The Massachusetts Teachers Association
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Quincy, MA 02171-2119
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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.
Cover photo by Chris Christo
Cover design by Joshua Degregorio
This edition also includes the Winter issue
of The MTA Advantage