us has always been a bit of overlap (both field sizes, e.g., OT, PT, COSESS, School Psy- Education Richard Riley to serve on the is available by email (first initial then last reps assigned to the same school), but it chologist, Pupil Adjustment Counselor, National Assessment Governing Board. [email protected]). Our cell phone numbers, was manageable. But with the tremendous Vision, Adaptive Physical Ed, Speech and Much of her work during this time too, are listed at btu.org. growth in K-8 schools in the recent past few Language, Supervisors of Attendance, centered around reforming and improving Our business is to meet your work- years both Caren and Michael each had and Nurses. Through this past June each public education. When she saw that this related needs in a hassle-free manner. By responsibility last year for portions of 26 field representative had responsibility effort was being hijacked by anti-teacher, that I mean, if you have a problem, we try K-8 schools, even if some of the schools had for some or all of each group. That, too, anti-union forces she wrote a book called to resolve it with you and your principal very few teachers in a particular grade. The was inefficient. Beginning in September, The Death and Life of the Great American (or Human resources, Payroll or the like) overlap/duplication of services was very we will assign whole groups to individual School System: How Testing and Choice in the shortest, most efficient and painless inefficient. With the proposed addition of field representatives. This, too, will be Are Undermining Education (2010) and manner. Sometimes we succeed quickly, four new K-8 schools coming online over announced via e-bulletin. It is our hope has become a leader in the movement to sometimes we try to reach a fair compro- the next few years, matters will only get that both of these changes will allow for a reclaim public education from those that mise, and rarely do we have to litigate. worse. It was decided therefore to divide up more efficient delivery of services to our would privatize and profit from it. Above all, we try to find the best way to all K-8 schools so that Michael and Caren members. All of this will take a little getting Her daily blog posts are filled with move the situation forward. would each take a smaller number of entire used to, but we are going to try it out for the facts and insight that have been ac- We are by no means perfect, and we schools as opposed to being responsible for a year, as it will cut down by 13 schools cumulated during a lifetime of academic looking for ways to improve. We want select grades in all k-8’s. This ought to im- or so each field rep.’s responsibility. This achievement. Her years of public service to help you, we want our schools to im- prove efficiency. The breakdown of which will make service for all members more has given her insight into the power prove, and we want to be more relevant k-8s will be Michael’s responsibility, and efficient.) (continued on page 6) 2 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 Know Your Rights: Caren Carew, BTU Secondary Field Representative Is Summer School Treated Like the Regular School Year Contractually? o, it is not. Summer school is not as a person who (1) has a physical or sional may be requested to serve as a substi- and 10th grades Ngoverned by the collective bargaining mental impairment which substantially tute teacher under the following conditions: in English, math, agreement in the same way the standard limits one or more major life activities, (2) (1) The paraprofessional has a teaching history, and sci- school year is. Some time ago the BTU took has a record of such impairment, or (3) is certificate or ten or more years of service. ence, compara- the issue of summer school salary not be- regarded as having such impairment, most (2) The paraprofessional is requested to tive data on these Caren Carew ing retirement worthy to court to demand of which require legal interpretations. Ex- substitute only in those classes in which he tests will also be that this earned income be retirement amples of the range of disabilities include: or she normally works. (3) The paraprofes- provided to teachers. Also, when the BPS worthy. Unfortunately, the court ruled * Non-ambulatory disabilities – physical sional is paid $6.00 per hour in addition to develops criterion reference tests or other against the case. The BTU/BPS contract impairments requiring use of a wheelchair; his or her regular salary.” This is not a list district wide performance assessments, reports, “The School Department shall * Semi-ambulatory disabilities – physical of either or. All three conditions must be teachers will also be provided with compara- determine the summer program curriculum, impairments causing a person to walk met in order for a paraprofessional to be tive data. Where possible, this data will be all aspects of operation and administration with difficulty (with or without aides); * utilized as a substitute in their own class provided on a pupil gain basis.” of the program, including employment in the Coordination disabilities – impairments of only. If these conditions have been met, Of course there is always the other side program, salary, hours, and conditions of muscle control to limbs, resulting in faulty the Para should check with the school to the coin in a labor management collec- employment. Employee participation in the coordination; * Sight disabilities; * Hearing secretary and administrator in charge of tive bargaining agreement, better know summer program shall be voluntary. Selection disabilities; * Speech impairments; * Learn- coverage to make sure the additional pay as the contract when it elaborates; “Where of employees shall be