1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
February 2012
The Year Ahead: Changes, Challenges
T
he new year is barely a month old
but already 2012 is shaping up to
be a period of immense challenge.
A major election looms, including
a ballot initiative that, if passed by
the voters of Massachusetts, would
effectively end tenure for teachers in
the state’s public schools. Meanwhile
teachers and other public employees
continue to deal with the impact of
new legislation and regulatory changes
Photo by Michael Maguire
made during 2011, including the state’s
municipal health insurance law, passed
last summer.
While plenty of changes loom, some
constants remain, says Tom Gosnell,
president of AFT Massachusetts. “It is
In This Issue
rather remarkable that the assault on
teachers and their unions never ceases.” MESSAGE SENT Educators in Boston brave frigid temperatures to send a
Gosnell predicts that such attacks on message to city officials: ‘Talk to Teachers.’ Their wish for 2012? A contract
teachers—and on public sector union that’s fair to educators, good for students and affordable for the city. See p. 5.
members more broadly—will endure 2 President’s Column
into 2012. “The year ahead will pose ballot, would effectively end tenure the measure—pushed by an outside Bold Print
for teachers. If voters approve the group—would strip school districts of
challenges that will require us to
continue to fight hard and smart, to measure, seniority will no longer be a local authority. 4 Diary of a New Teacher: The
determining factor in teacher layoffs. Late last month the Massachusetts many challenges of teaching
think creatively, to work collaboratively
Furthermore, if a school closes, teachers Teachers Association filed a complaint at a “turnaround” school
when we can, and to get for the students
the resources they need to obtain a in that school will no longer have a right with the Supreme Judicial Court Survey Lets Teachers TELL All
superior education.” to an assignment elsewhere, no matter asking that the initiative be barred
Here’s a look at what’s ahead. how many years they’ve taught or how from the ballot due to its confusing 5 The Teaching Pulse: an
good their evaluations are. and misleading nature. The MTA’s educator hopes to get his
Tenure on the ballot The far-reaching ballot measure complaint was filed on behalf of seven colleagues talking
Advertisements by the group Stand has attracted a growing body of critics plaintiffs, including three former
for Children assert that the aim of including the state’s Secretary of Massachusetts Teachers of the Year. 6 On Campus: Confronting
their ballot initiative is “a great teacher Education, Paul Reville, who warns For now, though, the controversial economic nonsense
in every classroom.” Who would that the ballot question will trigger question remains on the 2012 ballot—
disagree with that worthy goal? But a “distracting and divisive battle.” and key rights for educators hang in the 7 Retiree Corner
The Golden Apple: A retired
the ballot question, which, as of now Meanwhile superintendents and balance. Stay tuned. teacher goes space age
will appear on the 2012 Massachusetts principals’ groups have charged that Continued on page 8
Pittsfield Turns a Corner
M embers of the Pittsfield Federation
of School Employees finally have
something to celebrate. Last month, the
tucked into the banks of
the Housatonic River, has
spent decades attempting
five chapters of the PFSE, representing to bounce back from the
cafeteria workers, bus drivers and loss of its major employer, If you’d like to receive an
monitors, clerical, custodial and General Electric. GE’s electronic version of the
paraprofessionals, each ratified a three- decision to leave the city, Advocate, send an email to
year deal. At a time of deep economic taking roughly 10,000 jobs
advocate@aftma.net. Please
uncertainty, members of the support with it, devastated Pittsfield,
staff union say that the agreement draining the city not only include your home mailing
represents an increasingly valuable of jobs but of optimism. address for identification.
commodity: security. Linda Connors, The result: a slide in the
who has spent 18 years as a cafeteria city’s population. In recent
worker at Taconic High School, says years Pittsfield has sought
Did you know that your
that after years of negotiating with the to remake itself as the AFT MA membership
city one year at a time, a multi-year culture hub of Western entitles you to discounts
agreement comes as a relief. “I’m just Massachusetts, promoting
looking forward to signing my name,”
on insurance products?
the arts as a way to attract
says Connors, who serves as chapter both jobs and tourist dollars. SPECIAL DELIVERY Bus drivers and monitors For more information visit
chair of the cafeteria unit. Today art galleries and music in Pittsfield where the Pittsfield Federation of the benefits page of our
venues increasingly fill the School Employees recently five settled contracts.
Recession runs through it website:
buildings that industry long honor. Unlike so many of the city’s
The economic recession that has ago vacated.
www.aftma.net/member-
former inhabitants, the PFSE members
had a grip on Massachusetts for nearly benefits/
have chosen to stay. “It’s a nice little
four years has been particularly hard The ones who stayed
town,” says Nina Pyrzanowski, a bus
on places like Pittsfield—cities that The 500 members of the Pittsfield
monitor who also serves on the union
bore the brunt of previous downturns. Federation of School Employees wear
negotiating committee.
