1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
April 2012
Lawrence: ‘City of Promise’
O
n an unseasonably warm spring
day, five Lawrence community
leaders have gathered to talk
about the current state of their city.
Despite the myriad challenges facing
the Merrimack Valley city—high
unemployment, struggling schools,
perpetual political crises—the talk on
this afternoon is undeniably hopeful.
The leaders’ optimism stands in
marked contrast to a controversial
recent Boston Magazine article
entitled “City of the Damned,” that
painted Lawrence as a cesspool of
drugs, crime and corruption.
The article prompted a full-scale
backlash among Lawrence residents,
In This Issue
and led to a protest march and rally
called “We are Lawrence.” Explains SIGNS OF SPRING Lawrence community leaders (from left): Milagro Grullón,
Victor Jarvis, Jasiela Chaves and Jules Abel.The leaders say that despite its well-
Milagro Grullón, executive Ddirector
publicized struggles, there is much to be hopeful about in Lawrence these days.
of Lawrence Community Connections:
“People have a perception of Lawrence Yet despite the air of uncertainty Teachers Union to engage parents in 2 President’s Column
and the article merely affirmed that that pervades the hallways and a conversation about the future of the
perception. It’s up to us to get the real classrooms of the Lawrence schools,
the takeover was viewed by many here
city’s schools. Victor Jarvis, pastor
of the Ebenezer Christian Church
4 Diary of a New Teacher: The
story of our city out, all the way down Mysteries of middle school
to our neighbors,” says Grullón. “This as an opportunity to strengthen the and the human rights commissioner
is what our city is about.” city itself. “Our schools are the key to for the City of Lawrence, has been TEACH comes to town
a better future for all of the children helping to survey local parents
Transformation time of Lawrence,” says Frank McLaughlin, who attend his church about their 5 Portrait of a letter writer:
Latin teacher Mike Maguire
There is no doubt that Lawrence president of the Lawrence Teachers ideas for strengthening the schools.
stands at a juncture of significant
change these days. Late last year, the
Union. “By transforming our schools,
we can help to transform Lawrence.”
One common theme, says Jarvis:
Lawrence schools must do a better
6 On Campus: In a tough
economy, college for all is a
state took over the Lawrence Public job of mirroring the diversity of the worthy goal
Schools, leaving the fate of students,
City of challenge city itself. “This city is special. We
parents and teachers unclear. The Community leaders like Ms. have different races and cultures 7 Retiree Corner
The Golden Apple: a retired
state-appointed receiver, Jeff Riley, Grullón say they are hopeful about amalgamated together—we are
will announce personnel changes the changes taking place in the Lawrence,” says Jarvis. teacher wakes up and gets
along with plans to restructure many schools, particularly new efforts by If the schools are to succeed in active
of the schools later this year. administrators and the Lawrence Continued on page 8
For Lexington Employees, A Healthy Outcome
T
he 40 members of the Carey supervisor Peggy
Memorial Library Staff Bateston. “We
Association in Lexington could learned pretty
easily have found their collective quickly how
voices drowned out during a recent important it was to If you’d like to receive an
debate over how best to reshape their really think things electronic version of the
town’s health plan. After all, the public through and ask a lot
Advocate, send an email to
employee committee in which the of questions.”
librarians participated also included Donovan came advocate@aftma.net. Please
Lexington’s teachers, firefighters and away from the include your home mailing
police officers. But instead of taking process convinced address for identification.
a back seat, the librarians spoke that librarians have
up, playing an essential role in the a unique role to play
employees’ decision regarding how best in the negotiations Did you know that your
to meet their own health care needs which, because of AFT MA membership
while recognizing the town’s cost- health insurance
entitles you to discounts
savings goal. reform legislation
At first the process seemed passed last summer QUICK STUDIES Lexington librarians Peggy Bateson on insurance products?
daunting—even overwhelming, on Beacon Hill, are (left) and Margaret Donovan played a key role in recent For more information visit
recalls Margaret Donovan, head of taking place across negotiations in that town over health insurance changes. the benefits page of our
technology at the Carey Memorial the Commonwealth. Says Donovan: “It all came down to information—
Library and chair of the librarian union “It all comes down
something that librarians know plenty about.” website:
there. “Everything to do with health to information— Commission (GIC), or making changes www.aftma.net/member-
insurance is incredibly complicated and that’s what we specialize in as to existing plans in an effort to realize benefits/
and the stakes were very high,” says librarians,” says Donovan. Under cost savings. Cities and towns may
Donovan, who participated in the the state’s new health insurance law, also bargain over such changes with a
public employee coalition meetings cities and towns have the option of coalition of municipal employees, as
with co-worker and circulation joining the state’s Group Insurance was the case in Lexington.
Continued on page 3

2. BOLD
policy issue that the state has refused to
deal with before the voters is one thing,
but this is not the case where Stand’s
proposal is concerned. As noted, the PRINT
Thomas J. Gosnell group was very much involved in the
changes to the evaluation procedures.