as determined by the ing disabilities; * Mental or psychological has been submitted to the BPS Payroll students progress is consistently low, princi- [school] Department.” disorders – impairments effecting normal Department for their substitute work. pals and administrators or their designees mental processes or emotional stability. The contract continues; “The [School] will discuss personally, these test results with Do teachers receive PDP’s Section 504 defines a “Qualified Dis- Department will make a good faith effort to each of their teachers and work with these abled Person” for employment purposes hire a substitute when a regularly assigned teachers to develop appropriate strategies for the 18 after school hours if they meet legitimate skill experience, nurse is absent for more than one day. In any for improving student performance.” Make and the one full day of BPS education, or other requirements of an em- event, a substitute will be provided whenever sure if your administrator points out this professional development? ployment position, and who can perform a nurse is absent for three or more days.” type of data to you that they also assist es, the BTU contract reads, “Teachers the ‘essential functions’ of the position with “When a qualified Vocational Education collaboratively in supporting you in your Ywill receive a PDP certificate at the or without reasonable accommodations. If substitute is not available the shop is to be efforts to maximize the students’ potential end of the school year for all time spent in the individual is qualified by a disability, closed.” “When a qualified Industrial Arts or going forward. Document, document, professional development activities. Teach- the employer must consider whether the Home Economics teacher is not available, document. ers may combine PDP activities year-to-year individual could perform these functions the shop is to be closed.” In the latter case, The collective bargaining agreement to comply with state requirements.” These with a reasonable accommodation. The one would be hard pressed to find a Home also reminds us that, “Each school’s Whole PDP’s, if earned, must be awarded to each ADA doesn’t apply to individuals with Economics teacher in the BPS in order to School Improvement Plan shall include eligible teacher retroactive to the 2003-04 minor, non-chronic conditions of short substitute for. guidelines for assessing & improving the school year. No written or other docu- duration, such as a sprain, broken limb, annual academic progress of all students.” mentable product need be submitted in and the like. As a teacher am I entitled Each school’s School Site Council and order to obtain them. Since the BPS/your The circular provides a VOLUNTARY to receive my student’s ILT have a hand in creating and approv- self-identification form of employees with ing the WSIP. All members of the school school is the provider of this professional standardized testing results? development, it meets the recertification disabilities. Even if an employee has a community are to be included in this regulations of aligning ‘with school and/ disability that is apparent to others, they es. The contract details; “Beginning process and to be provided with a copy or district improvement goals’ as well as are under no obligation to participate in Yin September 1997, and in each subse- of said plan to familiarize themselves with your supervisor’s approval. this self-identification, and failure to do so quent June, all classroom teachers shall be the goals and action plan for achieving Within the five year recertification will not result in any adverse action. The provided by the BPS with data indicating same in the coming school year. Each cycle, teachers are able to bunch PDP’s circular states that any information an how their students compare on standardized goal has designated those members having the same broad topic together to employee chooses to provide will be held achievement tests with similar students in by category that will be responsible for meet the Mass. Department of Education’s in strictest confidence and will be known similar classrooms throughout the school carrying out these goals. Make sure that threshold of earning a minimum of 10 only to BPS Equity and does not become system, including relative gain data where these responsibilities are shared evenly PDP’s in a topic to qualify for submission. part of their regular personnel records. possible.” and are not all loaded on the teaching Teachers earn one PDP per clock hour In addition to this policy, if you believe It continues by stating; “When the state- staff alone. It takes a village to raise and th th for professional development activities. In you have been subjected to discrimination wide assessment tests begin in the 4 , 8 , educate a child. Together we can! order to be able to claim PDP’s in a specific or harassment, you may file a complaint content area or topic if they are awarded with either or both of the following govern- with a general certificate, keep a copy of the ment agencies. Each agency has a short SEE BTU UPCOMING EVENTS agenda/description of the professional de- time period for filing a claim (EEOC-180 velopment session/workshop completed days can be extended under state/local ON PAGE 7 in order to then be able to align them with laws; MCAD 300 days). * The United States other PDP’s within the same topic, earned Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- within the five year recertification cycle. sion (EEOC) JFK Federal Building Room Readers and Writers Workshop or literacy 475, Boston 02203. 