This one-time manufacturing hub, their residency here as a badge of Continued on page 3

2. BOLD
Massachusetts teachers say that the
professional development to which
they are exposed is weak or irrelevant
or boring or disconnected from their PRINT
Thomas J. Gosnell daily experience. Any professional in
any profession in a world of constant
President, AFT Massachusetts change must have professional Higher Education Honors
development that is relevant to his UMass Faculty Federation, Local
daily experience. 1895 has presented its annual awards
End the Attacks on Teachers Is it any wonder that even during to outstanding faculty and staff at UMass
Dartmouth. The Scholar of the Year
an economic recession that almost
award was given to Vinod Vokkarane
I
t is rather remarkable that the status of the family is a decisive factor. fifty percent of teachers leave the
Ph.D., a dynamic researcher in optical
assault on teachers and their unions Certainly national study after national profession within five years of and wireless networks. Raymond
never ceases. The initiative petition study has revealed that the income employment? On the one hand critics Laoulache, a student-oriented
advocated by Stand for Children is of a family plays a pivotal role in say that good teachers are essential for mechanical engineering professor of
only the latest example. Yet students student achievement. Some maintain the establishment and maintenance fluid dynamics and wind power, was
in the Massachusetts public schools that poverty is used as an excuse for of quality public education, but named Teacher of the Year and the ESU
are the highest achieving in the nation students’ failure to achieve because on the other hand their relentless Service Award went to Jessica Arruda
attacks demean the teachers and their M.A., assistant director of IT Services
according to the National Assessment some students from a poor background
profession. and union area representative. Each
of Educational Progress (NAEP) test. do achieve. Of course, poverty is not
The United States of America was award recipient received a $1000 cash
All students in the regular public an excuse, but it is an explanation. award in addition to their certificates.
schools are taught by teachers who Girls and boys without good nutrition, the first major nation to advocate
Congratulations to all on your terrific
work under a collective bargaining without sufficient medical and dental education for all, Massachusetts was
accomplishments!
agreement. The states whose students care, without adequate housing, and the first state to establish schools for
rank lowest on the (NAEP) test without safety and security in their all, and Boston is home to the oldest
are taught by teachers, very few of communities are coming to school public school.
whom, if any, work under collective with serious disadvantages. Certainly our schools can do better. Sing it proud
bargaining agreements. So much for During the past two decades They can always do better. However, Lisa Bello, a 7th and 8th grade teacher
the argument that unions interfere Massachusetts has provided more whatever their flaws, our public at the James P. Timilty Middle School
with educational progress. resources for public schools, but schools have contributed mightily to in Roxbury, was named Best Female
this nation. Those who carp without Vocalist at the 2011 Boston Music
Massachusetts needs to do a a couple of economic downturns,
end threaten to undermine these Awards. Bello, who not only sings but
comprehensive study of our students’ particularly the current one, has made
continuing achievements. writes and produces music, is a well
achievement. What are all the factors life in our schools much more difficult. known figure on the city’s music scene
that contribute to their achievement? If you have any questions or
and is a frequent guest on the 94.5
comments on this column, you can
▪
While we can certainly speculate, morning show. While Bello has been
speculation is no substitute for hard Is it any wonder email me at tgosnell@aftma.net.
nominated for the award in previous
data. Nonetheless, since we do not yet
that even during an years this is the first time she’s taken
have hard data, I shall engage in some
speculation. economic recession AFT MA Welcomes home top honors. Here’s to another
break out year for Bello in 2012!
Important factors are very fine
teachers, parental support, community
that almost fifty percent New Staff Members
of teachers leave the
support, adequate funding, sufficient
supplies, and first rate professional
development among others.
profession within five A FT Massachusetts is pleased to
welcome two new staff members
aboard. Eileen Carney joins the staff
Perfect postures
Staff at the William P. Connery
I also suspect that comprehensive years of employment? as the new full-time secretary. She
Elementary School in Lynn have come
up with a novel idea to help them relax.
study would reveal the economic takes over for Mary Ann Dority, who Teacher Rita Gallo came up with the
retired last month. Also joining us is a idea of introducing yoga at the school
Until society realizes that wrap around new part-time receptionist, Carmella to help educators there deal with
services are essential for many of Dyette. stress. With the aid of some talented
our students, many of these students Eileen is a Dorchester native instructors from North Shore Yoga
will continue to have difficulty in our and currently lives in Winchester. staff members at the Connery say that
schools. Her two children are products they’re breathing in, stretching out and
The official publication of releasing the tensions of the school day.
While poverty has a profound of Massachusetts public school
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO Sounds like a program that plenty of
impact wherever it is present, it is systems and are currently pursuing
Thomas J. Gosnell, President educators could benefit from these days!
hardly the only issue. Perhaps we public higher education here in the
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer can leave important lessons about Commonwealth.
education from other places. Let’s look She completed her bachelor
VICE PRESIDENTS at Finland, a country whose students of arts degree at Boston College Wanted: top teachers
Patricia Armstrong achieve very well. and has a master’s in TESOL from The search for the state’s top
Deborah Blinder Finland, while not homogenous, UMass Boston, having lived in teachers is underway once more. The
Sean Bowker
Kathryn Chamberlain is certainly far less diverse than our France, Mexico and Italy. A past Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
Brenda Chaney country. However, it is worth noting a member of the US-China People’s Program, coordinated by Massachusetts
Kathy Delaney few things about Finnish education. Friendship Association, Eileen now Department of Elementary and
Catherine Deveney The teaching force is completely studies Mandarin in her spare time. Secondary Education and Hannaford
Patricia Driscoll Supermarkets, is now accepting
unionized. Attacks on teachers and Eileen says that she is committed
Marianne Dumont nominations for the 2013-2014 award.
