1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
October 2012
‘The Education Election’
S
pecial education aide Denise
Hurley is calling this year’s
electoral contest ‘the educa-
tion election.’ “That’s how impor-
tant it is,” says Hurley, who works
at the Callahan Elementary School
in Lynn. Hurley is particularly
impassioned about the presidential
contest. “I already had an oppor-
tunity to see what Mitt Romney
is like when he’s in charge and I
really don’t need to see that again,”
says Hurley. “My question is, what
is Romney going to do for the
little people? It worries me that he
doesn’t seem to care about us at
In This Issue
all.”
Massachusetts residents may MEET AND GREET US Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren greets some
not be experiencing the barrage of young supporters in Hyannis. Warren, a former public school special education
attack ads funded by super PACs teacher, is locked in a tough election battle with Senator Scott Brown.
that voters in swing states must of public education and collective ably since he governed the Com- 2 President’s Column
endure, but that doesn’t mean that monwealth. In his book, No Apol-
Bold Print
bargaining in the Commonwealth.
key contests in the Bay State aren’t Here’s a look. ogy, Romney singles out teacher
heated. The Senate race between unions for particular ire, claiming
former public school teacher Eliza- Top Spot that the fight to maintain low teach- 4 Diary of a New Teacher: A
first year teacher navigates
beth Warren and the sitting Sena- Republican Presidential candi- er-student rations is a union ploy.
tor, Scott Brown, is one of the most date Mitt Romney has been mak- chaos and confusion in the
In his years as a GOP Presidential
closely-watched in the country. At ing plenty of headlines for remarks Lawrence Public Schools
contender, Romney has become a
press time, on the eve of the first he’s made behind closed doors. But vocal advocate for so-called school
debate, polls still had the contest Governor Romney’s positions on choice. Under Romney’s education 5 Meet the Legal Eagles of
as too close to call. Meanwhile, a education have long been public. Lowell
plan, tax payer dollars could be
slew of state-level elections are As Governor of Massachusetts, used to attend any school, including
also being fiercely contested. (For Mitt Romney cut funding for early private institutions. Advocates for 6 On Campus: Higher education
and the 2012 elections
a complete list of endorsed candi- childhood education and scrapped public education have warned that
dates, see back page). The choices the nation’s first bilingual educa- such a plan would serve to hasten
made by Massachusetts voters—and tion law. He was also a vocal critic the dismantling of the nation’s pub- 7 Retiree Corner
AFT MA members—in November of teacher unions, a position that lic schools. Golden Apple: A new teacher
are likely to determine the direction appears to have hardened consider- Continued on page 8 pays tribute to the teacher
who saved him
Controversial Film Takes Aim at Teachers
By Matt Robinson parents in many states can use to
S
literally take over a school. In 2010,
ince the release of “Waiting a group of parents tried to put this
for Superman,” the political law to use in California’s Los Ange-
level of films about educa- les County (which is also the home
tion has been ratcheted up a notch. of Hollywood). Among the potential If you’d like to receive an
While local filmmakers Robert powers that petitioning parents electronic version of the
and Yvonne Lamothe had great may be granted are the rights to
success with their documentary dismiss staff and convert the school Advocate, send an email to
“Teach” (see Summer 2012 issue), to a charter school. advocate@aftma.net. Please
Hollywood is upping the ante with Though it wasn’t scheduled to hit include your home mailing
the forthcoming release of the theaters until the end of September,
the film has had education advo- address for identification.
star-studded feature “Won’t Back
Down.” cates up in arms for months. Many
The film tells the story of two claim that “Won’t Back Down” is no
mothers and their efforts to “trans- more than a slick means of promot- Did you know that your
form” a failing school in the inner ing the parent trigger movement. AFT MA membership
“The film is being presented as a
city. Directed by Daniel Barnz (who
feelgood movie about parents fight-
entitles you to discounts
also helmed 2001’s “Beastly”), the
film stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola ing for their children against evil on life insurance?