President, AFT Massachusetts If the new system is not working when
TV Time
Turn on Channel 7 in the Boston area on
fully implemented, interested parties,
April 8th and you’ll catch a glimpse of Boston
including Stand, should utilize the
Standing up for Children
teacher Yvonne Lamothe. Lamothe, who
state’s deliberative legislative and teaches visual arts in the Boston Public
regulatory processes to seek further Schools, will appear on Urban Update,
changes. Using an initiative petition which is broadcast on Sunday mornings
Note: the following letter was sent because their teachers are great. Now is to strong-arm legislators and voters is on WHDH immediately following Meet
to Democratic town, ward, and city not the time to switch gears. not the answer for our students or our the Press. Lamothe recently took to the
chairs in response to a letter which The Stand initiative has been sent future. airwaves in order to discuss “TEACH,” the
Stand for Children sent them. to the Legislature by the Secretary of We, as leaders of the Massachusetts documentary about teaching that she and her
State, given a bill number of H 3883, Democratic Party, the Massachusetts husband Bob created. (See article on page 4).
Dear Democratic party activist: and referred to the Joint Committee AFL-CIO, the American Federation The feature -ength documentary will get its
We believe you may recently have on Education. We ask you to urge first official Boston screening on April 16th at
of Teachers Massachusetts, and the
received a letter from a group called your legislators to reject this proposal the Loews Cineplex on Boston Common.
Massachusetts Teachers Association,
Stand for Children concerning an and to call on the proponents to are far from alone in taking a strong    
initiative it is sponsoring on the withdraw their petition and support position against Stand’s ill-conceived
November ballot. We feel this letter is the implementation of the state’s new Legal Eagles
attempt to change education in this
part of an effort to sell an ill-advised teacher evaluation system, which The verdict is in and two Lowell middle
manner. Many other organizations
proposal and does so in language was developed through extensive school teachers who have been helping
join us in opposing this unnecessary their students learn about the legal system
that is designed to put it in terms collaboration among educators, and divisive initiative, including are officially guilty—of being outstanding
attractive to Democrats. Because there parents, advocates of all types, and Arise for Social Justice, Citizens for teachers. Sue MacLeod and Cathie
is another side to this story, we write state and local officials. Our concerns Public Schools, the Massachusetts Watkins, both teachers at Lowell’s
to you today to urge you to reject this focus on the students of Massachusetts, Administrators for Special Education, Robinson Middle School, created a mock
path. number one in America, and it’s who are not well served by the Stand the Massachusetts Association trial scenario for their students that included
not by accident. It’s because excellent ballot initiative. for Supervision and Curriculum local attorneys and a real live judge.The
teachers work with students who are In its statements, Stand has Development, the Massachusetts after-school program was funded by a 21st
supported by families and communities distorted the truth about the progress Elementary School Principals’ Century Community Learning Centers
who help them succeed. Where changes that has been made toward establishing Association, Massachusetts Jobs Grant. On March 23, the teachers traveled
are needed, Massachusetts has led the a rigorous and fair teacher evaluation with their students into Boston to see a real
with Justice, the Massachusetts
way – with teachers and their unions at system in our Commonwealth. In fact, mock trial put on by the Massachusetts Bar
Parent Teacher Association, the
the table so that the voices of those in representatives of the group were a Association. A longer article about MacLeod,
Massachusetts Organization of Watkins and the Robinson ‘legal eagles’ will
the classroom are helping to guide the part of the process that created the Educational Collaboratives, the appear in the May issue of the Advocate.
discussion. It’s working. very system they now want to change. Massachusetts Reading Association,
We’ve seen the results in other They falsely claim that the new process the Massachusetts School Library    
states where right-wing Republicans is only a recommendation. It is based Association, the Massachusetts
have forced their failed ideology on on a plan passed by the Board of Trivial Pursuits
Secondary School Administrators’ The Lynn Teachers Union has come up
voters or rammed through bumper- Elementary and Secondary Education Association, the New England Jewish with a fun-filled way to boost morale and
sticker ballot initiatives to try to impose that requires all school districts to Labor Committee, and the Union of encourage new member participation. On
a “solution.” It is clear those efforts implement the new system. That Minority Neighborhoods. We are also April 12th, the LTU will host its first ever
have gone too far. Massachusetts began last fall, and the new approach joined by educational leaders such trivia night.The theme: “Are you smarter
students succeed in large measure will be in place in every school district as Susan Moore Johnson and Robert than a principal?” Teams of teachers and
by 2014. The evaluation tool, which Schwartz, professors at the Harvard paraprofessionals from the Lynn schools will
encompasses MCAS test scores and Graduate School of Education; Jon answer questions about everything from pop
other measures, will be used for Saphier, president of Research for culture, politics and sports to the history
personnel decisions that support our of their unique city.The top teams will win
Better Teaching, Inc.; Sue Freedman,
common goals: providing a great prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights.
director of the RTTT Human Resource
The official publication of education to every student and having For more information and to sign up, visit
Pilot Project, Working Group for www.lynnteachersunion.org.