1-800-532-5274. * The across the curriculum PDP’s can now be Massachusetts Commission Against Dis- Boston applied to content area requirements if the crimination (MCAD); Boston Office; One writing/literacy application is being used Ashburton Place, Rm 601, Boston 02108, Union Teacher in the context of a specific content class. In 617-994-6000. order to recertify their professional license, Published by the Boston Teachers Union AFT Local 66, AFL-CIO teachers must have completed 150 PDP’s What’s the substitute class EDITORIAL NOTE: (Professional Development Points) with at The Boston Union Teacher coverage policy when I’m out? The opinions expressed in the Boston Union least 90 of them in the license content area is published eleven times a year he BTU Collective Bargaining Agree- Teacher do not necessarily represent the views and a minimum of 120 (including 90 in the September - July, inclusive. ment [contract] outlines: “It is the policy of the Boston Teachers Union, or those of its content area) being in combined content T members. of the [School] Committee that substitutes and pedagogy. The remainder of the PDP’s shall be hired to cover classes of regularly President WHEN WRITING: can be in any educational topic. Go forth RICHARD F. STUTMAN assigned teachers when they are absent.” All correspondence to the Boston Union and collect your certificates! “In the event that the Committee after a Vice President Teacher must be typewritten and include the good faith effort is unable to hire a substitute PATRICK CONNOLLY author’s name and school or department if not school-based. How does a person with for a classroom teacher who regularly works Secretary-Treasurer with a paraprofessional, that paraprofes- CHARLES R. JOHNSON All articles must be appropriate to the publication, disabilities apply for and in good taste. reasonable accommodations Co-Editors MICHAEL J. MAGUIRE Letters to the Editor should be sent to letters@ at work? btu.org. Phone Numbers GARRET VIRCHICK he BPS policy Superintendent’s Circu- Editorial Board DEADLINE: Tlar EQT-1, ‘Employees with Disabilities Caren Carew The deadline for submitting articles for the – Rights & Responsibilities’, commits to non- Office ...... 617-288-2000 Angela Cristiani next issue of the Boston Union Teacher is discrimination against qualified persons Health & Welfare ...... 617-288-0500 August 18th. Jenna Fitzgerald All copy should be e-mailed to with disabilities to education programs AFT Massachusetts ...... 617-423-3342 Michael McLaughlin Function Office ...... 617-288-3322 [email protected] and [email protected] and employment practices in accordance Eileen Weir This deadline will be strictly adhered to. with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Lounge Office ...... 617-288-3322 of 1973 as amended and with the American Vision Center ...... 617-288-5540 ❖ Tremont Credit Union...... 781-843-5626 180 Mount Vernon Street Boston, MA 02125 with Disabilities Act (ADA). 617-288-2000 ❖ 617-288-2463 ❖ Fax 617-288-0024 ❖ www.btu.org A person with disabilities is defined BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 ❖ 3 4 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 The 2013 American Federation of Teachers’ Biennial TEACH Conference Was Held in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme was “Reclaiming the Promise: Uniting for Public Schools.” rom the opening remarks to the closing luncheon, the unity How can twenty years go by and not one “success” be replicated of theme was mighty and omnipresent. AFT president Randi statewide? In keeping with the TEACH theme, the promise has gone Weingarten’s remarks on “Reclaiming the Promise are off track. We need to reclaim education. In this case we need to remind F printed on page 6. Other speakers from US Representative the public what the original promise was and expose what has happened John Lewis (D-GA) to actor Tony Danza carried the reclamation since. theme in their remarks. Workshops also pushed home the message. My two favorites were “Engaging the Community and Building Support for The sad reality is that charter schools have become entities unto a School Improvement Agenda” and “Showing Your Work: Using Social themselves. They are investments for hedge fund managers seeking Media for Professional Learning and Advocacy.” To learn more about a tax shelter. They are a separate and not-so-equal educational system. the conference, go to aft.org/teach2013. Their popularity among parents is also a sign that the Boston School Committee is not addressing their needs. Amid all the hopeful optimism lay an uncomfortable aspect of public education: others have high jacked education from the teachers and The BTU is working hard to reclaim public education. Richard students. For one can only reclaim what was lost or stolen. Thankfully, Stutman’s column in this paper explains how all the union staff and instead of finger pointing and blaming, the conference was a rallying cry officers work together on our behalf. Moreover, Jessica Tang and Paul and a call to action. Whatever the past, the road ahead is our focus. Tritter (both newly-hired) will add to our efforts to reclaim the promise of quality public education for all of Boston’s students. Here in Boston we have a chance to reclaim public education. With the election of a new mayor, we can shine a light on what our educational In the coming school year there will be much work to do. Together, we dollars purchase and on how educational policies impact all of Boston’s can fulfill the mission of this summer’s conference. students. Let’s take charter schools as a key example. (Michael J. Maguire teaches Latin at Boston Latin Academy) Twenty years ago charter schools were introduced into Massachusetts. Charters were supposed to be laboratories of educational experimentation. Successful experiments were to be replicated statewide. That was the promise.