J. Michael Earle their unions are virtually non-existent. to excellence in public schools and
Now in its 51st year, the statewide
Margaret Farrell Teachers are highly esteemed, and are fairness for public employees, and
program honors a Massachusetts
Mary Ferriter considered valuable contributions to very proud to join the staff at AFT
Jenna Fitzgerald
teacher who represents the positive
the nation’s future. Would that those Massachusetts. contributions of all teachers statewide
Richard Flaherty
who engage in such attacks in the USA Carmella grew up in Boston and and energizes the teaching profession.
Paul Georges
Alice M. Gunning would realize how they hurt public attended a number of public schools The selected teacher will be announced
Daniel Haacker education and lead to an incredible here before graduating from Madison on May 8, recognized as National
Joyce Harrington production of negative energy. Park High School. She is now studying Teacher Day. The current Teacher of
Susan Leahy Collaboration among teachers and architectural technology at the the Year is Boston teacher Adam
Francis McLaughlin Gray. Nominations are due by Friday,
between management and teachers Wentworth Institute of Technology
Bruce Nelson
is a prime value. Both realize that and hopes to complete her degree next Feb. 3. For more information about
Catherine Patten
James Philip they are professionals and that by year. Carmella says that her passion the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
Bruce Sparfven working together they will enhance Program, contact Deborah J. Walker at
is interior design, and when she’s not
Richard Stutman 781-338-3347 or via email at djwalker@
the education of their students. In studying or working at her new job
Gale Thomas doe.mass.edu.
this state and nation collaboration is she’s building a portfolio to showcase
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor not valued. We talk abut it, but we her unique style.
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402 don’t practice it. One would think that Please join us in giving Eileen and The Advocate loves good news. If you’ve won
Boston, Mass. 02111 in a profession where everyone is so Carmella a warm welcome—and be an award, attended a conference, given a
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523
highly educated that we would prize sure to say hello when you call the AFT performance, etc, let us know. Send your
2
Fax: 617-423-0174
www.aftma.net
advocate@aftma.net
collaboration.
Finnish teachers have superior
MA office.
▪ good news to advocate@aftma.net or call
617.423.3342 x 235.
professional development. Most

3. Pittsfield Turns a Corner Continued from cover
Member to member
The 500 members of the PFSE
enjoy another distinction that sets
“It’s a great place to raise a family— compensation, members of the PFSE them apart from many of their public
now we just need more good paying say that the city’s willingness to enter employee colleagues in other cities
jobs,” says Pyrzanowski. “We need the into a multi-year deal feels like a and towns. Because their contracts
kind of jobs that will allow our kids to confirmation that the work they do is lack something called a “fair-share”
stay here and raise their families,” says appreciated. Brian LaPierre, the AFT provision, employees must choose to
Pyrzanowski, who notes that her own Massachusetts field representatives be part of the union. That means that
children have left Pittsfield for New who assisted the five chapters of every time a new employee is hired
York and Colorado in search of just the PFSE in their negotiations, says to drive a bus, prepare a meal in one
those kinds of jobs. the members have made plenty of of the Pittsfield school cafeterias or
sacrifices over the years. “These are perform clerical or custodial work,
A family feeling the people who live in Pittsfield, members of one of the five union
On a recent winter day, the they’re raising their families here. chapters must recruit their new
Pittsfield bus barn, from which 60 They’re trying to pick the city up,” colleagues. When a new bus driver
school buses depart in two shifts on says LaPierre. “I think that everyone arrives at the bus barn on this winter
each school day, felt like a family in Pittsfield appreciates the services day, she is quickly surrounded by
gathering. The predominantly female they provide. These folks are really the members of the driver and monitor
employees—most of the bus drivers backbone of this city.” unit who extol the importance of
and all of the monitors are women— joining up and paying union dues. “We
CHIEF CHEFS Linda Connors (left),
often bring their own small children Behind the scenes explain that one of the things that we
chapter chair of the cafeteria workers
to work. “We’ve got car seats in the For the bus drivers and monitors have going for us is that we’re part of a with Sara Aserr, who serves as
buses,” says Christine Bossana, who is that behind-the-scenes work starts union,” says Bossana. In the cafeteria president of the Pittsfield Federation
the chapter chair of the bus drivers and not long after sunrise, with the first at Taconic High School, virtually all of School Employees (PFSE).
monitors unit and also served on the shift of the day. Carol Francesconi of the employees who prep more than
insurance is paid for by the sale of
negotiating committee. has been a driver for the past 10 years 800 lunches per day—the most in the
meals. While the arrangement means
But it’s more than just the presence and transports children to Pittsfield’s school district—belong to the union.
that the cafeteria is self-sufficient, the
of children that lends the bus barn its alternative school. While the route is Says Connors: “I think they understand
need to keep costs low for students—
family air. The drivers and monitors regarded as among the most difficult— that we’re stronger together.”
lunch tops out at $1.80—has meant
regard themselves as something of many of the students have behavioral
a family. Says Bossana: “We can issues—Francesconi notes that it’s a
Eye on the future low pay for cafeteria workers. “We’re
While there was plenty of relief still having to fight for a decent wage,”
be dysfunctional—but we all stick run she selected. “These kids are real
after members of all five of the PFSE says Aserr. Sandy Rawson has worked
together.” And stick together they have. and I like being able to give them the
chapters ratified the new contract, at the Taconic High cafeteria for nearly
In recent years, as Pittsfield has been attention they need,” says Francesconi.
union leader Sara Aserr says that she’s three decades. As the lunch hour nears,
battered by the recessionary economic And while the drivers and monitors
focused on the future of her members— and Rawson prepares quesadillas with
tide, these support workers have had remain responsible for making sure
particularly those who earn the least. super-human speed, she reflects that
to hang tough merely to hold on to the that their young charges get to and
She notes, for example, that cafeteria this year will probably be her last. As
wages and benefits they have. from the correct destination, the job
workers who’ve worked for the school for her plans in retirement, Rawson
doesn’t stop there. These positions now
Picking the city up require medical training to deal with district for three decades still earn less knows exactly what she wants to do.