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO an excellent teacher in every classroom. Educator Excellence; and three recent
This is one of many reasons you and Massachusetts Teachers of the Year.    
Thomas J. Gosnell, President
everyone you know are urged to reject For more information about the Top Honors
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer the Stand initiative. Three professors at UMass Dartmouth
damage the Stand ballot initiative
VICE PRESIDENTS Secretary of Education Paul would cause, please go to: www. have been honored by the National Science
Reville said in November 2011: “I fear Foundation with the highly prestigious
Patricia Armstrong massteacher.org/stand or to www.
that the ballot initiative would set Early Faculty Career Development Awards.
Deborah Blinder aftma.net.
up a distracting and divisive battle, The faculty members, who will share a
Sean Bowker Don’t be fooled. In the interest
Kathryn Chamberlain engendering an over-simplified public combined $1 million in grant money, were
of helping to ensure a high-quality recognized for research which has the
Brenda Chaney dialogue that would alienate educators
Kathy Delaney education for every student, we urge potential to revolutionize their fields.The
and prevent us from achieving a variety you to ask your legislators to reject H
Catherine Deveney UMass Dartmouth honorees, all members
Patricia Driscoll of reform goals.” 3883 and call on Stand to immediately of the Faculty Federation at that school,
Marianne Dumont Secretary Reville’s comment withdraw its initiative petition. include Katja Haltta-Otto, Department
J. Michael Earle addresses both the progress we have of Mechanical Engineering; Chandra
Sincerely,
Margaret Farrell made and the dangers of the Stand Orrill, Kaput Center; and Nima Rahbar,
Mary Ferriter John Walsh
initiative. The new teacher evaluation Chair Department of Civil and Environmental
Jenna Fitzgerald
Richard Flaherty process is designed to put in place Massachusetts Democratic Party Engineering. Congratulations to all on this
Paul Georges a thorough system of accountability outstanding achievement!
Alice M. Gunning for educators, schools, and districts. Thomas Gosnell
Daniel Haacker    
Moreover, policy changes in education President
Joyce Harrington AFT Massachusetts
should not be brought about by Wanted: New Teachers
Susan Leahy
Francis McLaughlin gimmicky slogans designed to make The Advocate is seeking new teachers
Paul Toner and paraprofessionals to contribute to
Bruce Nelson complex issues seem simple. Yet
Catherine Patten
President the 2012-2013 New Teacher Diary.
that is exactly the course that Stand
James Philip Massachusetts Teachers Association Contributors receive $300 per column and
is taking by asking voters to provide
Bruce Sparfven the opportunity to write for a statewide
it with a quick political victory that
Richard Stutman Steve Tolman audience of more than 25,000 public school
Gale Thomas would not improve public education
President educators, librarians and public higher
in Massachusetts. Stand’s proposal is education faculty. Past contributors have
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor Massachusetts AFL-CIO
extremely long and hard to understand. even won national recognition from the
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402
The initiative includes 11 sections American Federation of Teachers.To be
Boston, Mass. 02111
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 making changes to many different state considered, applicants must have five or
Fax: 617-423-0174 laws. On Election Day, a voter can only fewer years in the classroom. Send inquiries
www.aftma.net give a yes or no answer. to jberkshire@aftma.net.
2 advocate@aftma.net It is worth noting that putting a

3. Healthy Outcome in Lexington
The power of knowledge
Donovan and Bateson also made
Continued from cover
rather than implementing changes
sure that the other members of the
library staff association were up to
The ABC’s of Health
AFT Massachusetts field unilaterally. He agreed, recalls
representative and municipal health Bateson, stating that the town was
speed on the complex issues before Insurance Bargaining
insurance expert Andy Powell, who them, holding weekly ‘briefing’
open to any approach that would
worked with the Lexington librarians, help it meet the goal of saving $4
meetings at the library that included Partner up
says that the experience of the new recent retirees. Nor did they sugar If you are not yet working in coalition
million. The town’s willingness to
coat the changes that were being with other public employee unions in
health law shows that when towns and negotiate provided the coalition with
considered by the public employee your community, get started today.
coalitions work together, innovative an essential ingredient: time. “We
solutions can be the result. “The cost coalition. Says Donovan: “We all did
bought ourselves some time to look Get the facts
of health insurance is an issue that the research and it really sunk in:
for options that would be amenable to Health insurance issues are complex
affects everyone. The way to address there are costs that we didn’t have but with a little research you can be an
both sides,” says Bateson.
that problem isn’t to force a solution before.” expert in no time.