his year, per new membership policy, selection for the biennial TEACH conference was not by delegate vote. Instead members- T were asked to apply online and a committee chose 47 from the ap plicant pool. In two years the BTU will again seek applicants for the national convention which brings educators from across the country together to improve their craft. Please look for the announcements in this newspaper and in e-bulletins in Spring, 2015. Erik Berg, Denise Berkley, Cleata his year’s attendees were Brown, Robert Carroll, Brenda Chaney, Christine Choukas, T Patrick Connolly, Angela Cristiani, Susan Farb, Janey Frank, Caitlyn Gaffny, Heather Gorman, Christine Gorman-Arnold, Dana Griswold, Thomas Hocker, Darcel Hunt, Chima Ikonne, Jason Joseph, Naeemah Kennedy, Karen Kilmain-Patriquin, Jeannette Lake, Barry Lawton, Melissa Lioz, Bernadine Lormilus, Michael Maguire, Gayle Marrow, Susan McCauley, Johnny McInnis, Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Melanson, Ezinwa Nwankwo, Nonye Obiora, Ann O’Keefe, Sheryl Pedone, James “Timo” Philip, Debra Price,- Teresa Reaves, Thomas Rose, Jewell Royster-Bratton, David Rus sell, Kara Stafford, Richard Stutman, Jessica Tang, Paul Tenney, and Alice Yong. Paul Tritter, Karen Wood,

BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 ❖ 5 Reclaiming the Promise of Public Education by Randi Weingarten, public schools that are safe, welcoming and learning. It’s the way to make every ers. We need to open their eyes to the AFT National President places for teaching and learning. Reclaim- public school a place where parents want good things happening in our schools—as An excerpt from her opening remarks at ing the promise is about ensuring that to send their kids, teachers want to teach well as the challenges we face. We need AFT TEACH 13. teachers are well-prepared, are supported and children are engaged. It makes our to open their minds to our vision for great ven with more members than ever and have time to collaborate. Reclaiming public schools the center of the com- neighborhood public schools. We need to Ebefore, even being solution-driven, the promise is about enabling them to teach munity and fulfills their purpose as an open their hearts to joining with us in the it’s not enough. But by uniting our voices, an engaging curriculum that includes art anchor of our democracy and a propeller effort to ensure all our children get the particularly in concert with parents and and music and the sciences. And reclaim- of our economy. great education they need and deserve. community, we can’t be ignored. ing the promise is about ensuring that This is not a campaign. This is our core. And to do this, we need to open our We need to do that, brothers and sisters, kids have access to wraparound services And it must be the focus of our work go- schools—inviting parents, neighbors, because we are at a crucial moment when to meet their emotional, social and health ing forward. Ours is a vision that works. civic, business, faith and community lead- we must reclaim the promise of public needs. It’s a vision of what parents want for their ers to see what we do, to see what our education—not as it is today or as it was Taken together, all these things reflect kids. And it’s a movement that can stop the kids need. It simply makes sense to bring in the past, but as what public education our prescription for ensuring that all kids privatizers, profiteers and austerity hawks together people with shared priorities and can be to fulfill our collective obligation, have the opportunities they need and in their tracks. concerns in the very place we care about our community’s obligation, to help all deserve. This vision may look different But they’re not going to roll over and so much, the public schools where our children succeed. community by community. But it has a go away. We need your help. None of us children are nurtured and educated. Reclaiming the promise of public edu- few common elements. Reclaiming the can be bystanders. We need to reach out Only by working together can we cation is about fighting for neighborhood promise will bring back the joy of teaching to parents, the community and civic lead- reclaim the promise of public education. Summer Reading: My Favorite Blogs… (continued from page 2) brokers involved in reshaping our public Secretary of Education Arne Duncan used schools. With the skill of a surgeon she cuts Chicago as a testing ground for many of the through the rhetoric that is all too prevalent policies being implemented at the Federal in the mainstream media to expose the level. And the closing of 49 public schools motivations and profit seeking of hedge by Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel fund charter school magnates and greedy portends what may be on the agenda in publishing firms that lobby for more and Boston as the media here paints a picture more standardized testing in our schools. of “under-utilized public schools”. Illinois Her analysis of the major private founda- teachers are also facing a battle in the tions (Gates, Broad, and Walton) that are legislature over pension promises made in essence writing public education policy by politicians who failed to adequately is eye opening. If you›re at the beach this fund them. Klonsky brings over 30 years summer with your iPad take the time to of teaching and activism to his blog and is read Diane Ravitch›s blog. And then when well worth a read. your blood starts to boil you are only a few Jersey Jazzman writes of the war being feet from the ocean to cool off. waged against the teachers of New Jersey If you are looking for a blog closer by Republican Governor Chris Christie. AFT National President Randi Weingarten prepares to speak at the recent AFT TEACH Conference. to home be sure to click