Let’s End the High-Stakes Graduation Requirement and Win Big on Nov. 5
Let’s End the High-Stakes Graduation Requirement and Win Big on Nov. 5
It’s crunch time,
We have fewer than three weeks until Election Day. Early voting is about to begin. After more than a decade of advocacy, in our schools and in the Legislature, we have a chance to end the destructive high-stakes testing regime, and move our schools toward more authentic learning under the guidance of our members, the trusted, professional educators.
When we win on Question 2 on Nov. 5, we will be in a stronger position to win the other priorities you have identified: paid family and medical leave, living wages for all educators and debt-free, high-quality public higher education.
Whether you are mailing your ballot or planning to vote early, beginning on Saturday, Oct. 19, through Nov. 1, you are helping to bring us to victory on Question 2, and stopping former President Donald Trump from getting anywhere near the White House.
Between now and Election Day, we are asking each of you to take (at least) two hours to help us win in the final three weeks:
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Join a YES on 2 canvass or phone bank and call residents of swing states for Harris and Walz.
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“Talk to 10” — Make a list and start calling 10 friends and family members, and ask them to vote YES on 2. To help you, we have talking points and answers to your frequently asked questions.
MTA members can also help the Harris-Walz presidential ticket and MTA-recommended candidates for U.S. Senate, House and the state Senate and House of Representatives. Check out the MTA Election Guide for a full list of candidates and key election dates.
MTA Events
Up to $25K in Scholarships is available to Massachusetts Educators
Tomorrow’s Teachers program, an MTA initiative, offers up to $25,000 per year in scholarships to Massachusetts public college or university students on track to become teachers in one of our public schools. Apply by Nov. 18 to access these state funds, available each year for four years. Thousands of dollars in state funds for loan repayment are also available to educators. Learn more at massteacher.org/financialaidforeducators.
MTA Board Alert
To help our members be more fully engaged with the work of the Board of Directors, we will post a “Board Alert” that summarizes the actions of the Board following its meetings. We will also include upcoming Board agendas in the weekly email. The agenda for the Oct. 18 Board meeting can be found here.
MTA Forum on Full-Service Community Schools
When: Monday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. Where: Virtual
Pedro Noguera, Ph.D., dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, will deliver a virtual keynote address: “The Limits and Possibilities of Education in an Unequal Society.” Learn more and register here.
MTA Forum on High-Stakes Testing
When: Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Denisha Jones, Ph.D., executive director of the nonprofit Defending the Early Years, will present a virtual webinar: “The Truth About High Stakes Testing and College and Career Readiness.” Register here.
Increasing Federal Investment in Public Education
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 Where: Virtual
Though historically, public schools were locally financed through property and state taxes, the largest pool of public funds is federal income taxes. The Massachusetts Peace Action webinar features education leaders, including Max, discussing why we need more federal funding in public education. Register here.
NEA LGBTQ+ Blended Learning Courses
Location: Virtual
When: Monday, Oct. 21 through Dec. 7
To help members support our LGBTQ+ students, the NEA is offering online, blended learning courses to educate members about a variety of LGBTQ+ topics and to inspire action. These courses will help members create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
Paid Student Teaching
Location: Virtual
When: Thursday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m.
This session will provide an overview of paid student teaching. It will start with an introduction of the Student Education Association of Massachusetts, an association for students in college who are preparing to become educators. An overview of the national picture of paid student teaching and discussion of DESE’s teacher residencies pilot program will follow. The pilot program is expected to begin in 2025-2026. Register for the session here.
Rise of the Right and Education (part of the First Wednesday Retiree Speaker Series)
Where: Virtual
When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Join journalist Jennifer Berkshire and education historian Jack Schneider, authors of “The Education Wars: A Citizen's Guide and Defense Manual,” for an engaging, informative look at what's next for public schools in Massachusetts and beyond.
MTA Benefits: Update on student loan cancellation and forgiveness
There’s a lot of confusion and frustration surrounding student loan cancellation and forgiveness. MTA Benefits’ partner, Cambridge Credit Counseling, has provided an update on the status of student loan cancellation and what it means for borrowers who are in forbearance, as well as the current options for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Read more.
Political Education
As we head into the final weeks of the YES on Question 2 campaign, it seems valuable to lift up some of the amazing Op-Eds our members have written on why we need to pass Question 2.
Here are a few recent, outstanding examples:
In solidarity,
Max and Deb