Uniting Across Our Differences
Uniting Across Our Differences
“The MTA: A Diverse Union of Education Workers”
As efforts continue to undermine groups within our schools, or the very idea of public education, this week seems an especially good time to lift up our new tagline. After a year of exploring the possibility of a new name for our union, a study group recommended and the Board last year ratified a new tagline, which we try to use as much as possible.
Your MTA, the largest union in New England, represents the vast majority of the people working in Massachusetts’ public schools. We use the term "educator" because every member contributes to the education of our students – nurses, bus drivers, classroom teachers, scientists, custodians, librarians, guidance counselors, coaches, paraprofessionals, faculty, and people in a hundred other job categories. We are united as workers serving our public schools, colleges and universities. But we have diverse roles that all must be respected.
Even as we are united being workers, we also are diverse by race and ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, abilities and politics. We embrace that diversity within our union as we embrace it among our students. We welcome every student and aspire to celebrate their unique abilities and identities. This is what makes public education the foundation of democracy.
And so, this week, we are lifting up what makes our schools, members and students the hope for our future. For example: Last Saturday, our MTA LGBTQ+ Committee won an award from the state’s LGBTQ+ Commission.
On Monday, we honored Indigenous People’s Day.
On Tuesday, members testified about the need to pay living wages to our ESP members.
At its recent meeting, the Board of Directors took a moment to hear from Board members about Hispanic Heritage Month, which ended this week. The NEA has some good resources to consider.
While others seek to foster hate and exploit divisions, we will celebrate the beautiful differences of our members and students – while never forgetting that we are united as education workers.
MTA Events, Opportunities and Solidarity Actions
Register for Solidarity School Workshops
See the full list of workshops & register at massteacher.org/solidarityschool.
Teaching on the Line: Educator Rights Under Political Fire
When: 4-5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20
Where: Zoom
This training provides an overview of legal protections for educators to engage in advocacy in and outside school, including rights to free speech for all public employees and academic freedom for higher ed employees; concerted, protected activity under Chapter 150E; teacher tenure/Chapter 71, section 42; and protections against retaliation for protesting discrimination. The training will cover classroom discussions and displays, selection of instructional and classroom materials, using students’ requested names and pronouns, social media posts on political topics, participation in protests and demonstrations, and handling politically motivated attacks from members of the public.
Community Defense and Rapid Response for Educators
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: MTA Quincy headquarters, 8th floor, 2 Heritage Dr., Quincy, Mass.
When: 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: MTA Central offices, 12 E. Worcester St., 2nd floor, Worcester
This interactive workshop presented by the MTA equips educators with tools to recognize, prevent and respond to threats against students, families and school communities. Participants will explore strategies for collective safety, rapid response coordination and solidarity practices rooted in care and justice. Through real-world scenarios and collaborative planning, educators will leave prepared to protect their communities and advocate effectively in moments of crisis.
Emergency Planning for Immigrant Families
When: 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30
Where: MTA Central offices, 12 E. Worcester St., 2nd Floor, Worcester
Learn how to prepare and protect your family in case of immigration-related emergencies. This workshop offers practical steps, resources, and legal tools to help families create safety plans and stay connected during times of crisis. Register by selecting the in-person workshop from the list provided.
Go to massteacher.org/solidarityschool for a full list of offerings and to register.
Sign Up to Testify: DRIVE Act Public Hearing
When: 12:30-4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30. Sign up to testify by Oct. 28.
Where: Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St., Room A-1, Boston or remote.
Please support MTA efforts to pass the DRIVE Act (H.4375), which will preserve and advance the state’s competitiveness in discovery, research and innovation. This is a $400 million investment, which includes $200 million from Fair Share Amendment funds specifically earmarked to backfill federal cuts made to public colleges and universities. Funding must also include other jeopardized academic programs and student support services.
Please email Molly Labonte at mlabonte@massteacher.org by Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. to sign up to testify in person or testify virtually. Click here to submit written testimony. Click here to watch the hearing live remotely.
Actions Taken at the October Board of Directors and Special Executive Committee Meetings
Actions taken on Oct. 3-4 by the MTA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee at meetings can be found here. Scroll down on the webpage for the Executive Committee information.