Davis and Academy Award-winner unionized teachers and uncaring
CONTROVERSIAL MESSAGE
Holly Hunter. public school bureaucrats,” sug-
The new feature film “Won’t Back For more information visit
gests Caroline Grannan of Parents
According to the studio (which Down” vilifies public school teachers www.aftma.net.
promotes the film as “a fictional Across America, a grassroots group and their unions. Released by the
story inspired by actual events,”) that connects parents and activists makers of “Waiting for Superman,”
“Won’t” deals with the so-called to fight what Grannan calls “the the new film is packaged as a feel-
“Parent Empowerment” law (better corporate education reform jugger- good film about parent rights.
known as the “Parent Trigger”) that naut.” Continued on page 3

2. BOLD
nutrition, housing and the ancillary
resources necessary to help them do
well in school. No one wants to use
poverty as an excuse for a student’s PRINT
Thomas J. Gosnell inability to do well in school, but
failure to recognize the powerful
President, AFT Massachusetts impact that it has on a child’s On the Radio
entire life insures that it will not Gerald Bellivue, a fifth grade
be addressed, thus denying what is teacher at Lynn’s Lincoln Thompson
Autumn Challenges desperately needed.
AFT MA and the Lawrence
Teachers Union continue to assert
Elementary School, was featured in a
recent WBUR story. Reporters came to
Bellivue’s classroom to observe while his
students performed a hands-on science
A
that we want what is good for
experiment involving electric circuitry.
FT Massachusetts has students, fair to teachers, and Students at the Lincoln-Thompson
endorsed Elizabeth Warren No one wants to use collaboratively done. School use a science curriculum provided
for U.S. Senate. Let me tell poverty as an excuse Working collaboratively is by KnowAtom, a company started by
you why. recognition that teachers, those
The incumbent senator, Scott
for a student’s inability former Lynn teacher Francis Vigeant.
who know most about the education This year, for the first time, teachers in
Brown, voted against allowing the to do well in school, but of their students, have wise all Lynn Public Schools will utilize the
senate to vote on the American failure to recognize the views about the development of KnowAtom curriculm. To hear the story
Jobs Act. This proposal would have educational plans. for yourself, visit www.aftma.net.
powerful impact that it
created nationwide as many as Unfortunately, the new
two million new jobs, would have has on a child’s entire life leadership in the Lawrence Public    
prevented 280,000 teachers from insures that it will not Schools does not yet recognize
being laid off, would have brought Turning the Page
be addressed, thus deny- this. Recently the union and the
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate will
back other educators who had lost school department submitted their
their jobs, would have extended
ing what is desperately soon have a new editor at the helm.
differences to a three person panel Former Boston teacher Matthew
unemployment insurance benefits to needed. composed of a school department Robinson, who taught most recently
five million jobless Americans, and appointee, a union appointee, at the Burke High School. Robinson,
would have provided investments in His record is not that of his and a neutral selected by mutual who was a regular contributor to the
infrastructure repair. predecessor, Edward M. Kennedy. agreement. Whenever an issue Advocate last year, combines a first-hand
He also voted against allowing When it comes to advocacy for the was not resolved between the knowledge of education issues with a
the Senate to consider another values we cherish, Senator Brown is school department and the union, passion for journalism. Robinson replaces
bill which would have prevented no Senator Kennedy. the neutral considered the union’s outgoing editor Jennifer Berkshire
teacher layoffs, would have rehired Our other senator, John Kerry, positions more compelling. A lesson who is leaving to start her own
thousands of teachers and other voted in support of jobs and communications company. Robinson,
to be learned.
school employees who had lost their whose story on the controversial new
public education when each one AFT MA will continue to
film “Won’t Back Down,” appears on
jobs during the past three years, and of these bills came for a vote. If work with the Lawrence teachers the cover, will take over the Advocate in
would have kept thousands of police Elizabeth Warren had been our to develop the best possible time for the November issue. Welcome
officers and firefighters on the job. U.S. Senator, she would have voted education for every student. Since aboard Matt!
