Invest in public education
New federal aid provides an unprecedented opportunity to bring about the schools and colleges that our students deserve.
Get Resources
Are you safe at school?
Use our new tracking tool to document and/or report on cases of COVID-19 at your school or college.
FIND YOUR SCHOOL OR COLLEGE
What if they gave a test and nobody came?
Parents, educators and students agree with the MTA: It’s time to cancel MCAS testing!
Get InvolvedMTA calls for safeguards in fall school guidance
We all want our students in school, as we have said consistently. The vast majority of students learn better when they are taught in person. Educators’ unions and our allies have advocated for and won significant public health measures that make in-person learning as safe as possible.
With that said, the Baker administration must recognize that the pandemic is not over and that there are many variables to keep an eye on throughout the summer and into the fall.
A Year Like No Other
COVID-19 & Schools
COVID-19 and Schools: The Latest News and What's Next
A 'Joyful Day" for Educators
Can Children Get COVID?
COVID-19 Variants
Resources Available to MTA Locals and Chapters
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.
New federal aid to benefit state and local public education
On March 11, President Joe Biden signed The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The measure 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:
ARPA Funding
Read MTA’s proposals for ARPA funding, State Appropriated Federal Funds: Recovery and Justice After the Pandemic.
- The funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – known as ESSER III – provides $1,657,626,171 for elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts. The funds are available beginning July 1, but districts have until October 4 to apply. They are required to consult with stakeholders including educators and their unions in developing their plans for using the funds. The funds can be used can be used into FY2024.
- The funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – known as HEERF III – provides an estimated $432,794, 957 for community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts system (and modest additional amounts for those that are minority serving institutions). About half of the funding is required to be used for grants to students. The funds can be used into FY2024.
- In addition to the funding specifically targeted for education, . Those funds can also be used to support the education of students in elementary and secondary schools and our institutions of public higher education. The local funds will be divided between 2021 and 2022 and be available for use through 2024. Go here for a description of the allowable uses for these funds.
Coronavirus-Related Posts
MTA calls for safeguards in fall school guidance
We all want our students in school, as we have said consistently.
Poll shows deep support for public education and educators
Newly released polling data shows that Massachusetts residents strongly support systemic changes to reimagine public education and overwhelmingly understand the...
Educators to testify for higher ed funding and affordability
MTA members and leaders will be testifying in support of three bills aimed at adequately funding public higher education, ensuring...
Annual Meeting delegates focus on promoting inclusion, fairness and the common good
Making language inclusive, advancing a bill of rights for Education Support Professionals and focusing on the common good were among...
For MTA Members
Legal Help
Get answers to frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 from the MTA's Legal Division.
Are you safe at work? New tool helps educators track, report COVID-19 cases
A new tracking tool is now available to help educators document cases of COVID-19 at work.
The tracker, available at stopthespread.massteacher.org, allows educators to:
- Search for known and suspected cases of COVID-19 at their public school, college or workplace
- Report on safety conditions at their school, college or worksite
- Share the experience of working in public education during the coronavirus pandemic
The tracker, developed by the MTA and AFT Massachusetts, is designed to give local associations, members and their families useful information as well as hold our elected officials accountable.
Health and Safety Resources
Checklist for In-Person Learning
A list of questions to help ensure the safest possible environment for in-person learning.
Read MoreBargaining and Online Resources for MTA Members
Resources and tools for bargaining health and safety conditions.
Read MoreBuilding Safety Checklist
A list of preparations to incorporate with your local association's building safety plan.
Read MoreInformation Request/Demand to Bargain
Request form based on MGL ch. 150E.
Read MoreA Guide for Bargaining the Safe Return to Schools and Campuses
Policies and practices for a safe return to our schools and campuses.
Read More