Four years ago, Pittsfield’s public than a decent wage. “In the past the “I’m going to relax and work on my
the growing number of students who
employees joined the Group Insurance people who earn the least haven’t had crafts,” says Rawson. “Anything but
suffer from life-threatening allergies.
Commission, becoming one of the enough of a voice,” says Aserr, who prepare meals.”
Says Pyrzanowski: “We’re trained to
first municipalities to do so and took over as president of the PFSE two AFT MA congratulates the
use EPI pens, to give CPR, to deal with
saving the city millions of dollars in years ago. Cafeteria workers here are members of the Piffsfield Federation of
asthma attacks—we’re really on the
School Employees on their successful
▪
the process. While their new contract front lines.” paid from the proceeds of the revenue
did not include a significant boost in they generate; even their health contract negotiations!
Lesley University School of Education
3
February 2012

4. Diary B
eing at one of Boston’s TURNAROUND
“turnaround” schools is a TIME Matt Robinson,
challenge and an education. As an ELA and
we have been charged with lowering journalism teacher
dropout rates and raising attendance, at the Burke High
of a New Teacher grades, and MCAS scores, we have to School in Boston, says
be extra determined, extra committed-- that he is learning
and extra patient. to juggle the needs
By Matt Robinson As I had taught every age and grade of his students,
ELA, journalism and boxing teacher from pre-K to adult at public, private, the demands of a
Jeremiah E. Burke High School “turnaround” school
and parochial schools, I thought I
Dorchester, MA and the requirements
was ready for whatever might come
of his graduate
along. Teaching at one of Boston’s studies. Pictured
Meet the 2011-2012 famed exam schools while working here: Burke juniors
New Teacher Diarists towards my second master’s degree Cherokee Brown and
in education added to my confidence. Prince Papa Collins.
Bill Madden-Fuoco When I got to the Burke, however, I
A humanities teacher at the Urban Science was still thrown for a loop. Many of my students, colleagues and the many seminar every week and coming into
Academy in West Roxbury, Bill was also a other people who were constantly my classroom each Monday with a
new students had just recently arrived
semi-finalist in the state’s 2012 Teacher of coming in and out of the building). completely new plan and way of seeing
in the United States or came from
the Year contest. Soon the process began to sort itself things. Posters went up and then came
homes where there was little parental
or familial support. Some of them, out and the truer, deeper lessons down. Student work went into folders,
Robert Tobio
Robert teaches math and special education in fact, lived on their own and even began to be revealed. Among these was then binders, then back to folders. I
at the Mary Lyon Pilot School in Brighton supported siblings and other family the lesson that, despite my training lectured more, then less, then more
and previously taught at Monument High in members. It was an environment and and past experience, I would have to again. All the while, I began to notice
South Boston, which closed last spring. an educational scenario for which I was take on this task as a completely new that I was not the only one who was
not fully prepared. venture with no preconceived notions becoming confused. Even if they were
Melissa McDonald Fortunately, the Burke has plenty of whatsoever. I even heard someone having difficulty keeping up with the
A fifth grade teacher at the Parthum support systems in place for both the describe working at a turnaround workload of the “new “ Burke, many
Elementary School in Lawrence, Melissa students and the staff. In its effort to school as teaching in an institution that students began to make it clear to me
is returning to teaching after a year of create an academy system that starts was “not school as you might think of that they were having trouble keeping
maternity leave. with the freshmen I was teaching and it.” I had dealt with a wide array of ages up with me!
follows them up through their eventual and abilities before, but never all in the It was time to go back to basics.
Joyce Melker same building. The range of skills and After a number of extended and
graduation, we have all sorts of experts
A paraprofessional at the Watson Elemen- needs was impressive, to say the least, engaged discussions with my amazing
and consultants coming through the
tary School in Fall River, Joyce is a student
building, offering a bevy of professional and in order to be successful here, I mentor, Frank Pantano, I returned
in the JET teacher training program at
development courses and other knew I would have to be open minded from a long weekend with one last new
UMass Dartmouth.
programs that are intended to help us and open to the many ideas that were plan: follow the students. In order to
Matthew Robinson clarify our mission and focus on our presented to me. turn a student and a school around,
Matthew is beginning his second year goals. We even have City Year corps Unfortunately, I went a bit I realized that I had to stop spinning
teaching English and journalism at the members in our classrooms to help us overboard in those early months, and go back to what I knew to be true.
Burke High School in Dorchester. deal with our often challenging and signing up for additional trainings in It was the same lesson I had learned
challenged students. an effort to maintain and improve my nearly 10 years ago when I first began
Riana Good At first though, the near constant licensure status and to learn even more my teacher training. Despite the myriad
While Riana is technically no longer a new meetings felt trying, and the about the educational theories that new theories that have come and gone,
teacher, this Spanish teacher at the Boston information garnered from was both had so intrigued me in my master’s gained and lost credence and come into
Teachers Union School in Jamaica Plain says confusing and often overwhelming— coursework. and fallen out of vogue since then, that
that she still feels like a ‘newby.’ It seemed like I was reading a lesson—follow the students—feels just
▪
especially during the early weeks when
I was also trying to get to know my new treatise or attending another as true today as it did back then.