Senator Brown voted to permit voted in support of jobs and public Massachusetts students are the
the use of public money for private education. highest achieving in the nation, our
school vouchers in the public Elizabeth Warren speaks teachers are teaching at a high level.    
schools of Washington D.C. This eloquently for the middle class Those who manage the schools need
program would have drained money which has been far harder hit to recognize this. Dancing Shoes
from the public schools which have by the recession than those who Riana Good, a Spanish teacher at the
been grossly under-funded. contributed so powerfully to the Congratulations to those locals Boston Teachers Union School in
creation of the recession. who have recently negotiated Jamaica Plain, spent two weeks in Havana
studying AfroCuban dance with the
In addition Senator Brown, if contracts.
Conjunto Folklórico Nacional. Good’s
reelected and the Republicans win I wish all of you in the schools trip was paid for by a grant from a grant
the senate, will vote for Senator and in the libraries a good year. I from the Fund for Teachers, which
Mitch McConnell to be majority thank all of you for the fine services allows teachers to pursue opportunities
The official publication of leader of the U.S. Senate. Watch out you give to the children and the around the globe that will impact their
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO for what we value. Medicare, social adults of Massachusetts. They are teaching practice, the academic lives
Thomas J. Gosnell, President security, funding for education and fortunate. of their students and their school
many public services, and loans to If you have any questions or communities. Good will be teaching
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer
students for their college education comments, you can email me at some of the dance and chanting that
VICE PRESIDENTS
Tim Angerhofer
will be under assault.
AFT MA is deeply involved in the
tgosnell@aftma.net.
▪ she learned to my Spanish students
and incorporating what she learned
campaign to elect Elizabeth Warren about AfroCuban identity into a unit
Patricia Armstrong
Deborah Blinder to the U.S. Senate. If you would like AFT MA Gives $5000 on AfroLatinos. If you had a summer
adventure you’d like to share, sent it to
Sean Bowker to help, email our political organizer,
Kathryn Chamberlain
Brenda Chaney
Brian LaPierre at blapierre@aftma. to Chicago Teachers advocate@aftma.net
T
Kathy Delaney net.
he Executive Board of AFT
Catherine Deveney    
Massachusetts has approved a
Patricia Driscoll
Marianne Dumont LAWRENCE donation of $5000 to the Solidarity And The Emmy Goes To...
Brant Duncan Fund of the Chicago Teachers Union Berklee College of Music faculty
The Department of Elementary
J. Michael Earle (CTU). AFT MA President Tom member Bill Elliot, an associate professor
and Secondary Education has
Margaret Farrell Gosnell told CTU President Karen of contemporary writing and production,
Mary Ferriter taken over the Lawrence School has been nominated for an Emmy
System. Unfortunately, the City of Russell that teachers in Massachu-
Jenna Fitzgerald award. Elliot received a nomination for
Richard Flaherty Lawrence and the Lawrence School setts strongly supported last month’s
Outstanding Music Direction for Michael
Paul Georges Department has had in recent time strike by 26,000 educators and
Feinstein:The Sinatra Legacy. Elliot was the
Daniel Haacker support staff in Chicago. “Thank you
some leaders who do not qualify music director for the concert by grammy
Joyce Harrington for your bold stand on behalf of the
Susan Leahy as stellar. In fact, the most recent winning pianist Feinstein, which appeared
permanent school superintendent students and teachers and all edu- on PBS in 2011. Berklee received a total of
Francis McLaughlin
Bruce Nelson has managed to get himself cational personnel,” Gosnell wrote nine nominations but Elliot was the only
James Philip convicted of felonies. Aides to the in a letter to Russell. “I admire your faculty member to receive the honor.The
Bruce Sparfven courage and determination.” Berklee Faculty Union is affiliated with
current mayor have been indicted
Richard Stutman Members of the Boston Teach- AFT Massachusetts. Congratulations to Bill
Gale Thomas within the past few weeks. These
ers Union sent an additional $1000 and we’ll be wishing him good luck at the
sordid events are bound to have
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor to the CTU. The BTU also ran a full Emmy’s on September 23!
a negative impact on the school
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402 page ad in the Chicago Sun Times
system.
