Standing Up for Educators and Students for 180 Years
Standing Up for Educators and Students for 180 Years
In 1845, Congress approved annexation of Texas, making it the 28th state. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass was published, though the Civil War was still 16 years away. A blight destroyed much of the potato crop in Ireland, triggering a famine that drove desperate migrants to Massachusetts and elsewhere. And, on November 24, 85 male teachers and school administrators met at Brinley Hall in Worcester to establish the MTA.
Through the MTA History Project, we have been collecting and preserving stories about our past and sharing them with members through articles, a website on school strikes, presentations and displays.
In these challenging times, it is helpful to remember that our association has survived through wars, pandemics and hostile federal administrations over our 180-year history. Survival wasn’t guaranteed. In 1918, MTA’s bank account was down to $137.74. But we have endured thanks to the hard work and good will of members and staff alike. Happy birthday, MTA!Learn more about the MTA's history at massteacher.org/ourhistory.