Survey Lets Teachers TELL All Would you like to travel abroad on
W hat are the teaching and learning
conditions like at your school?
Next month, educators from all 404
year, survey administrators are hoping
for a significantly higher rate of
participation. The New Teacher Center
an inexpensive trip designed
school districts in Massachusetts at the University of California-Santa specifically for educators?
will be asked to participate in an Cruz is conducting the survey, which
anonymous survey about the state is sponsored by AFT Massachusetts GEEO is a non-profit organization that runs travel
of their schools. The survey, known and the Massachusetts Teachers programs for educators. Detailed information including
as Teaching, Empowering, Leading Association as part of a coalition of itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more can be found at
and Learning in Massachusetts, or policy organizations, civic groups and www.geeo.org or call toll free 1-877-600-0105.
TELL MASS, will be conducted online the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
starting March 12 through April 6th. Mike Regan participated in the
The survey, which takes survey last time around as a teacher
approximately 20-30 minutes to at Medway High School. Now he’s
complete, is voluntary and completely encouraging teachers to use the survey
anonymous. Starting March 5th, every to amplify their voices. “Teachers’
school-based educator in the state voices have really been limited on
will be provided with a confidential education issues,” says Regan, who
access code that can be used to access is now a field representative for AFT
the survey from any Internet location. Massachusetts. “This is our chance to
Participants will be asked for their weigh in and have an impact.”
views on a wide range of issues, Staff in any school in which at least
including whether educators have 50 percent or more of educators take
meaningful involvement in decision the anonymous survey will be able to
making at their schools, whether they access their individual school results
have enough time to teach the required by the end of May 2012. For more
curriculum and what external factors information about the TELL survey
most influence student achievement at
their schools.
visit www.tellmass.org.
▪
When the survey was last
administered in 2008, 40,000
educators, roughly half of the state’s
teaching force, completed it. This
4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

5. BEHIND
intimidating (I mean motivating) LOGGED ON
instructor named W. Reason #3: The James Liou, a
orientation of the YMCA is all about
THE SCENES overall health and wellness. Learning,
peer assistant in
the Boston Public
asking questions, trying out classes Schools, at work
and experimenting with machines on his website,
are encouraged. I’ve learned from The Teaching
The Teaching more experienced gym-goers as well Pulse. Liou
wants to create
Pulse as oriented other less-experienced
exercisers. Reason #4: True, it starts a forum in which
educators can
out feeling bad. But then it starts
share ideas about
www.theteachingpulse.org feeling good. And going to the gym has
what’s working in
now become an integrated part of the the city’s public
weekly routine. schools. Says Liou:
By James Liou So how do my hopes for The “I want us to have
Peer Assistant, Boston Public School Teaching Pulse connect to the a real dialogue.”
Last year I created a website called the lessons learned from the YMCA? Is
Teaching Pulse—a teacher voice project it reasonable to connect the flexing
experiences. individual classroom practices and
that emphasizes teacher collaboration and development of physical muscles
Reason #2. Just as organized professional lives. There are risks in
through a focus on teacher leadership, with our intellectual ‘teacher muscles’
groups of exercisers benefit from doing so. But there are also rewards.
education policy and classroom as thinkers, collaborators and
each other and individual learned There is a risk to publically sharing an
practice. It is my hope that The practitioners? Let me give this parallel
experiences, teachers can do the same. idea and asking a question, but also
Teaching Pulse becomes a forum for reasoning a try.
Whether a formal professional learning the reward of getting responses from
teachers in the same way that the Reason #1. As the YMCA is used
community or an informal opportunity others who may have that exact same
YMCA serves as a gathering place for by regular folks, our teacher corp in
to discuss issues, opportunities or thought or other opinions; we can feel
exercisers. the Boston Public Schools is composed
concerns, there is something powerful less isolated and more connected. And
Please bear with me as I explain of thousands of ‘regular folks’ as
about gathering around a common if we are able to get through the initial
this analogy. well—and there is less reason to feel
topic or theme. Let’s talk about teacher rough patch of commitment, imagine
There are a lot of reasons why I like self-conscious if there are people of
leadership and collaboration in our the good there is to gain.
the YMCA, which my then fiancée and I all different levels around. I believe
union and district. Let’s talk about the As I mention on The Teaching Pulse
joined nearly a year ago on an inspired, our collective, untapped voices are an
education policies that affect our work. website, my hope is that it becomes an
mid-December winter day. Reason #1: undeveloped strength. There are too
Let’s talk about and share our best avenue to not only connect with other
Regular people of all ages and levels of few opportunities for the thousands
classroom practices. educators across the city, but to also
fitness go there. Reason #2: We like of teachers in our schools—from
Reason #3. Similar to exercisers learn, be challenged and be actively
the group classes—ones where we’ve newer to veteran teachers and from a
learning from each other, we as involved in aiding and elevating our
been able to meet neighbors, fellow huge range of teaching and learning
teachers can do the same. I’ve profession—and our professional
exercisers and invite friends. Sarah experiences—to participate and share
benefited tremendously from meeting, organizations—for the benefit of our
has been taking a swimming class and their opinions in centralized places.
collaborating and learning from other work and our students. My hope is
I’ve had a seemingly self-flagellating We need to have environments where
teachers and I’ve had the opportunity that it helps to tap the latent voices
interest in doing the ‘bootcamp’ we can feel safe and be in the company
to offer that same value to other of the many dedicated, and at times
classes, which are led by an effectively of other educators and their diverse
teacher friends in Boston and beyond. invisible, educators throughout the
I am a firm believer in the idea that this city and becomes another avenue to
State Names Receiver for kind of teacher-to-teacher networking
and learning can have transformative
be more effective at our work–both
individually and collectively.
