MTA Today - Spring 2014

Marshall J. Aronstam, 75, of South Deerfield. Was a teacher and principal in the Goshen, Sunderland and Whately elementary schools for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2003. Feb. 2.

Jean R. Cash, 58, of Plaistow, N.H. Was an elementary teacher in the Haverhill school system for 15 years and had worked previously at schools in Medford and Kingston, N.H. Feb. 27.

Richard J. Collins, 82, of
Andover. Was a social studies teacher
and coach for 37 years at Andover
High School and served on the
Andover School Committee. Feb. 19.
Sheila M. Doherty, 60, of
Everett. Was a longtime teacher in the
Everett school system. Dec. 27.
Roger A. Gagnon, 74, of
Newburyport. Taught history at
Newburyport High School for 37
years. Dec. 17.
Ernest D. Glynn, 88, of
Chatham. Taught mathematics and
business in Belmont, Waltham and
Wayland. Feb. 11.
Stephen Lacilla, 66, of Holden.
Was a mathematics teacher for 10
years at South High Community
School in Worcester. Jan. 29.
Kathleen M. Morey, 59, of
Plymouth. Was an elementary teacher
at the Indian Brook Elementary School
in Manomet for 33 years. Feb. 6.
Suzanne L. Moynihan, 71, of
Worcester. Taught in the Lancaster
Public Schools for 36 years. Feb. 25.
Irma F. Resnick, 95, of Canton.
Was a guidance counselor in the
Milton school system. Jan. 8.
Lawrence A. Ristuccia, 92, of
Belmont. Taught at the Northeast
Regional Vocational School. Jan. 15.

Carol Sullivan, 70, of Westford. Taught at the John F. Kennedy Junior High School in Woburn for more than 30 years, retiring in 2001. Jan. 3.

Fitzgerald, who addressed attendees as the event got underway. He said such collaborations are crucial because many AP and IB instructors are the only ones in their buildings teaching a particular course.

The teachers came to the MTA-sponsored conference from more than two dozen school districts stretching from Cape Cod to the Berkshires.

Malone, who was the school superintendent in Brockton when the MAAP initiative first took shape, praised the group’s ongoing efforts.

“You are caring, thoughtful, talented, highly skilled teachers,” Malone said in his keynote address. “You teach empathy. You are building the future citizenry. You make young people want to come to school.”

The hope among the MAAP participants is that students will pursue rigorous coursework and that a more diverse population of students will avail themselves of AP and IB courses.

In answering one teacher’s question about the effects of poverty on public education, Malone pointed out that closing racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps is at the heart of MAAP’s work.

“You are creating a pathway to success that can break the cycle of poverty,” Malone said, referring to the role of AP exams in providing college credit and facilitating placement. “Students who achieve qualifying scores can save money and make college more affordable.” MAAP conference fosters collaboration