on town employees,” says Powell. “A Fact finding The hard work of the librarians
cooperative process really produces But getting the town to agree to and their coalition partners paid Consult an expert
the best outcomes.” negotiate with the coalition turned off though. The decision of the If there are issues that you don’t under-
out to be the easy part. In the ensuing coalition to enter the GIC will save stand, seek outside expertise to bring
Changing the conversation weeks, coalition members would learn the town more than $4 million, your members or coalition partners up
Working in coalition was nothing while employees will receive half to speed.
the ins and outs of the various health
new for Lexington’s librarians, insurance plans available to municipal of the money saved in the form of Follow the leader
teachers and first responders. The employees. They also began to develop an improved contribution split, a Reach out to AFT MA members in com-
town was one of the first to adopt a deeper understanding of the needs health reimbursement account, and munities that are health insurance success
so-called Section 19 coalition of everyone in the coalition, including money set aside to help employees stories to learn about their experiences.
bargaining back in 1993, a process retirees. “It was a real coalition and no pay for excessive co-pays. “There was In Lynn, Lexington, Chelsea, Wakefield
by which public employees bargain one was shy about speaking up,” says really something for everyone,” says and other cities and towns, coalitions
with a municipality as a single Donovan. “What it all came down to Donovan. have negotiated cooperative agreements
entity. And while the Lexington though was the idea that we all pay for The librarians say that in that work for everyone. For more infor-
employees had made several changes everyone. It isn’t just what’s good for addition to learning more than they mation contact apowell@aftma.net.
to their health plan over the years the teachers or the firefighters—this is ever thought they’d know about
in an effort to save the town money, health insurance, they also have a
Spread the word
about all of us.” Keep your members in the loop about
pressure to lower costs further has The librarians also gained a first- new appreciation for the power of
whatever changes are being considered
only intensified. Donovan says that hand appreciation of the complexities a coalition. Bateson says that the to their health insurance plan. Hold regu-
conversation in Lexington is much of health insurance. Before long process established a deep sense of lar briefing meetings to keep members
like that taking place elsewhere in they were fluent in the language of camaraderie among town employees. informed and don’t sugar coat the issues.
the country. “Instead of asking why it premiums, deductibles, co-pays and “It was nice to see so many people who
is that everyone doesn’t have decent health reimbursement accounts. And care so much,” says Bateson. Collect stories
health care benefits there is a loud when there was something they didn’t As for the old stereotype of Too often the debate over health insur-
chorus demanding that our benefits librarians being demure ‘marms,’ ance is reduced to numbers. But behind
understand they asked for help. The
be brought down to the level of the armed with nothing more powerful every fact and figure is a human story. Is
librarians relied extensively on AFT
average private workplace,” says there a teacher, paraprofessional, librarian
MA’s Andy Powell, but they also went than a pencil and the power to shush,
or retiree in your community who will
Donovan. to great lengths to educate themselves forget about it, says Donovan. “As
be deeply impacted by health insurance
Back in November, Lexington’s about the issues, even recruiting we showed in Lexington, librarians changes? Ask them to share their story.
selectmen voted to accept the health nationally recognized health insurance are not afraid to speak up. And we
care reform law. The next step: expert Jonathan Gruber to come and don’t wear our hair in buns anymore
urging the town manager to bargain give a talk at the library. either,” she says with a chuckle. “Now
with the existing employee coalition we have tattoos.” 
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School of Education teach.lesley.edu/advocate
3
April 2012

4. Diary S
pring is in the air. Trees are
budding with the promise of
new life and birds are chirping
their happy little songs. All this change
and growth in the air, yet my teenage
of a New Teacher students are still teenagers. I continue
to find myself in awe of the modern day
teenager. Every day I spend with them I
By Amanda Perez am reminded about how hard it is to be
Middle school teacher a teenager, just as I am confronted with
Sarah Greenwood School,
how hard it is to teach teenagers. When
Dorchester, MA
I was working on getting my license to
teach K-8, I never really considered the
Meet the 2011-2012 6-8 portion of my new credentials.
New Teacher Diarists Yet here I am, three years into my
Bill Madden-Fuoco career, teaching middle school. While
A humanities teacher at the Urban Science most days feel more like a roller coaster
Academy in West Roxbury, Bill was a 2012 ride than a steady career, there are a
Teacher of the Year semifinalist. few things that I am certain of when it
comes to these confusing, tech-savvy
Robert Tobio tornadoes of emotion. As confusing as MIDDLE AGE Amanda Perez, a new middle school teacher at the Sarah
Robert teaches math and special education Greenwood School in Boston, says that she spends much of her time
some of their outward behaviors are,
at the Mary Lyon Pilot School in Brighton navigating the strange world that is contemporary American adolescence.
there is a lot more to them than most
and previously taught at Monument High in
people give them credit for. As much as my middle schoolers crave my attention The magical thing about all this
South Boston, which closed last spring.
