MTA Today - Fall 2014

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Gathering features call to political action

By Scott McLennan

C alls for political activism resounded through the MTA’s 13th annual Retired Members Gathering.

Neil Clarke, who received the “Honor Our Own” award at the event — held on Sept. 29 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel — reflected on how his work as an educator in Lee, his union activism and his current role as a Senate district coordinator in MTA’s Division of Grassroots Campaigns became entwined.

“Throughout all of my experiences, it was the
people I got to know and worked with who made the
difference,” Clarke said. “One lesson I’ve learned
is to connect the dots regarding significant changes
to the art and joy of teaching. Those dots often lead
to the doors of politicians, through legislation or
funding, or to boards that dictate to educators. As a
Senate district coordinator, I’ve once again found
the joy of collegiality and helping achieve positive
Clarke, who attended the ceremony with his
wife, Barbara, taught in Lee for 34 years. He is a
former member of MTA’s Board of Directors and
Executive Committee.

“Honor Our Own” recognition is awarded each year by the Retired Members Committee, which evaluates materials that outline the accomplishments of nominees. Joshua Hall, one of Clarke’s former students who is now an educator in the Lee Public Schools, nominated Clarke.

MTA President Barbara Madeloni, Vice President Janet Anderson and Executive Director-Treasurer Ann Clarke thanked the crowd of more than 200 retired members for their years of service to public education and their continued involvement in the MTA.

Anderson pointed out the work of former MTA President Mary Gilmore as an example, explaining that her advocacy of strong bonds between current and retired members is vital to the association.

Madeloni urged the retirees to share their stories about what the profession was like when they were in the classroom — before standardized testing and punitive evaluation systems became the norm.

“Our active members don’t get to live out the
hopes and ideals that drew them to teaching, but you
could help make learning joyful again,” Madeloni
said. “You have the expertise, and often the time, to
speak out when our younger members cannot. And
you can’t be fired anymore!”
Kathleen Roberts, co-chair of the Retired
Members Committee, also spoke up for activism.

She cited her recent 100th birthday as a milestone and asked her colleagues for the “gift” of their political action in the Nov. 4 election. Each table at the gathering was adorned with a birthday card for Roberts that doubled as a signup sheet for MTA activities aimed at helping to elect Attorney General Martha Coakley as the state’s next governor.

“Participation in the political process is so important today, especially to help our younger teachers,” Roberts told the crowd.

U.S. Senator Edward Markey sent birthday greetings to Roberts from Washington, D.C., and the retirees enjoyed a large cake in Roberts’ honor.

Each year, the Retired Members Committee works with a school in need of educational supplies. This year, Fonseca Elementary School in Fall River was chosen. Retirees donated books and classroom materials.

The gathering also featured a variety of workshops covering topics from financial planning to technology — as well as a crash course on this year’s campaigns.

Above from left to right, Kathleen Comer, Louise Russell, Eileen Cleary and Mary Gilmore of the Retired Members Committee listen to speakers at the Sept. 29 event, which drew a crowd of more than 200. At left, Neil Clarke and his wife, Barbara, are pictured with the “Honor Our Own” award. Clarke was given the award for his many years of service as a teacher in Lee, his union activism and his work as an MTA Senate district coordinator. “Participation in the political process is so important today, especially to help our younger teachers,” Retired Members Committee Co-Chair Kathleen Roberts told the audience.