on http://edu- Here in Massachusetts the Democratic shyster.com/. As its subtitle suggests the controlled legislature continues to write Edushyster is “Keeping an eye on the laws that supersede the contracts we bar- IMPORTANT: RETELLS INFO SESSION: corporate education agenda”. gain in Boston. Opposite sides of the same Started in 2012 the Edushyster has a coin? If we are to fight back against the INFORMATION SESSION ON THE DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY distinct Massachusetts flavor. The blog current attacks we need to know what is AND SECONDARY ED (DESE) SEI ENDORSEMENT/RETELL has taken off and I often find it posted by happening in other states. Jersey Jazzman friends all over this country on their Face- is a place to find that out. FOR ALL CORE CONTENT TEACHERS: As DESE moves forward with book pages. As its About page suggests, If you are a user of Facebook you can the implementation of the new SEI Endorsement requirement for all the Edushyster contributes much of their find all sorts of groups where all kinds of core content teachers of ELLs and the administrators who supervise success to four things: people post articles that help shed light on them, BPS- Office of English Language Learners (OELL), in partnership • Idiot politicians the issues and the fight back in the public with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) will host an information session • A joke of an education board education sphere. Many of these groups to assist in better understanding the expectations of this change. • An even bigger joke of a mainstream can be joined with a simple click of your media mouse. Here is a list of some of my favorites: • And a dash for the cash • OPT OUT OF THE STATE TEST: Date: Thursday, August 22, 2013, 3-6 PM As you might have guessed from this The National Movement Location: Boston Teachers Union Hall list, Edushyster can be a bit sarcastic and • Public Sector Workers Are Not often borders on the absurd. But the biting The Problem! Audience: For core academic teachers who may teach one or more satire often has me laughing out loud and • Children are more than test scores English Language Learners (ELLs) during the 2013-14 school year and I look forward to the posts. July started off • Invest in our future! administrators who supervise these teachers. with the post “Hedge Ur Bets”, about the FULLY FUND BPS statistical manipulation the charter schools • Parents Across America Say: To RSVP and submit your questions in advance please go to: employ to make themselves look good. A Put the Parent Voice Back in https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XKtvQ1Ub1-iVJlaS_ couple of days later we were treated to “All Public Education! SFuuaCuwF7UGvf6HOJIiGXPg1s/viewform?embedded=true About the Benjamins”, about a 38-year old • Dump Duncan retired hedge fund manager on a quest • Badass Teachers Association to “rescue” public education. Later that The last one listed, Badass Teachers As a reminder: Additional information is to be sent to your work email week an examination of racism in “Other Association (https://www.facebook.com/ st address (@boston.k12.ma.us) during the 1 week in August from DESE. People’s Children” asked the question “ groups/BadAssTeachers/), was started this It is important that teachers and administrators check in to their work Why are white people so eager to advocate summer. In just a few weeks over 23,000 email address this summer and keep their email inbox clear so as not for the sort of schools to which they would individuals have signed onto the group. to miss out of important updates that will be forthcoming from DESE never send their own children?” The founders were Priscilla Sanstead, Dr. about this initiative. Sometimes it makes you laugh out Mark Naison, and Marla Kilfoye. Every loud, sometimes it makes you cry, and Monday the group has an action that often IMPORTANT DATES ABOUT REGISTRATION sometimes it makes you downright angry. includes letter writing, phone calls, twitter But there is one thing that the Edushyster posts, etc. It is teachers standing up against FOR RETELL COURSES will always make you do: THINK! the abuse that too often comes our way. 1. August 1: Enrollment opens for all SY 2014 SEI courses.. Other favorites bloggers outside Mas- In describing the reasons the BAT was Session schedules and link to register will be sent to your BPS sachusetts include Fred Klonsky: Daily formed Dr. Naison says this, “We’ve had email account. posts from a retired public school teacher enough. We are not your doormats. We are 2. August 23: District-based sections which have not yet filled just looking at the data (http://preaprez. not your punching bags. We are some of the change to open enrollment. wordpress.com/), and Jersey Jazzman: hardest working, most idealistic people in 3. September 20: Fall and full-year SEI course enrollments close. Education, politics, music, the arts, New this country and we are not going to take Jersey, and whatever else strikes me it anymore. We are going to stand up for 4. November 15: Spring course enrollments close. (http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/). ourselves, and stand up for our students The current attack on public education even if no organization really supports us. For more information please visit the BPS WIKI site that is periodically is a national attack and it is important to We are Badass. We are legion. And we will being updated with new information about this state initiative. find out what is happening in other parts force the nation to hear our voice!” https://connect.mybps.org/groups/officeofenglishlanguagelearners/ of the country. Klonsky’s blog lets us in on Enjoy your summer reading! And see what is happening in Illinois and Chicago. you in September.