we claim to remember what it was like and perhaps my approval. The balance confusion is that these adolescents have
Melissa McDonald to be a teenager, the truth is that our that I strive to achieve in my classroom deep thoughts, worthwhile ideas, and
A fifth grade teacher at the Parthum “world” at the time, whatever that world is to hold my students’ hand as much understanding of complex concepts
Elementary School in Lawrence, Melissa may be is just not the world teenagers as necessary through their learning but that only need a safe environment to
is returning to teaching after a year of currently live in. TV is different, music to not let them know this. Doing this coax out. I recently had my students
maternity leave. is different, advertising is different, reinforces their integrity while fostering engage in a formal debate about animal
social expectations are different, responsibility and accountability as rights. I assigned students to a side
Joyce Melker
educational expectations are different— they grow towards their new roles as and had them debate, listen and take
A paraprofessional at the Watson Elemen-
the list of differences is extensive. competent adults. In this way, they notes on the other team’s arguments,
tary School in Fall River, Joyce is a student
Meanwhile, some things stay the same. are able to own their accomplishments and create counter arguments. My high
in the JET teacher training program at
My students know how to make me and their learning and strengthen their expectations were far surpassed by how
UMass Dartmouth.
feel as self-aware as they do when they own sense of identity as capable young My teenagers really rose to the occasion.
Matthew Robinson tell me: “Ms. Perez, you are so not hip people. before my eyes became organized,
Matthew teaches English and journalism at and your shoes are whack.” With such Adolescence is a strange limbo in mature, passionate and articulate young
the Burke High School in Dorchester. delightful compliments, how could I not which my students want to be driving people. I will admit that most days I am
love teaching middle school? the boat but are scared of the steering not certain that I am having any impact
Riana Good
The thing is, I do love teaching wheel. They want my feedback on on my teenage students as they vacillate
While Riana is technically no longer a new
middle school. It’s a treat to know that something they do but need to receive between acting like children and acting
teacher, this Spanish teacher at the Boston
I, in some small—or big—way, get to feedback in a way that doesn’t leave like adults. However, with a lot of
Teachers Union School in Jamaica Plain says
step in at this crucial time in their lives them feeling at all vulnerable. They patience and respect for their current
that she still feels like a ‘newby.’
and try to share a little wisdom and insist they know all there is to know developmental stage I am hopeful for
Amanda Perez help them navigate these awkward and about life while protesting that they what they have to offer the world and I
Amanda is a humanities teacher at the intense years. While on the outside they don’t understand the homework I am grateful I get a chance to steer them
Sarah Greenwood School in Dorchester. are starting to look like small adults, assigned them. in a good direction.
▪
Would you like to travel abroad on TEACH Coming to Town
an inexpensive trip designed T EACH, a feature length documentary
made by Boston teachers Bob and
nation take our schools? Should we
privatize our public schools? Should
specifically for educators? Yvonne Lamothe, will make its official
Boston debut next month. The film
we fire all of the teachers in our
struggling schools? To answer these
will be screened as part of the Boston and other questions, the Lamothes
GEEO is a non-profit organization that runs travel International Film Festival, which interviewed dozens of teachers, parents
programs for educators. Detailed information including shows 90 films from more than 30 and public school advocates about the
itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more can be found at countries and runs between April 13-22. state and future of public education.
www.geeo.org or call toll free 1-877-600-0105. Lamothe and his wife Yvonne, both Says Lamothe: “Everyday we hear about
teachers in the Boston Public Schools, teaching and teachers through the
have been at work on the project, called eyes of administrators, politicians and
“Teachers Are Talking, Is the Nation business leaders. We hope to bring the
Listening?”, for the past four years. voices and wisdom of teachers to the
The documentary has already been nation.”
shown at teacher events across the TEACH will be shown on April 16
country, including to 250 members of at 12:30 PM at the Lowes Cineplex on
the Boston Teachers Union earlier this Boston Common. For more information
spring. Lamothe, a technology expert,
and Yvonne, a visual art teacher with
visit www.teachdocumentary.com.
▪
National Board Certification, say that
everywhere the film has been shown it
has sparked a conversation--something
largely lacking in the heated debate
over public education. “We’ve become
increasingly frustrated by the fact that
very seldom do teachers voices get
heard,” says Lamothe. “Teachers who
should be a leading part of education
policy and ‘reform’ are for the most part
not part of the process, not part of the
national and local debates.”
