MTA Today - Winter 2019

The Massachusetts Teachers Association

2 Heritage Drive, 8th Floor Quincy, MA 02171-2119

800.392.6175 or 617.878.8000

FAX: 617.742.7046
www.massteacher.org

Charter process is ‘weaponized’ 3

Editorial: The purpose of public education 4

Member activism builds momentum for Fund Our Future bills 5

Commentary: Seeing the very real impacts of inequity 6

Retirees step up to participate in Fund Our Future advocacy 6

In solidarity with UTLA members 8

Legislative priorities address range of issues 8

EMAC Conference participants discuss ‘structural nature of racism’ 9

ESP Conference features array of activities 10

Mark your calendars for upcoming ESP events 10

Event brings early career educators together 11

MTA calls for disclosure of higher ed donor agreements 11

Teachers defeat attack on critical thinking 12

Statements by candidates for NEA Director seats 13

New policy on testing is applauded in Sharon 14

Regional retirement consultations available 15

Members gather for Reimagining Bargaining Summit 17

Preconvention meetings to be held in April 17

Chorus to perform at MTA Annual Meeting 19

Advocacy day set for public higher education 19

Resources available for Read Across America Day 21

Are you responsible for an aging parent? 23

MTAB holds Annual Meeting 23

Obituaries 25

Registration begins soon for MTA Retired spring brunches 26

Classifieds;26

MTA calls for fully funded school libraries 28

IN THIS ISSUE

M TA TODAY, ISSN 08982481, is published quarterly by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Subscription: $2.67 of MTA members’ dues is designated for MTA Today.

Periodicals postage rates paid at Boston, MA, and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: MTA Today, 2 Heritage Drive, 8th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171-2119.

Copyright ©2019 by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. All material in this periodical may be reproduced by educators for distribution to students or by affiliate associations for their own publications. Unless expressly stated, acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product by MTA or M TA Benefits.

MTA’S MISSION STATEMENT

The Massachusetts Teachers Association is a member-driven organization, governed by democratic principles, that accepts and supports the interdependence of professionalism and unionism. The MTA promotes the use of its members’ collective power to advance their professional and economic interests. The MTA is committed to human and civil rights and advocates for quality public education in an environment in which lifelong learning and innovation flourish.

MTA President

Merrie Najimy

MTA Vice President

Max Page

Executive Director-Treasurer

Ann Clarke

Publisher

Ann Clarke

Communications Director/Editor

James Sacks

Staff Assistant

Janice Morrissey

Graphic Designer

Joshua Degregorio

Quote-Unquote

“Two hundred and thirty years ago, John Adams said, ‘The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people, — State Senator Jo Comerford, who filed the Cherish Act in the Senate to ensure additional state funding for public higher education

ON THE COVER

Educators, parents and students gathered for the launch of the Fund Our Future campaign at the State House in December. Since then, activism has moved into high gear as MTA members and their coalition allies have pushed the issue of equity in public education funding to the top of the agenda not only on Beacon Hill, but also in towns and cities throughout the Commonwealth.

Taking part in the kickoff at the State House were, from left to right, Birukti Tsige, a Malden High School senior; Zena Link, a high school English teacher who has taught in both Worcester and Weston; and Juan Pablo Blanco, a UMass Boston graduate student.

Coverage begins on Page 5, and a commentary by Link appears on Page 6. Meanwhile, MTA members are keeping up the ongoing fight against charter schools, with opponents in New Bedford and Haverhill sharing strategies and taking action together. Coverage begins on Page 3.