6 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 Creating a Culture of “ME” vs. “WE” Continuous Professional Learning Improving our schools through By Paul Tritter, all across the district and beyond. I want to BTU Director of Professional Development celebrate and share that work. I am eager union and community engagement How can the Boston Teachers Union and to learn about what is working, and I want the Boston Public Schools work together to to get out to your By Jessica Tang, neighborhoods create a culture of continuous professional school to see the BTU Director of Organizing of Boston hold learning that has meaningful impact on our work in action. hen I first started teaching, I have the answers students’ learning and well-being? Is your school Wto admit, I was a bit self-centered. to improving e begin a new school year with an implementing a Everything was all about me. I felt like I was schools and Wexciting new opportunity to answer new curriculum? “better” because I stayed late after school must be heard. this question. As you may know, our contract Do you have an to tutor students and stayed late into the To be heard, we has established a new initiative, housed at innovative ap- evening to plan lessons. I sacrificed my must take ac- the BTU, dedicated to professional develop- proach to the April vacation and planned a yearly trip to tion. ment. The BTU Professional Learning Initia- Common Core? Washington D.C. for 8th graders. I started These are the tive (originally known as the Professional Are you working a recycling program. I coached the girls fundamental be- Development Institute) is our chance to together to cre- basketball team; I…blah, blah, blah. liefs that moti- impact the way we as school professionals ate more mean- I was forced to confront this focus on vate the work I develop our practices to serve our students. ingful family my own egocentricity when, during my 3rd do. I am grate- th ful to have the I am honored and excited to serve as the and community or 4 year of teaching, I was in the middle Jessica Tang first director of this effort. partnerships? Paul Tritter of another “but I…” statement and was cut opportunity to At the outset, my goals are first to learn Are you finding off with a: “It’s not all about you.” help and support as much as possible about what is already new ways to use technology to create more It was a hurtful, rude awakening. In our union in this work as I take a leave of working, and second to set a course for our authentic, connected student learning expe- hindsight, I can admit it was deserved absence from teaching to serve as the future efforts. I am asking for your help with riences? Does your school have a unique way and eventually enlightening, but I was still Director of Organizing. However, I cannot these related missions. of promoting student health and wellness? licking my wounds days later. I reflected do this work alone! Organizing in schools As with any new endeavor, we must Have you tested out new ways of designing on the statement and dug deep to unpack and the community must always be a “we” begin by working together to develop and and interacting with the physical space in what I could to learn from the experience. not “me” endeavor, and we, members of articulate the core beliefs that will guide our your classrooms and hallways? Are you ex- It took some time, but today, it is a sentence the BTU, have much work to do. work. In the coming weeks, there will be perimenting with new teamwork structures that still resonates deeply with me. Over Here are a few new initiatives (there many opportunities, in-person and online, or collaborative planning? Are you trying out the years I have really begun to understand will be many more!) that we hope you will for you to help shape the values and mis- project-based or interdisciplinary learning? how true the statement is – public educa- consider participating in some time in the sion of this new project. We need as many What is the work you and your colleagues tion is not all about any specific one of next few months (please see the sidebar voices as possible. We need to hear the are doing to make your school great? I am us. Educating students, defending public for specific dates and times): ideas of paraprofessionals, nurses, guid- here to support you in that work and to help education, making schools better is not all • Summer Open Houses to express ance counselors, community field coordi- you share it with others. about the “I” or the “me,” it’s about the “we.” your ideas and opinions about professional nators, speech and language pathologists, Communication will be at the core of Unfortunately, there is a culture and nar- development and membership and com- and every other professional in our union. these efforts. Though I promise to work rative pervasive in education reform right munity engagement We need to hear from early-career teach- hard to learn about as many wonderful now where we are waiting for “supermen” • Prospective Building Rep Info Ses- ers just as much as we do from those who projects and new ideas as possible, I need and “superwomen” to come in and “save” sions and running for Building Rep. have been in the classroom for years. We to hear from you. poor, inner-city