Feel Proud of Union Strength
Feel Proud of Union Strength
Greetings, MTA member,
A little early, but … Happy Birthday, MTA! Our union, one of the oldest educators’ associations in the country, turns 180 soon, having been founded on Nov. 24, 1845.
Coming off our incredible Question 2 victory, which followed our once-in-a-century victory on the Fair Share Amendment, which followed our stunning victory on Question 2 on charter schools in 2016, we can all feel proud of the strength of our union. This strength also is shown by recent actions, with local after local winning best-ever contracts, living wages for Education Support Professionals, paid parental leave, safe schools for educators and students alike, and, finally – this just happened yesterday – an alternative pathway to the MTEL. We can all feel proud that the public looks to us to lay out a vision for what our public schools and colleges need.
Congratulations to the Union of Gloucester Educators, which just yesterday settled a transformative contract with its school committee. Please continue to support the Beverly and Marblehead locals on the North Shore who are still fighting for fair contracts, living wages for ESPs, paid parental leave and safe schools.
This week, we celebrated National ESP Day, an opportunity to share all the ways ESPs contribute to our schools and colleges. Show your appreciation for these educators with the resources posted at massteacher.org/espday. Transgender Day of Remembrance was also this week. Please take a moment to learn more about this annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Take Action Pass the Social Security Fairness Act to fully repeal GPO/WEP
We are so close to winning the repeal of GPO/WEP. If the U.S. Senate votes in favor, President Biden will sign it and we gain greater retirement dignity for thousands of current and future members.
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are fully in support, but the more members who let them know this should be a top priority will help them. Take action here. In addition, if you are affected personally, MTA staff would like to speak with you about sharing your story with elected officials who can take action.
Discussion on cellphones in schools with the AG’s office
In coordination with the state Attorney General's Office, the MTA will host a meeting on Monday, Nov. 25 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss a toolkit the AGO is creating with guidance on cell phones and social media access policies in schools. This is an opportunity for members to share their thoughts about how these technologies are impacting teaching and learning. A Zoom link will be sent after registration. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m.
Actions Taken at November Executive Committee Meeting To help members be more fully engaged with the work of the MTA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, we will post an “Actions” document summarizing actions taken by the Board or Executive Committee at the most recent meeting. Actions taken by the Executive Committee at the meeting on Nov. 15, 2024 can be found here.
MTA Events and Opportunities
Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Conference
Where: Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
hen: 5 p.m., Dec. 6, to 4 p.m., Dec. 7.
The Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee is proud to present its 45th annual conference with the theme, "Imagining Intersectional and Inclusive Communities." Friday evening's program will feature the Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers and keynote speaker Tricia Rose, director of the Systemic Racism Project at the Brown University Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America. Saturday's program will include workshops, a conversation with 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year De’Shawn Washington and community circles. Learn more.
New Member Committee Community Forum
We invite you to join this month’s New Members Community Forum, hosted by the MTA New Member Committee. The meeting is Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
In this informal, one-hour session, we'll have time to catch up and check in. As an attendee, you will have an opportunity to share about the year so far, troubleshoot issues, and offer insights to your colleagues. We hope that you'll be able to join us for the full hour, however, you are also welcome to drop in at any time between 7 and 8 p.m.
This month, New Member Committee members Dawna Vella and Bob Williams will host our forum. Please register here.
Memory and Aging
(part of the First Wednesday Retiree Speaker Series)
Where: Virtual
When: Dec. 4, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Are you worried about dementia? Listen to an expert on memory loss and learn the difference between everyday aging-related memory challenges and early warning signs of possible dementia. Bring your questions and curiosity about this vital topic.
INSPIRE Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute
Where: Worcester State University
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 8 a.m. to 4 pm.
The INSPIRE Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute is a groundbreaking civic engagement institute for high school leaders. Presented by the MTA, in partnership with Team Harmony and Empower Peace, this free event is designed to empower student leaders to advocate for social change in their schools and communities. Space is limited. Register here. 0
UMass Amherst Sports Conference
When: Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: Virtual
Athletes and leaders from across the sports industry are discussing how collective action is reshaping professional and collegiate athletics. The discussion will examine how these workers are advocating for fair compensation, better working conditions and greater rights, and why now is a critical moment for labor organizing in sports. Register here.
Political Education
Election night had its highs – Question 2 – and lows – the re-election of someone who is an enemy of public education and unions. But let’s remember some of the other victories around the country, especially on public education (stopping vouchers, for example, in deep red states!) and basic economic justice – securing a minimum wage increase in Missouri – as well as approving a constitutional right to abortion in seven states.
In solidarity,
Max and Deb