Boston, Mass. 02111 supporting the strikers and taking
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 Poverty is widespread in Got good news to share? Send it to
Lawrence. Widespread poverty issue with comments made by Chi-
Fax: 617-423-0174 advocate@aftma.net
www.aftma.net usually means that students have cago Mayor Rahm Emanuel about
the recent contract settlement in
2 advocate@aftma.net
▪
inadequate healthcare, dental care,
Boston.

3. Controversial Film Takes Aim at Teachers
Continued from cover in court. “Both divided the parent tions like PAA continue to fight. Get the Facts about
“‘Waiting for Superman’
communities and caused explosive In an effort to support them, the “Won’t Back Down”
controversy,” she adds. American Federation of Teachers
was actually full of false- As the film apparently changes recently sent out a list of “talking Who funded the film?
hoods and was a vicious the parameters and rules regarding points” that can be used to counter The movie was funded by Walden Media,
attack on teachers, unions a “parent trigger,” it may be diffi- pro-trigger arguments. (See “Get the same company that produced “Wait-
cult for people to connect the actual the Facts”). Among these are the ing for ‘Superman,’” which is owned by
and public schools. ‘Won’t
dots. Even so, Grannan says, it idea that trigger laws are distrac- the ultra-right-wing oil billionaire Philip
Back Down’ is clearly an puts forth the idea in a high-profile tions from the real issues, including Anschutz. Anschutz has funded many
effort to take that pro- package that is intended to make the growing number of children in organizations that operate against the
paganda to a wider audi- people feel good about what parents this country who live in poverty, public interest in favor of corporate
can do, even if nobody has actually and soaring class sizes—a conse- interests.
ence.”
done it yet. “The fact that there has quence of the economic downturn.
Caroline Grannan, Parents never been a successful parent trig- AFT is also encouraging members
What are Parent Trigger laws?
Parent trigger laws are a favorite legisla-
Across America ger still makes that into a lie,” she and public education advocates to
tive strategy promoted by the Ameri-
maintains. use the film’s release as a starting
can Legislative Exchange Council, the
As the film is being released by Fanning the flames is the fact point for discussions about how right-wing group that brings together
Walden Media, which also released that so many of the entertainment best to strengthen alliances between corporations and legislators to promote
“Superman,” Grannan suspects that world’s “A-list” have gotten behind parents, teachers and community a conservative policy agenda. The laws
many of the same issues and, in her the film (and the movement). In organizations. For a detailed tool- allow parents to take control of a public
opinion, misrepresentations will be fact, on August 14, a concert called kit, visit www.aftma.net. school, but can be used to mislead par-
involved. “[Superman] was actually “Teachers Rock” was held in Los Though many advocacy groups ents into giving control of public schools
full of falsehoods and was a vicious Angeles to promote the film. Among are already on the case, teachers to for-profit corporations.
attack on teachers, unions and pub- the celebrity participants in the can also do more on their own to
lic schools,” she says. “Won’t Back concert (which was aired on CBS) learn about the issues involved that Do Parent Trigger laws give
Down is clearly an effort to take were Carrie Underwood, Meryl affect their lives. parents more say?
that propaganda to a wider audi- Streep, Jennifer Garner, and Usher. “Most teachers are not activists Ironically, the same laws that would make
ence.” This, combined with the studio’s and many are not well informed it easier to hand public schools over to
What potentially makes the heavy promotion package (which about what is happening,” observes private operators, would actually give
claims that, “In order to truly trans- Marilyn Segal of Citizens for Public parents and teachers ess say, over their
situation worse, Grannan suggests,
form our children’s future for the Schools (www.citizensforpublic- schools not more. The sole example of a
is that few of the people involved
better, it’s incredibly important for schools.org). Even so, Segal says, group of parents taking over a school in
with the film may actually be aware
as many people to see Won’t Back they need to get involved so that California proved to be incredibly divisive
of the larger issues involved. More and went forward only after a judge ruled
important than that, however, is the Down as possible, so that the real they can protect their schools,
problems facing our schools, teach- that parents could not take their names
fact that no parent group has yet their students and their profession.