public school students. • Joining a committee, such as the new need a diversity of voices from a range of I will create opportunities for you to get There is a focus on individualism, merit, Community Engagement Committee or grade-levels and a variety of backgrounds involved and share your voice, but don’t rewards, and competition and the framing New Members Engagement Committee and personal experience. Be on the lookout hesitate to reach out to me at ptritter@btu. is often patriarchal and patronizing. In the • Attending the upcoming BTU May- for opportunities to lend your thoughts to org to let me know what’s going on. I look same simplified story line, all traditional oral Forum on Wednesday, September this critical process. forward to joining with you to realize each public schools have become “bad schools” 11, 7 pm Even as we take the time to develop our of our members’ potential for professional and all charters have become “the better • Attending monthly membership mission, our members are already engaged growth and the collective growth of our choice.” Educators are either “good” or meetings the second Wednesday of every in successful professional learning projects profession. “bad” and either should be promoted or month at the BTU and/or regional mem- fired. Competition and corporate practices bership meetings this year. have become the go to solution, disregard- Even if you are unable to engage in a UPCOMING BTU EVENTS--OUR VOICE IS YOUR VOICE: ing the problematic nature of applying win- more formal way, there are many things ners and losers models to children – none of all of us can do to make an impact. Please Summer Open Houses: whom deserve to be kicked out or shut out. consider: New BTU Staff want to hear from you! Based on our experiences, we know • Telling your stories as BTU members better. There are successful public schools. and sharing information about what BPS Are you staying around Boston this summer? The BTU would love to see you! If Given the right leadership and resources, schools really need (and don’t need) with you are available, the new BTU staffers Paul Tritter ([email protected]) and Jessica friends, neighbors, community members Tang ([email protected]) would love to meet you. Paul will be leading the new BTU schools can do better. Yes, teaching is not for Professional Development Institute to support teachers and Jessica is working on everyone and of course those who cannot • Staying informed as much as possible activating and organizing our membership as well as strengthening community teach, should not. However, what’s missing by reading the E-bulletin (sign up at www. relationships. Come drop by one of our summer Open Houses to learn more from this narrative is the vast majority of btu.org) and taking the time to read all about this work, meet us, and share your ideas about professional development, educators who are struggling day to day correspondences from the BTU involvement in the BTU, and community partnerships! to do better despite lack of supports and in • Looking out for more opportunities Thursday, Aug. 8, 3-5 pm (*please note time change) at the spite of difficult teaching conditions. There and actions throughout the year! are those who do go above and beyond and Across the nation, public education has Mattapan Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA 02126 get the recognition they deserve, but for been losing the battle against the corporate Monday, Aug. 19, 10 am-noon at the Boston Teachers Union every educator recognized, there are many education reformers, from Chicago to more going above and beyond in whatever Detroit to Philly. In the City of Boston, we Tuesday, Aug. 27, 5-7 pm at the capacity they can without the recognition. have reached a crossroads. There will be Center for Leadership Development (CLD) at Madison Park, Thus, whenever a few of us get to shine in both a new mayor and new superintendent. 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Boston, MA 02120, adjacent to the O’Bryant the limelight, it should be about the “we” Public education will face very different not only the “me.” In order to advance our paths based upon who may take the helm Prospective Building Rep Info Session: profession and strengthen our collective in both of these positions. We may follow voice to improve schools, we need to begin in the steps of other cities where the Have you thought about running for Building Representative? Do you want to corporate playbook calls for increases in know more about what Building Reps do? Come to an info session! thinking and acting more collectively. This means engaging with our union independent charters to divert funds and Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1-3, OR 3-5pm at the Boston Teachers and just as importantly, the larger com- non-ELL and special education students. Union munity of parents, students and family This leads to lower test scores in public members that live in Boston’s neighbor- schools and “excess unfilled seats.” This Mayoral Candidate Forum hosted by the BTU: hoods and care deeply about the future of then becomes the reason for more school Following the First Membership Meeting of the Year! its students, too. Working in our own silos closures and massive teacher