Lawrence Public Schools value in our profession.
Reason #4. And finally, just as
there is a physical and psychological
Please do join the conversation at
www.theteachingpulse.org. Do invite
your friends. And believe me—unlike
T he former principal of a Boston
middle school where union
of this great city.”
The Edwards Middle School, where
learning curve in getting to a regular
exercise routine, I believe there is a
my bootcamp class experiences at the
YMCA (which I truly do like), I promise
members and administrators
worked together to improve student
Riley served as principal from 2007
to 2009, is often featured as a model
similar curve in developing a public
opinion and voice regarding our
▪
not to yell at you.
performance will oversee the school of collaboration between teacher
system in Lawrence, Massachusetts. union members and administrators. ON A ROLL
Jeffrey Riley, who was formerly the Faculty and staff at that school. Once A travelling
principal at Edwards Middle School in slated for closure, the Edwards is now billboard
Charlestown sponsored by
and A former principal once helped to turn a school the Boston
currently around by making the teachers union a partner. Teachers
serves as Union
the chief has been
innovations officer for the Boston one of the top performing schools in making its
Public Schools, was named as the Boston. Teachers and administrators way through
the city of
state-appointed receiver by Education there worked together to implement
Boston in
Commissioner Mitchell Chester. an extension of the school day.
recent weeks,
In the coming weeks Riley will lay Teachers who elect to participate in the en route to
out a plan to turn around the Lawrence program, which includes tutoring as City Hall.The
schools, based on the input of teachers, well as music, drama and arts-related message: “Talk
community organizations, parents and electives, are compensated for the extra to Teachers.”
other stakeholders in that city. The time they work.
T
state took over the Lawrence schools Last spring AFT president Randi alk to Teachers was the message that the city’s increasingly antagonistic
late last year, citing continued low Weingarten visited the Edwards and as 1,000 Boston teachers, tone towards the men and women who
levels of achievement among the city’s praised the culture of shared leadership paraprofessionals and their supporters teach the city’s children is taking a toll
largely immigrant student population. and accountability that has allowed rallied outside of Boston School on them.
Lawrence Teachers Union president students at the school to thrive. Department headquarters last Negotiations were scheduled to
Frank McLaughlin says that teachers McLaughlin says that the city’s month. The educators were out in resume in late January and continue in
are eager to begin working with Mr. education professionals are encouraged force on a cold January night to urge early February. Boston Teachers Union
Riley. “Jeff Riley is a well-respected that collaboration may finally take school officials to get serious about president Richard Stutman says that
innovator with a reputation for fairness root in Lawrence, where division and negotiating a new contract. while some limited progress has been
and hard work,” McLaughlin said. “The an absence of leadership have so long Negotiations have dragged on made in recent sessions, the union’s
teachers of Lawrence welcome him to been the norm. Says McLaughlin: “The for nearly two years and substantive goal remains unchanged. “We want
our troubled schools. We know that Receiver faces great challenges and issues, including a demand by the a contract that is good for students,
many changes are ahead for students wields enormous power. The Lawrence Boston Public Schools that teachers affordable to the city and fair to our
and teachers, but the entire school Teachers Union looks forward to work a longer school day with no members,” says Stutman. “We can’t get
community is ready to work with Jeff building a successful partnership with
▪
additional compensation, remain there on our own. The city needs to talk
to build a better future for the children Jeff in the months ahead.” unresolved. Meanwhile, educators say to teachers.”
▪ 5
February 2012

6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
With Economic Nonsense, Costs are High
“The dogma of evil VISIBLE CUTS during a recession.
As with government spending
Reduced government spend-
government fails to ing eliminates jobs. As state
and debt, there are good tax
cuts and bad tax cuts. Good tax
consider the basic revenues have fallen, states cuts, such as tax cuts on low and
have been forced to make
differences between painful cuts. Nearly 700,000
middle income households, lead
to increased spending by those
good and bad gov- jobs at the state and local households, causing an increase
level have been eliminated in jobs. Tax cuts on high income
ernment spending, since 2008. households buy financial assets,
debt, employment, such as stocks, bonds, and financial
derivatives.
and taxes.” between 1.5 million and 3 million jobs.
His current $300 billion stimulus
but much of this money found its way
into the stock exchange, raising stock
Republican presidential
contender Mitt Romney does not
package to create additional jobs has prices but cause little employment.
