Thinking of California and the challenges ahead
Thinking of California and the challenges ahead
Greetings, MTA members,
We are all watching on our screens the devastation from the wildfires in Los Angeles. No doubt, many of you are providing support in a variety of ways. Consider making, as well, a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund set up by our sibling state affiliate, the California Teachers Association. These donations will assist their members and students affected by the fires.
In the category of “let’s always remember our victories,” check out this report on what free regional buses, made possible by the Fair Share Amendment, mean for residents and the climate.
When you receive our next MTA Union News, the country will have a new president. We expect that we will see a flurry of actions by the new administration that will form the first line of attack on many values we hold dear, and that will put our members and students in harm's way. But we will stand together, not in a defensive crouch, but standing up, and remaining strong and confident in the knowledge that public education is beloved in the Commonwealth and across the country as the foundation of democracy, and that you, our members, are the experts in public education and are trusted more than any other group of people on what public education needs and deserves.
MTA Events, Opportunities and Solidarity Actions
Actions Taken at January MTA Executive Committee Meeting
To help members be more fully engaged with the work of the 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 MTA Executive Committee at the meeting on Jan 10, 2025, can be found here.
Before you shut down for break, sign up for some important and exciting events happening early in 2025.
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Nominate the Next State Teacher of the Year It is time to nominate educators for the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Please take a moment to nominate a colleague who is especially deserving of this honor. |
NEA Events
The NEA is hosting a number of events to preview what the second Trump administration could portend for public education and the common good, including a meeting tonight on how to prepare for the new administration, and others in the coming days on defending LGBTQ+ rights, keeping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of our schools, and a hopeful story from Kentucky and Nebraska on how to fight privatization and vouchers. Click here to register.
The NEA Legislative Committee invites NEA members to attend the committee’s 2025 listening sessions as the 119th Congress begins. This is your chance to find out more about the NEA Legislative Program, our guide for advocacy at the federal level, and how you can add your voice. Members can ask questions and share their legislative priorities, get an update on activity in Congress, including the repeal of two unfair penalties that robbed many NEA members of the Social Security benefits they earned, and learn how to participate in federal advocacy via the NEA EdAction Center.
Advanced registration is required. The following dates are available:
Caring for Yourself While You Care for Others (Part of the First Wednesday Retiree Speaker Series)
Where:Virtual
When: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
In this workshop, Betsy Englander, a licensed clinical social worker, will facilitate a discussion on how caregivers can navigate complex relationships and provide strategies to cope with the mental, physical, and emotional challenges that come with caregiving.
Professional Licensure (Part of the Licensure Workshop Series)
Where: Virtual
When: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
This session will provide a crash course on the requirements to apply for a Professional license and the process of renewing one. We will cover the application requirements in ELAR, how to collect evidence for Professional Development Points (PDPs) and understand the options for the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP). Time will be included to address identifying eligible activities for PDPs and how to tackle a DESE audit of a professional license renewal.
Virtual MTA Forum Hosted by the Anti-Racism Task Force, "Drag King Journey in a Marginalized Community"
Where: Virtual
When: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6-7 p.m. Ceasar Hart, a prominent Drag King who has captivated audiences in Washington for the past 15 years, will present on the stigma associated with being a Drag King, the history of Drag Kings, the lack of acceptance and understanding surrounding this community and the extra layer of marginalization within the BIPOC community.
Call for Nominations: 2026 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominations are open for the 2026 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. All current members of an NEA local affiliate or bargaining unit are eligible, including teachers, Education Support Professionals, and higher education faculty and staff. The MTA Executive Committee will choose the MTA nominee. Awardees are honored each year at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala. Applicants should email MTAGovernance@massteacher.org for information and application materials. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 7. For more information about the awards, please click here.
MTA Meeting for MTA Members and Community Allies - YES On 2 Follow uUp
Please join us for a meeting on Jan. 29, when we will celebrate our YES on 2 victory and discuss the way forward, including defending our victory in the Legislature, along with pushing forward other key priorities for public education, in prekindergarten through higher education. Please reach out to MTAGovernance@massteacher.org with any questions. Register today.
MTA Benefits Extends FREE ID Theft Protection Offer
All MTA members are eligible for a FREE ID Theft Protection membership with Securus ID, courtesy of MTA Benefits. If you already claimed this offer since its inception in January 2024, you will receive an email regarding the renewed offer. If you did not register for this free membership last year, register now.
Political Education
We would encourage you to read this eloquent article by Danielle Charbonneau, MTA member and former Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, in the Boston Globe Magazine about how our victory on Question 2 should open up a discussion about the kind of education we provide.
And then take a look at this report on the many ways of thinking about high school graduation requirements. We met the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and other stakeholders to discuss the ideas in the report. We’d love to hear your reactions. What do you think is most important for high school graduates to have learned in their four years?
In solidarity,
Max and Deb