OFF of a petition they’d signed.
been able to successfully enact the ers, and children can be brought to “Teachers no longer have the luxury
so-called “trigger.” light”), make the battle against the of sitting on the sideline,” says Se- Where can I find out more?
film and its supporters difficult. The gal. “They need to learn how to fight
▪
“There has never been a success- The following websites have detailed
ful parent trigger ever, anywhere,” studio is even using social media back.” information about the film and the agenda
Grannan says, noting that both to find and recognize “deserving behind it:
teachers” and to get them and their Matt Robinson is a former English
attempts (one if not both of which www.aftma.net
colleagues behind the film and be- teacher at Burke High School in www.parentsacrossamerica.org
apparently inspired this film) either Boston and the new editor of the
failed or are still being battled over hind the “trigger” movement.
Even so, grassroots organiza- Advocate. Contact him at
matthewsrobinson@mac.com
Lesley University Graduate School of Education
Providing a better learning experience for teachers for more than 100 years.
Lesley’s Graduate School of Education is
marked by its commitment to the preparation
and professional development of educators,
innovative and challenging coursework, and
lifelong learning. We offer a wide range of
learning opportunities:
• Master’s programs including those leading
to initial and professional licensure
• Licensure-only programs
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Graduate Studies (CAGS)
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Lesley offers programs to fit your lifestyle.
Learn on-campus, online, or at a location
Inquire about our
near you.
new M.Ed. in
Questions?
Effective Teaching!
Contact info@lesley.edu | 888.LESLEY.U
teach.lesley.edu/advocate
3
October 2012

4. Diary M
y first year of teaching taught SHIFT HAPPENS
me that “shift” happens. Lawrence High School
First, obsolete DESE teacher Eliana Martinez
letterhead got in the way. I applied spent the first year of her
for my initial license and followed up
of a New Teacher in person, online and via telephone,
teaching career adjusting
to a climate of confusion,
but for months my license remained including a delay in getting
“pending.” After weeks of fruitless her license because of a
By Eliana Martinez, conversations, I discovered that the three-year-old address
Social Studies teacher, Department had not been housed at on DESE letterhead. A
International High School, the address printed on the form for traveling teacher, Martinez
Lawrence High School approximately three years, and that had no classroom of her
Lawrence, MA mail was no longer being forwarded own and saw an ever
to their current location. I wondered changing population of
how many other aspiring teachers students. Writes Martinez:
had been affected by such a glaring “As the year carried on,
Meet the 2012-2013 oversight, and how many essential students transferred
New Teacher Diarists documents had never reached their in and out, became
intended destinations. homeless, dropped out
That same summer, the six-school and faced other difficult
The following new teachers will be Lawrence High School complex transitions. “
contributing to the New Teacher Diary reduced the number of principals
during the 2012-2013 school year. The from six to three, forcing three of have enough classrooms for every room my desk was located, the
Advocate thanks all of these fine teachers
the schools to rearrange everything teacher to be stationary, so I was assistant principal who made herself
for sharing their experiences.
from administrative operations to one of several traveling teachers. I available despite her own mounting
bell schedules. The school in which taught in three classrooms and had responsibilities, the guidance
Bradford Green
I teach adopted the schedule of the an advisory period in yet another counselors who remained patient
English Language Arts teacher, Pickering
adjacent school, but our students did room. I never stayed in the same through the tumult, the teachers
Middle School, Lynn
not have enough courses to fill their room during consecutive periods, whose space I borrowed, and the
Chaya Harris new daily schedules. The guidance and I displaced two teachers from students who remained upbeat
Fifth grade teacher, Mather School, Boston counselors worked frantically to draft their rooms during both of their non- despite constant change. Only that
a functional solution, and student teaching hours. This arrangement HR specialist and those guidance
Himilcon Inciarte and faculty schedules were not was far from ideal. I felt disorganized, counselors are still in their positions
Fourth grade Spanish teacher, Dever-Mc- finalized until mid-October. in the way and out of place for much today. As I soon learned, work
Cormack, Elementary, Boston While I waited for my permanent of the school year. relationships also shift, as good
schedule, I taught three courses: As the year carried on, students people move on, and others come to
Karina Koff-Tessio Model United Nations, Caribbean transferred in and out, became enhance your life in a different way.