The film opens with a series of
questions: What direction will this
4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

5. BEHIND T
he chalkboard in Michael Maguire’s LETTER MAN
classroom at Boston Latin Michael Maguire,
THE SCENES
Academy is draped with newspaper a Latin teacher
clippings, a pennant-like display of the at the Boston
letters to the editor that have become Latin Academy,
Maguire’s specialty. “I’ve always had in front of the
an opinion,” says Maguire, who has ‘pennant wall’
Michael Maguire taught Latin at the school since 1994. of newspapers
His first letter was published in the in which his
A Latin teacher finds Boston University newspaper while letters to the
editor have
his voice Maguire was an undergraduate at that
been published.
school. The subject: Sinead O’Connor’s
Maguire writes
controversial appears on Saturday Night a letter per
Live. week, always on
These days Maguire sticks to the education. Says
topic of education, but still has plenty Maguire: “I’ve
to say. He has published more than a always had an
dozen letters to the editor on such issues opinion.”
as charter schools, teacher evaluation
and standardized testing. In 2003, one Alexander, six—Maguire still writes at inspiration. “Think about ‘All Gaul is
of Maguire’s letters appeared in both the least one letter per week. Along the way, divided into three parts’—now there’s a
Boston Herald and the Boston Globe— Maguire has identified some simple great topic sentence.” He’s also a fan of
on the same day. The Globe has since lessons for good letter writing—tips, he rhetorical devices, including rhetorical
implemented a exclusivity policy. Were insists, that anyone can follow. Chief questions, metaphor and alliteration.
the two events related? “It’s a thought,” among them: keep it succinct. “Long Finally, Maguire makes sure to stick to
says Maguire. letters don’t work. You need to get to the the high road. “Name calling cheapens
Maguire’s letter writing career really point,” says Maguire. your argument,” says Maguire. “When
took off in 2008, following the birth of Maguire, who co-edits the Boston someone calls me a name, that’s when I
his daughter Meghan, an arrival that Union Teacher, also recommends know that I’ve won.”
coincided with the advent of smart picking a single issue to address, Although he pens most of his
phone technology. How could a hungry particularly in the complex, often letters in response to local education
baby and a phone with a touch screen contradictory world of education issues, last year Maguire cast his net
possibly be related? Simple, says policy. He likens his approach to that further afield. When he saw a story
Maguire. “I was up with my daughter of a scientist attempting to disprove a in the Baltimore Sun about teacher
for late night feedings and I could read theorem. “If I can show that one part of evaluations, he wrote a response based
the newspaper online while I rocked the argument doesn’t hold up, the whole on the experience of a Boston teacher.
her.” He discovered that he could also thing starts to fall apart. “The Internet is great that way,” says
type out a quick response and hit send,
typically around 3 AM.
Another tip: approach a letter
like you would a good one paragraph
Maguire.
▪
To read some of Maguire’s recent
While he no longer needs to send essay, including the all important
letters, visit www.aftma.net.
his editorial missives in the middle of topic sentence. As a Latin teacher,
the night—Meghan is now three, his son Maguire often looks to Julius Caesar for
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5
April 2012

6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
In Tough Economy, College for All a Worthy Goal
I s Rick Santorum the only man in
American who hasn’t learned that
women don’t like men warning them
Many voters were
puzzled by GOP
done on the cheap with a few hours of
instruction without much education.
The sad history of workforce
candidate Rick
about the evils of contraception? Santorum’s claim development in the U.S. shows that
Senator Santorum’s remark that training without education will fail.
that the President
President Kennedy’s speech on the Community colleges are well suited
separation of church and state made
is a “snob” for en- to this combination of education
him want to throw up also provided couraging young and training with their wide course
entertainment. He twisted President people to attend selection offered at various times
Kennedy’s speech against political college. throughout the day and evening and
domination by one religion to read their multiple curriculums that include
that President Kennedy wanted to asking state governors to increase
student has increased for other types liberal arts courses. But it will take
eliminate religion from public life. spending on K-12, stop cutting funding
of colleges and universities. more than a few dollars to develop
Senator Santorum later said that he for state colleges and universities, and
Governor Patrick praised the education needed for workplace
wished he had the line back. proposing an $8 billion Community
community colleges for their multiple development.
Senator Santorum’s calling Obama College to Career Fund to train
roles of preparing students for There’s no reason that bachelor
a “snob” for wanting everyone to go students for “targeted, certified
bachelor degrees, providing post- granting colleges and universities
to college was equally puzzling. After training for jobs in rapidly growing
secondary remedial education, and can’t also educate students for jobs
some dancing around the need for industries.” (Whitehouse blog)
satisfying intellectual needs for all in technical fields. Jobs are a good
higher education for a good job in the
modern economy, which mirrored
“We’re talking about somebody
going to a community college
age students but focused on training
workers for new careers. He called on ▪
thing.
President Obama’s position, Sen. and getting trained ... for that
the state’s business leaders to join the Dan Georgianna is the Chancellor
Santorum used statistics to argue that manufacturing job that now is
Commonwealth in funding community Professor of Economics at UMass
colleges indoctrinated students against requiring somebody walking through
colleges for more workplace Dartmouth. His column appears
religion. His statistics on students the door handling a million-dollar
development. monthly in the Advocate. Share
giving up religion in college turned out piece of equipment.” (as quoted by
It’s easy to see this as college comments with him at dgeorgianna@
to be backwards. Religion drop-out MSNBC.com) education for some and job training umassd.edu
rates are higher for young people who In this January’s State of the
for others, a class division that is
don’t go to college. Commonwealth Address, Governor
widening in the U.S. due to restricted
“Should all students go to college?” Patrick also asked for additional $10
access to bachelor degrees for students Students, Faculty Stand Up
is a serious question, however. This million for community colleges to
who can’t afford them. But I think that for Public Higher Education
question usually refers to students build up workforce development.