Progress in the Federal Fight Back Resolutions Effort
MTA members have continued their organizing to pass as many Higher Ed Federal Fight Back resolutions as possible to advocate for the passage of the Drive Act. So far, city councils or select boards have passed resolutions in six communities: Haverhill, Lowell, Salem, South Hadley, Easthampton and Wilbraham.,Over the coming weeks, our resolution is scheduled to be heard on Oct. 20 at Cambridge City Council and Amherst Town Council and on Oct. 23 in Somerville. More to come. Please join us at an upcoming council meeting, or email Grassroots@massteacher.org to help pass a resolution in your town.
Protecting Progress: Defending Public Higher Education
When: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20
Where: Virtual
The Trump administration is undermining progress in higher education support by cutting and freezing vital federal funds for research, student success and other academic pursuits. A strong public higher ed system is essential for achieving social and economic justice across Massachusetts, as well as for powering our local economy. Join MTA members and leaders in conversation with state representatives and senators to support: The DRIVE Act; The Bright Act; an Adjunct Bill of Rights; and improved wages and working conditions across public higher ed. Registration: https://massteacher-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/4_am97xSQeuGKFdbiTOH4w#/registration
Legal Division Offers Guidance on Social Media
When: 7-8:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Oct. 30
Where: Zoom
Join MTA Legal for practical guidance on navigating the complex intersection of social media and public enjoyment. We will discuss the protections – and limits – of the First Amendment and labor laws to help educators maximize their rights, recognize their limitations and make informed decisions before posting on social media. If you are a preK-12 member, sign up for sessions on Oct. 21 or 30. Higher ed members should join on Oct. 22. Please use the links to register in advance.
MTA Fall Regional Member and Presidents’ Meetings When: 4:30-7:30 p.m., Oct. 21 to Nov. 20 Where: Regional offices All members are invited to join us for a regional presidents’ meeting at the regional office that is most convenient for you. This is a chance to speak to MTA President Max Page, Vice President Deb McCarthy and Executive Director-Treasurer Mike Fadel about issues affecting you in your workplaces. A light dinner is included. Register here.
Cambridge Area: Attend In-District Constituent Meeting and Advocate for MTA Legislation
When: 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
Where: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Media Center
Educators and public education supporters have an opportunity to shape next year's budget and advocate for issues that are important to public education. State legislators need to hear from you. Join us as we advocate for high-quality, free public higher education, funding our schools to meet the needs of all students, ensuring a dignified retirement and other priorities. Register: https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/857995/
Presenter Power for ESPs
When: 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29 (Virtual); 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 (Worcester)
Are you thinking about or just getting started with presenting at conferences or in your workplace? Join us for the first Presenter Power for ESPs, where we’ll boost your confidence and get you ready to run workshop. ! Learn more and register.
Bi-weekly Public Higher Ed Federal Fight Back Meetings
When: 8:30-9:30 a.m., Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11
Where: Zoom
Given cCuts in higher education funding, infringement on academic freedom, uncertainty for international and immigrant faculty and students, it’s time to stand together and push back! Join with fellow public higher education staff, faculty and students from across the state to strategize, plan and coordinate how we can hold our state and campuses accountable for protecting public higher education during these turbulent times. Register: https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/858813/
Early Career Educators Conference - Propose a Workshop
When: Feb. 28; Proposals due by Nov. 2.
Where: TBD in Worcester area
The MTA New Member Committee invites all members to propose 90-minute workshops for the 2026 Early Career Educators Conference. All topics are welcome that are appropriate for preK-12 and college and university staff in their first five years of a career. Topics of particular interest include organizing skills and workplace rights, social justice pedagogy and practice, and navigating the challenges of working in education.
2025-2026 National Conferences - Funding Requests
The MTA is accepting applications for members to request funding to attend national conferences during this academic year. This is a great opportunity for members to immerse themselves in union education and job-specific education while engaging with members across the country. Limited funding is available. Space also is limited. To apply for funding for one or more educational conference opportunities, please fill out the form: https://forms.office.com/r/vSr9iGibkT.
Political Education
At its recent meeting, the Board of Directors endorsed ballot initiatives that would reform the stipend system in the Legislature and another that would apply the public records laws, which every municipal body follows, to the Legislature and the governor. The Board also heard from the Working Families Party — whose national president, Maurice Mitchell, was the closing speaker at Summer Conference — about how to strengthen progressive politics in a state that effectively only has one party. Here’s an article from Labor Notes about UAW President Shawn Fain’s call for an independent political program based firmly on the needs of working people, including priorities that unite workers across a range of political viewpoints: “Wages, health care, retirement, and winning back control of time.”
In Solidarity,
Max and Deb