Thankful for Our Union
Thankful for Our Union
Happy Thanksgiving, MTA Members!
There is so much to be thankful for, starting with the successful conclusion of the strikes in all three locals on the North Shore, with the ratification of contracts in Marblehead and Beverly last night! So many of you supported those locals so they could achieve transformative contracts. The North Shore locals won in the face of employers who tried – and failed – to break these unions. They failed because those unions built a member and community solidarity that was beautiful to behold.
We are thankful for those school committees that do negotiate in good faith. Just this past week, several locals won strong contracts that advanced the wages of paraprofessionals and all educators, achieved better parental leave and will improve the working and learning conditions in our schools. In this, we extend congratulations to our locals in Shrewsbury, Everett, Hamilton-Wenham and Revere.
Though it seems like a long time ago, it was just a few weeks ago that we won Question 2 by a huge margin, 59 to 41 percent. We are thankful that Massachusetts voters once again trusted in you, our members, and voted for high standards, not high stakes.
We also are thankful for past victories that are continuing to aid our schools, especially those with the fewest resources. It was five years ago this week that the $1.5 billion Student Opportunity Act was signed into law. So much needs to be fixed about Chapter 70 – stay tuned for the budget and legislative battles ahead – but SOA is already bringing school districts, particularly in our neediest communities, over $900 million in additional education aid making possible some of the recent transformative contracts.
Finally, we are most thankful for the honor of witnessing and being a part of the incredible campaigns of solidarity that you are leading across the Commonwealth. The other night in Beverly, when it was still unclear when or how this would end, Gloucester educators who had just secured an outstanding new contract showed up in force to support their comrades in their quest for a fair contract. Hundreds of BTA members lined the streets, singing and rolling out chants all evening as the city council met. In Marblehead, community-led, candlelight vigils have been followed by MEA-led sing-a-longs.
The struggle is hard, and the threats from an unfair collective bargaining system and from employers who aim to break, not to build, are real. But the joy, too, is palpable, and not just at the end with a victory, but throughout the campaign. So much of our culture and politics today seek to divide people from one another. As opposed to that, we have union members acting in solidarity to improve the schools they love, helping the students to whom they are dedicated, and achieving a greater measure of justice for their members. Our members acting together through their union – that is the basis on which we build a better world.
MTA Events and Opportunities
“Money Matters: More Tools, Less Stress” – New video series from MTA Benefits
MTA Benefits and partner Cambridge Credit Counseling have created a new video series called “Money Matters: More Tools, Less Stress” to provide members with debt management tips and solutions to improve their financial well-being. Topics will include curbing holiday spending, addressing sports gambling, and much more. The first episode, “Introduction to Debt Management Tools,” is available now.
2025 HCR Award Nominations
The MTA Human Relations Committee is soliciting nominations for the 2025 MTA Human and Civil Rights Awards, which honor individuals and groups for showing extraordinary dedication to civil rights and human relations. The awards will be presented on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the 2025 Human and Civil Rights Awards celebration. The deadline to submit nominations is April 21, 2025. If you have any questions, please email MTAGovernance@massteacher.org.
Opportunity to Review Curriculum Materials DESE and the Rennie Center are seeking educators to participate in CURATE (Curriculum Ratings by Teachers) for Spring 2025. CURATE convenes panels of Massachusetts educators to evaluate and rate instructional materials. Selected participants gain insight into the quality and alignment of a variety of curricular materials. Panelists will receive a stipend of up to $2000, as well as 30 PDPs for their service. Reach out to Alejandra Zeiger at azeiger@rennicenter.org with any questions and learn more by visiting Curriculum Ratings by Teachers (CURATE) | Rennie Center.
Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Conference
When: 5 p.m., Dec. 6, to 4 p.m., Dec. 7.
Where: Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
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
When: Dec. 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Zoom
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)
When: Dec. 4, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual
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.
MTA All-Membership Meeting - YES on 2 Follow-up
When: Dec. 9, 7 - 8 p.m.
Where: Zoom
We won YES on 2! Now, please join us for an all-member meeting to celebrate and discuss the way forward, including defending our victory in the Legislature, and pushing forward on other key priorities for public education, in preK through higher education. We are already hearing about how our win is benefiting educators and members. Share your stories of how this victory will – and is already – helping your students. Please send your stories to the MTA Governance Division at MTAGovernance@massteacher.org. We hope to highlight a few stories during the meeting. Register today!
MTA Community Meeting – YES on 2 Follow-up
When: Dec. 10, 6 - 7 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Please spread the word to community allies who helped get YES on 2 passed and ask them to join us for an MTA Community Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 6 - 7 p.m., to celebrate our victory on Question 2, and discuss the way forward, including defending our victory in the Legislature, and pushing forward on other key priorities for public education, in preK through higher education. Register today!
INSPIRE Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 8 a.m. to 4 pm.
Where: Worcester State University
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.
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
Much has been written in the wake of the election, especially about what it means to truly be a party, or a movement, that fights on behalf of working people. We urge you to read this essay by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor.
In solidarity,
Max and Deb