layoffs. This may impact the students before us, but if is how the public education sector is be- Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7pm at the Boston Teachers Union, we are truly to make an impact on a larger ing privatized. However, if we are able to 180 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 scale – advocating for policies and practices organize our members, our community that we know will help us to meet the allies, and potential allies, we may be able SAVE THE DATE! BTU Annual Conference: needs of our students – collective action, to stem the tide of corporate reforms and The annual conference is an opportunity for building representatives to help collective voice, and the power of a unified push our city to embark on a new path shape the annual goals of the union and to receive training to support these community of educators, students, parents, that values the voices of those who know goals. This year’s date is: and community members is necessary. our schools best and actually invests in Friday-Sunday, October 25-27, at the Dedham Hilton Those of us who are on the ground living, the changes we know will actually make working, and interacting in the schools and a difference for ALL of our students. BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013 ❖ 7 We’re Learning Here A project by Amika Kemmler Ernst, Ed.D. Whalan Primary School in Australia ne of the greatest pleasures of retirement is the opportunity to travel during the school year, and I recently returned from an extended trip to Australia and New Zealand. For two weeks at the end Oof October we exchanged homes with Shirley Steel, a retired educator. When I told her I’d love to visit a school, she recommended Whalan, where she had served as principal for several years. The school year runs from January to December, so I was visiting in the middle of the final term. Whalan Primary School serves 350-400 students, Preschool to Grade 6, in a large government housing area with high unemployment. Approximately 20% of the students are of Aboriginal heritage and 40% speak a language other than English at home; most walk to school. There’s a photo of each teacher at the school’s entrance, and photo signs at doorways saying, “Welcome! Our teacher’s name is... “ I felt right at home in classrooms full of books and posters and student work, with word walls and reminders of the school’s three rules displayed everywhere: “Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner.” Principal Jo-Ann Lock gave me a lovely tour of the sprawling complex of classroom buildings. They have an extensive kitchen garden where students in grades 3-6 grow, harvest and learn to prepare differ- ent foods! It was Friday afternoon and most students were in the fields, playing sports, and eating lunch. One group of students was working on artwork for an end-of-year “Celebrations” theme. I enjoyed being involved with an “Ocean” theme at the Manning Elementary School, where I taught for many years and my 4th grade students did cross-grade research projects with first graders. If any of you have had positive experiences with school-wide themes, please share them via the BTU Union Paper... articles always wel- come. We can inspire one another! Third graders are learning how to use Each teacher at Whalan Primary School is responsible for six subjects (plus supervising lunch/recess baseball mitts to catch tennis balls. time): Maths, English, Social Sciences, Science, Arts, and Physical Education. There are no “specialist” teachers and they get only a half hour break all day long, although they do have a weekly 2-hour block of release time for conferences, phone calls, grading papers, etc. This year’s academic focus is on reading and the entire staff read The Book Whisperer, about how to encourage a love of reading; perhaps some of you are familiar with it. I enjoyed visiting Whalan and getting a glimpse into a school world both similar to and different from our own. As in the USA, Australian educators are concerned with budget cuts and a new national curriculum. What sustains us all is “the kids” – working to make a difference in the lives of our students.

[email protected] Note: This column ran on the BTU website in February. The summer felt like the best time to include it in the Boston Union Teacher. A group of kindergarten students working “Celebrations” paintings.

A wide covered verandah outside preschool classrooms provides room for art activities.

Principal Jo-Ann Lock asks a student to explain what he’s doing.

Writing stories in a primary class.

Preschoolers from two diferent schools “mix and mingle” while waiting for instructions.

A student in a grade 5/6 classroom showing her teacher where to ind Boston!

(Amika Kemmler Ernst is a recently retired BPS New Teacher Developer with extensive experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and graphic A student with special needs practices making his artist. Her “We’re Learning Here” Project features This is a small part of the kitchen gardens planted, letters on an iPad. images of everyday learning in our public schools, maintained and harvested by 3-6 grade classes. along with the words of the students pictured. ) 8 ❖ BOSTON UNION TEACHER ❖ July-August, 2013