Governor Patrick is trying to buttress
pursuing a degree, specifically a $10 million sounds like a lot, but it is
the community college system that is Hundreds of students, faculty
bachelor’s degree. The easy answer less than 2% of the total budget for
unique to the U.S. in giving students
and staff from public colleges
is “no” because some students prefer community colleges in Massachusetts.
multiple chances at education.
across the Commonwealth
education for the trades, medical Nation-wide, funding per student for
Education vs. training is based
community colleges has dropped over
on a false comparison, however; converged upon the State-
fields, and other good jobs. President
the past 10 years, while funding per
education is process-oriented, and house last month to lobby
Obama tried to cover all the bases,
training is goal-oriented. The process for more resources for higher
of education shows education in Massachusetts.
students how to make Participants in the day-long
sound judgments in event represented nearly every
complex situations

public campus in the state, but
and to how to follow
delivered a single message:
ethical principles
Public Higher Education is
in community life.
This process of
critical to the residents of Mas-
education continues sachusetts, to our economy,
 as the subject and to our future, and must be
adequately funded.
 matter changes from
kindergarten through “Costs have risen dramati-
  post-graduate cally,” said Melanie T. Mulvey,
education. 21, a senior at the Amherst
 Can job training campus. “It’s really hurting the
  follow educational
university and the state. Low-
processes? Of
 course it can. Using
income students are some of
President’s Obama’s the people who need these op-
  example, training for portunities the most because
 expensive equipment education really levels the play-
requires sound ing field.”
 judgment and ethical Mulvey and nearly 400
   principles in working
with others. It all
other student, staff and faculty
advocates, urged the legisla-
  comes down to good
ture to increase the operating
teaching within a
 sound educational
budgets of the 29 campuses
 curriculum. and to increase the scholarship
The flaw in the account, both by 5%.

 training rather than
For more information on how
education strategy
is the assumption to join the campaign visit www.
that training can be phenomonline.org.
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

7. Retiree Corner SENIOR SEMINARS
Marie Ardito, Co-founder Living in Retirement as an
Massachusetts Retirees United Informed Retiree
www.retireesunited.org A free 2 hour seminar directed
toward those who retired on a public
service pension and deals with many
Planning for End of Life is Vital
issues confronting retirees. Medicare,
Social Security, tax shelters, 403b and
more.
T here are a number of names for
it: health care proxy, living will,
durable power of attorney for health
medical staff have many demands on
their time and when someone is ill
they do not want to repeat themselves,
could be prolonged. They should be
able to be assertive, both with hospital
personnel as well as family, without
When: Saturday April 14 10 - Noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105,
care, and advance directive. Whatever and very often will ask that one person alienating them. Make sure they will 214 Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
you call it, you should definitely have be spokesperson for the family. respect your wishes even if they may
one. Another reason for the importance not agree with all of them. Make sure Protecting Your Nest Egg
This document sets forth your of having this document is that if you they understand that you will continue Two hour seminar, presented by Elder
wishes for health care in the event cannot make health care decisions to make your health care decisions for Law Attorney Mary Howie
that you are ever unable to speak for for yourself, and you do not have a yourself as long as you are able.
yourself. The contract that most of us document naming someone to do it, Most people make life-ending When: Saturday April 28, 10 - Noon
have may simply name the person or your loved ones will have to go through choices while they are in good health. Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105,
persons who will make the decisions the costly process of having the Thus it is very easy at such a time to 214 Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
for us. Typically, one individual is decisions made by the court in case of say, “I do not want any extraordinary
named as decision maker, and if they a dispute among family members as to measures used at the end.”. But if it Preparing for Retirement
are unable to perform the task, an what should be done. This document is necessary for another individual A comprehensive 2 hour seminar for
alternative candidate. is particularly vital if it is a non family to make that decision for you, you teachers, paras and education support
This column focuses primarily upon member that you wish to name. need to be able to trust them to use personnel within 10 years of retiring.
why you should have this document. It is advisable to name only one common sense. Is there a possibility Note: seminar is offered on multiple
Thought must be given as to who person as primary spokesperson that, after being on life support, you dates.
you name and the assurance that the and another as secondary. Multiple can return to a good quality of life? If
person named will fulfill your wishes. people can confuse the process. It the life support is simply prolonging a Chelmsford: McCarthy Middle
Illness, even serious illness, pays no should be someone open to discussing vegetative state of life they shouldn’t School Lecture Hall, 250 North Rd.
