ARPA Funding
Read MTA’s proposals for ARPA funding, State Appropriated Federal Funds: Recovery and Justice After the Pandemic.
“As we have been saying for many months now, our top priority is to get our schools open safely and keep them open for full in-person learning.”
MTA President Merrie Najimy
The vote by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to require all public school staff and students older than 5 to wear masks while in school is a significant advancement toward keeping our communities safe as we prepare for a return to full in-person learning.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association announced on Aug. 17 that it is in favor of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees and eligible students in public schools and colleges throughout the state. The MTA Board of Directors voted to adopt the position during an emergency meeting.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association’s Board of Directors unanimously voted on Aug. 1 to support the mandatory use of face coverings in public schools from preK through higher education as part of a multi-pronged strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The MTA board took action on this health and safety matter as COVID-19 cases rise, particularly with the spread of the delta variant and its link to breakthrough infections of fully vaccinated individuals.
Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal government is making an unprecedented investment in public education from prekindergarten through higher education. Now is the time to organize and advocate for how that money is spent to benefit our students and our communities. Visit massteacher.org/arparesources to access the collection of resources, materials and strategies available to MTA local associations and chapters.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021, provides substantial resources for Massachusetts schools, colleges and universities. It also provides funding for individuals, for other targeted priorities, and for state and local governments.
The information is now available on the education funding itself and on the aid to state and local governments that can also be used to support public education. The following are some important points:
Read MTA’s proposals for ARPA funding, State Appropriated Federal Funds: Recovery and Justice After the Pandemic.
A list of questions to help ensure the safest possible environment for in-person learning.
Read MoreResources and tools for bargaining health and safety conditions.
Read MoreA list of preparations to incorporate with your local association's building safety plan.
Read MoreRequest form based on MGL ch. 150E.
Read MorePolicies and practices for a safe return to our schools and campuses.
Read MoreA new tracking tool is now available to help educators document cases of COVID-19 at work.
Answers to frequently asked questions about unemployment from the MTA's Legal Division.
School districts have until October 28 to apply for funding to improve ventilation and indoor air quality for healthy learning...
Inadequate and incompetent actions in recent days by the governor and education commissioner are threatening the well-being of students, educators...