We Will Continue to Speak Up for Justice

We Will Continue to Speak Up for Justice

Barbara Madeloni

Barbara Madeloni, President


Greetings,

Last week I wrote about the work that educators do every day to support students who are traumatized by events both personal and social. This is essential but emotionally demanding work, and too often it goes unrecognized. But in times like these - when unions, public education, students, their families and the very idea of the common good are under attack - educators have another essential role to play: speaking up for justice.

Across the state, from conversations with colleagues and parents to newspaper op-eds such as this one and this one, to legislative hearings, to demonstrations such as MCCC's calling for equal pay for equal work, educators have been raising their voices about policies that are undermining public education and damaging our communities. The MTA not only applauds these actions but works every day to support you as you raise your collective voices for students, schools and communities.

“The MTA works every day to support you as you raise your collective voices for students, schools and communities.”

Recently some MTA members who have spoken out against the actions of the Trump administration have been subject to harassment and serious threats of violence, both in the workplace and at home. I do not write this to frighten you. The educators themselves, though understandably anxious, remain courageous and committed to not being silenced. The MTA staunchly supports both their right to speak and the necessity of speaking out against injustice. We condemn attempts to silence through fear and intimidation.

I write to remind each of us that, in these troubled and troubling times, our right and responsibility to speak for justice are under threat. This is all the more reason that we cannot back down, that we must support each other, that we must find our courage - and that our collective voices protect us.

I am both stunned by what these members have been subjected to and inspired by their bravery.

The All In Campaign: Accessing Our Collective Power

All In: Union Power

In a smaller but no less important way, I am deeply troubled by the fear that haunts too many of you in the workplace - fear that makes you uncertain about challenging the weaponization of the evaluation system, or the anguish that high-stakes testing causes students, or the dismantling of workplace rights. Our work as a union is to help each other overcome this fear and access our collective power. MTA's All In campaign can help you do just that. Go here to find out more. Join the campaign. Talk to each other. Name your issues. And organize for the schools and communities we all deserve.

Learn More

Upcoming Gatherings for Retirees and New Members

Two wonderful opportunities for members to gather, share issues and solutions, and build the relationships that support our work - the MTA Retired Gathering and the Just for New Teachers Conference - are coming up next week and in early November. The registration period for the Oct. 17-18 MTA Retired Gathering has officially passed, but we may still be able to accommodate you. Please reach out to events@massteacher.org to inquire about last-minute registration. On Nov. 4, the Just for New Teachers Conference will be held in Worcester. Go here for information about that conference.

Register for the JFNT Conference

Caring for Each Other and Our Communities

In the next few weeks, many of you will be welcoming students whose families have fled the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The MTA will be putting together resources to help you welcome students and support them and their families. I am looking for ideas from members - such as links to resources and examples of work you are doing - to share. Please send them to Ari Mercado in the Division of Governance and Administration. Email her at amercado@massteacher.org.

When we act with and for each other, we create a better world.

Solidarity,

Barbara