respect to age. Most of us remember and keeping other family members agree. If you believe quality of life is Chelmsford, MA
the battle that was waged in our in the loop, but not intimidated by more important than quantity of life, When: Monday April 9, 4-6 PM
newspapers between parents and a others in order to fulfill your wishes. be sure they know this.
husband in Florida when one party Whoever you name should be someone Do some reading and thinking on
Lynn: Lynn Teachers Union, 679
chose to disconnect “life support.” The who can handle what this involves. the topic and don’t procrastinate if
Western Ave.
patient was just twenty-five. This is Most importantly, whomever you you have put off doing one of these
When: Saturday, April 25, 3-5 PM.
clear proof that one should not wait for name should be aware that you have documents. If you don’t know what
“old age” to create a proxy. selected them. It should be someone measures you want and don’t want,
Upton: Blackstone Valley Vocational
With privacy so strictly adhered you trust completely, can discuss how can you expect your loved ones to
to in hospitals, doctors and nurses
will no longer divulge information to
what measures you do or don’t want,
and most importantly, that they have
know?
▪ Regional School, 65 Pleasant Street.
When: Tuesday, May 1, 2:30-4:30 PM
just anyone. They want the patient’s common sense in making decisions. It Marie Ardito’s column appears
For details or to register for any of
permission to do so, and when he/ is important that you convey to them regularly in the Advocate. Contact
the above seminars, contact Marie
she cannot give this permission they that you expect them to use discretion her with questions or column ideas at
Ardito at 1-617-482-1568 or e-mail
will speak only to those authorized in the process. The person should live mardito@retireesunited.org.
mardito@retireesunited.org.
through one of these documents. Also, in close proximity to you as the illness
The
Golden E laine Dickinson can pinpoint
exactly when she became
a political activist. It was 2010,
against what Dickinson refers to as the
99%.
More recently the couple has
offer him one of the extra buttons she
makes a point of carrying in her coat
pocket. “Having been a teacher, it’s all
Apple coincidentally the same year Dickinson
retired from three decades teaching
in Weymouth and Orleans, and the
lent its support to protests against
foreclosure evictions taking place on
the Cape. Last month they descended
about education.”
While Dickinson’s passion for
political protest may be relatively
Supreme Court had just handed down on a house in Harwich in an effort to new, she has long been involved in
its controversial Citizens United block the auction of a house that had charitable causes. She volunteers at the
Elaine Dickinson decision. “I got really angry,” Dickinson been foreclosed upon. “We’re trying to Family Pantry in Harwich and recently
Retiree-turned-activist says of the vote that opened the door to keep people in their homes. Hopefully traveled to Haiti with a local church
unlimited spending by corporations in by putting pressure on big banks like group to visit a clinic and school run by
elections. “It didn’t make any sense to Bank of America people will be able the sister parish of Our Lady of Hope in
me—so I started paying attention.” to work out agreements that are more Barnstable. “I’ve always had a soft spot
While her husband Art, also fair,” says Dickinson. for Haiti,” says Dickinson.
a retired teacher, had long been The long-time teacher is also doing As for her recent activities,
interested in politics, Dickinson herself what she did for 32 years: educating. Dickinson says that she’s particularly
had been busy teaching and raising Two editorials by Dickinson on the pleased at the participation of retirees
two children. That’s now changed, Occupy movement and the importance in the protests. “One gentleman is
says Dickinson. One day the couple of citizen activism have appeared in 80 and uses an oxygen tank, another
was watching TV footage of the Arab the Cape Cod Times in recent months. woman has a walker—I feel honored to
Spring, the largely youth-driven But even more important than her be among them,” says Dickinson. She
uprising that swept across the Middle written work may be the one-on-one also hopes that the example of these
East last year, and Dickinson asked her conversations with friends, neighbors retiree activists will inspire many more
husband a simple question: “When is and employees at local businesses, to get involved. “Some people feel like
that going to happen here?” says Dickinson. On a recent weekday, it’s too much—they look at all of the
By early summer, the Occupy Dickinson stopped by the local dry problems in the world and they ask
movement was in full sail, with cleaner, a button proclaiming “We Are ‘what can I do?’” But Dickinson says
outposts dotting Cape Cod. The The 99%” proudly affixed to her coat. there’s plenty that retired educators—
Dickinsons soon hooked up with When the cashier asked her what it or any retirees—can do to make a
Occupy Orleans and began to meant she was happy to explain. “I difference. “Get educated, get involved,
participate in regular protests against gave him my rap and I asked him: are and get off the couch,” she urges. “Turn
OCCUPY RETIREMENT Retired income inequality and a system that you part of the 1% or the 99%? He had off ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Fox
teachers Art and Elaine Dickinson
show their support for the 99%.
seems increasingly rigged in favor
of corporate power and wealth and
no problem answering the question,”
says Dickinson. She was also happy to
News and get busy.”
▪
April 2012 7