P
pay a low tax rate because he was a
eoples’ blank expressions been stalled for months in Congress Reduced government spending
productive entrepreneur. He pays a
when I say I’m an economist by Republican leadership. eliminates jobs. As Joseph Stiglitz,
lower tax rate because taxes on the
should stop me from foisting The $2-$4 trillion spent on the Economic Nobel Laureate, wrote in
top one percent have been reduced
the dismal science on anyone. But war in Iraq, which includes future the magazine Vanity Fair, almost
steadily since President Reagan was
there is simply too much nonsense obligations incurred from the war, was 700,000 state and local government
in office.
about economics and the U.S. bad government spending, used to jobs have been eliminated since
The policy choices before us
economy circulating these days as kill hundreds of thousands, including 2008. The total number of teachers,
are increasingly clear. Reduce
common wisdom. 5,000 U.S. soldiers with 30,000 including college faculty, has
government spending on human
The problem with the U.S. wounded, without any economic remained about constant but the
services, such as education and
economy is quite simple. There are or political improvement in Iraq or number of students in kindergarten
infrastructure or as Stiglitz
about seven million fewer jobs in improved security in the U.S. I have through college has increased by about
suggests, “embark on a massive
the U.S. than there were in 2008. yet to hear plausible reasons for the 3 million over the same period. This
investment program that will
Accounting for the increase in the war in Iraq or positive gains from the was supposed to increase employment
increase our productivity for years
population of working age Americans, war. in the private sector through lower
to come, and will also increase
ten million additional jobs would be
needed to equal the percentage of such
Americans four years ago. Digging
The $1 trillion bailout of the banks
was bad government spending. It was
supposed to restore banks finances
taxes.
But it didn’t. State revenues have
fallen because income and sales tax
employment now.”
▪
Dan Georgianna is the Chancellor
deeper into employment statistics so that they would lend more to revenues have fallen. Most states
Professor of Economics at
reveals worse problems. An additional businesses leading to more jobs. Some have prohibitions against long term
UMass Dartmouth. His column
10 million people are working part- of the funds went into bonuses for borrowing to fund current expenses,
appears monthly in the Advocate.
time who would prefer full-time work; managers, some went into bank vaults causing state and local governments
Share comments with him at
the number of people out of work but very little went into business to lay off employees. Tax cuts can only
dgeorgianna@umassd.edu
for at least 6 months is the highest loans, causing little or no job growth. increase spending at the federal level
on record, and more recent college Good government
graduates can’t find jobs than ever debt is funding for
before. useful investments
Unemployment is the simple for future benefits
human measure that most people and bridges the
understand. Most of what we see in gap between
the media, however, especially from good government
Republican Presidential candidates, spending and taxes
paints a rosy picture of jobs in the during recessions.
future if only we reduce the “evils” of Investment in
government spending, government schools, science,
debt, government employment and technology, roads,
high taxes. and bridges are
The dogma of evil government examples of good
fails to consider the basic differences government debt
between good and bad government used to finance
spending, debt, employment, and productive
taxes. investments,
Good government spending especially now
supplies services that people need and when the Federal
investment that lead to improvements government can
in the future. Government borrow at 1% or less.
spending to maintain and improve About $2 trillion
education, police and fire protection, of the $3 trillion
transportation infrastructure, that the Federal
communication systems, basic science, Reserve Bank (the US
health, and overall quality of life is government bank)
good government spending. lent to commercial
Good government spending creates banks since 2008
jobs during economic recessions. was bad government
President Obama’s 2009 stimulus plan debt. Some of this
that spent $800 billion on education, debt was needed to
health, other social investments, increase the supply of
and infrastructure created or saved funds to the economy
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

7. Retiree Corner SENIOR SEMINARS
Protecting Your Nest Egg
Marie Ardito, Co-founder Two hour seminar, presented by Elder
Massachusetts Retirees United Law Attorney Mary Howie
www.retireesunited.org When: Saturday March 10, 10 - Noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington, MA
Get Smart about Medicare Surcharges Move or Stay Put?
A comprehensive 2 hour seminar on
retiree housing choices.
I n a previous column I wrote about
the Medicare B surcharge. It is
based on your adjusted gross income
• You married, divorced, or
became widowed;
• You or your spouse stopped
are not required to take Medicare B. If
you opt not to take B and take it later
you will receive a 10% penalty per year
When: Saturday March 24,10 - Noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
and your tax-exempt income (MAGI) working or reduced your work above your 65th year. Once the penalty Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington.
during the two years previous. Now hours; is on you pay it for life. However, if Preparing for Retirement
there is also a Medicare D surcharge • You or your spouse lost income- your community adopts 32B after A comprehensive 2 hour seminar for
(for prescriptions) that made its producing property due to a you have already decided against the those within 5 years of retiring. Note:
appearance in 2011. disaster or other event beyond Medicare B, by law the community seminar is offered on multiple dates.
Whether you will be surcharged your control; must pay the penalty.
When: Thursday, February 2,4:30-6:30
or not in 2012 will be determined by • You or your spouse experienced As for Medicare D, if the
PM
Social Security and will be based on a scheduled cessation, pharmaceutical plan you are on prior Where: South Shore Collaborative
your 2010 tax form. If your MAGI termination, or reorganization to reaching 65 is as good as or better (cafeteria), 40 Pond Park. Hingham, MA
income on your 2010 tax form as a of an employer’s pension plan; than Medicare D, all you need to do
single individual is $85,001 or higher, or is get a letter from the plan stating When: Saturday, March 3,10 AM-Noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
which is doubled if married, you will • You or your spouse received a you are on a “creditable plan.” (These
Main Street (Route 38), Wilmington, MA
be surcharged. You do not notify the settlement from an employer or words must be in the letter.) And be
Social Security Administration; Social former employer because of the sure to save the letter for your records. When: Tuesday, March 20, 3:30-5:30 PM
Security notifies you as to what your employer’s closure, bankruptcy, If your plan later states that you must Where: Robert Adams Middle School,
additional premium per month will or reorganization. go on Medicare D, you may avoid the 323 Woodland St. Holliston MA
be in 2012. The normal Medicare Currently, only 4% of all penalty by producing the letter. When: Thursday, March 22, 2:15-4:15
B payment for 2012 is $99.90 per beneficiaries pay the surcharges. If you have 40 units in Social PM and 3:45-5:45 PM
individual. Remember there is no Would it pay for a married couple, Security, are married to someone who Where: Methuen Educational Associa-
family plan in Medicare so each when one is still working and the has 40 units in Social Security, were tion Union Office, 184 Pleasant Valley St.
spouse pays the same. The Medicare D other is on Medicare to file separate married for ten years and are now Suite 1-204, Methuen, MA
premium varies per plan. taxes? If you are on the working divorced from someone with 40 units, To register, contact Marie Ardito for details
The Medicare B surcharge ranges individual;s health insurance and you are eligible for Medicare and must at 1-617-482-1568 or e-mail
from $139.60 for those earning you file for Medicare three months sign up for it 3 months prior to your mardito@retireesunited.org.
between $85,001-$107,000 up to $319 before your 65th birthday, you will be 65th birthday. If at that time you do
for those earning more than $214,000. covered by Medicare A. With respect not have the 40 units but are working
(Note: this surcharge is doubled for to Medicare B, you are not required toward them go to a Social Security
married couples). to take it until the month your spouse office and have them tell you that you
Attention retirees: Towards the
The Medicare D surcharge ranges retires. You may want to consult with are not eligible. Also ask that they put end of February a letter and ap-
from $11 to $66 based on your an accountant about the advisability that response on your computer record plication will be sent out to all
earnings. Both surcharges will be of filing separately.The increased taxes so that when you become eligible later women who retired prior to Sept.
based on your 2010 tax return. If you pay the IRS may make the increase you avoid the penalty. 1, 2000 at less than 80% to deter-
you have seen a significant decline in in the Medicare surcharges minor in Medicare is complicated and mine eligibility for maternity leave
income since 2010 there is a way to comparison. ignorance of the penalties and service. Keep an eye out for this
dispute the surcharge. The following Remember, Medicare B is an surcharges is not going to excuse you,
▪
important document as you may
represent some reasons Medicare will option. Unless your community has so keep informed.
be eligible for benefits.
accept for the decrease in income are: adopted MA Law Section 18 of 32B you
The
Golden A s a high school student in the
1960’s, Pat Berlandi knew exactly
what she wanted to do when she grew
NASA’s Mission Control Center, or
onboard the “space craft,” a space
station interior. During the two-
come in thinking that they’re too cool
for this. Seeing them get so excited
about learning and science is a real
Apple up. “I wanted to be a meteorologist
for NASA but I was talked out of it
because I was a girl,” recalls Berlandi.
hour mission, students apply the
principles of physical science to the
real-time challenges of a simulated
pleasure,” says Berlandi.
Berlandi’s connection to the
McAuliffe Center goes beyond a life-
Instead she trained to become a space flight. They learn plenty about long interest in space and science. In
teacher and spent 35 years teaching space but the exercise also affords 1970 she graduated from Framingham
Pat Berlandi music and geography in the Boston them the opportunity to work on such State with Christa McAuliffe, the
Flight director Public Schools. land-based skills as decision making, Concord, NH teacher who traveled
Christa McAuliffe Challenger These aboard the Challenger space shuttle
Learning Center, Framingham days A retired teacher realizes a life-long and died in the explosion that
State University Berlandi is
dream—space exploration. occurred just after take off. Berlandi’s
retired and involvement with the center named
living in in McAuliffe’s honor began soon after
Holliston—and she’s finally realizing communication and teamwork. she attended the 35th reunion of
that long-ago dream of a life in the Midway through the exercise the FSU’s graduating class. “I ran into the
stars. Twice a week she heads to students swap missions. center director, Mary Liscombe, and
the Christa McAuliffe Challenger “They read books and told her that I was retiring. She said
Learning Center at Framingham State collect samples, take essential something like ‘I might have a mission
University where she leads groups of measurements—the kids get very for you,’” recalls Berlandi. Her own
middle school students on simulated into it,” says Berlandi, who notes that response was instantaneous. “I said
space flights to Mars—in the year the center attracts students from all ‘sign me up!”
2076. She even dresses the part, says over Massachusetts. In addition to Five years and countless missions
Berlandi. “I get all dressed up in a real simulated space flights, students may to Mars later, Berlandi is as enthralled
blue NASA jumpsuit.” also visit Framingham State’s newly with the stars as ever. “This is what
Berlandi’s official title is flight renovated planetarium. Berlandi I always wanted to do. I feel like I’ve
director—a sort of teacher/facilitator—
and she presides over two “missions”
says that she has a soft-spot for
eighth graders who come through
kind of come full circle.”
▪
per day. The students are assigned the program—more than 10,000 For more information about the
either to Mars control, which takes students visit the Challenger Learning McAuliffe Center, visit www.christa.
place in a full-size mock up of Center each year. “The older kids org
February 2012 7