Paraprofessional, Zanetti Montessori Studies and U.S. History I, including homeless, dropped out and faced During the 2010-2011 school year,
School, Springfield a section of Structured English other difficult transitions. As the year I began to keep a journal of rants,
Immersion, which felt like a fourth came to a close, my colleagues and raves and reflections. I began to see
Bill Madden-Fuoco course for me. Having missed the I were informed that the following that its flexibility is precisely what
Humanities teacher, Urban Science first week of classes because of my year, our school would house the makes Lawrence so special. I learned
Academy ,West Roxbury, licensure delay, I struggled to get Newcomer Program. Our students to appreciate the opportunities that
my bearings. I had not attended would have to transfer to one of the lay behind seemingly insurmountable
Eliana Martinez new teacher orientation either, so I other five academies to accommodate changes. Today my city is subject
Social studies teacher, Lawrence High was in the dark about basic campus the incoming population of English to many, much larger changes than
School, Lawrence protocols. I was at a loss for how to Language Learners. I realized that the ones I’ve described. I remain
seek help managing my class load, the changes were only beginning. fiercely hopeful about the future and
Amanda Perez especially amidst the climate of I had no choice but to adapt to committed to our students, and that
Middle school teacher, Sarah Greenwood confusion fomenting all around us. I the continuous shift. I observed is probably the only thing that will
School, Dorchester. knew that student teaching had not how remarkably resilient the people not change. 
prepared me to be this independent, around me were. As I look back, Eliana grew up in Lawrence. She is an
Robert Tobio and I felt foolish and insecure. I admire the Human Resources
Math and special education teacher, Mary active participant in a program called
To make matters worse, I was Licensure Specialist that expedited Teach Lawrence that encourages the
Lyon Pilot School, Brighton. itinerant. The school simply did not my license, the colleague in whose city’s young people to train to become
teachers.
AFT MA Welcomes New Field Rep locals, including paras in Spring-
field, teachers in Chelmsford and at
C
Nashoba Valley Tech, as well as the
aryn Laflamme, AFT Massa- to help preserve the middle class, I
faculty at the Wentworth Institute of
chusetts’ new field representa- needed to either go into teaching or
Technology. “These are really tough
tive, has the labor movement in her go to work for a union,” Caryn says.
economic times and that makes it
blood. Her father is a retired labor She picked the latter and became an
even more important that we get
lawyer, her grandfather was an or- organizer the American Federation
people engaged in their unions,”
ganizer for the International Ladies of State, City and Municipal Employ-
says Caryn.
Garment Workers Union in Pennsyl- ees (AFSCME). The highlight of that
When she’s not working, Caryn
vania, while her grandmother served job, Caryn recalls, was an organizing
enjoys spending time with her fam-
as a shop steward for her local in the campaign with paraprofessionals
ily: her husband Brian, a residential
National Treasury Workers Union. in Manchester, NH. “I got to spend
carpenter, and their two-year-old
Caryn’s step-grandmother was a whole summer visiting paras and
son Luc. She also loves to travel, and
instrumental in helping organize the taking to them about what it was like
while Luc’s arrival has made travel
first union of nurses in California. “I to be in the union.”
somewhat more challenging, the
grew up understanding that work- Her new position at AFT Mas-
Laflammes head west to see Caryn’s
ers deserve rights at work and to sachusetts, which Caryn began last
family as often as they can. And
be treated fairly,” Caryn says. “I got April, represents a perfect meld-
which coast does Caryn prefer?
that from my family.” ing of her interests in education
“I call the East Coast home but
Caryn, who grew up in Los Ange- and labor, she says. She also brings
there are still some things I find
les and headed east to attend college a wealth of experience to the job.
hard to get used to.” One example:
at Brandeis University, says that a Caryn spent the past 8 years work- LABOR LIFE New AFT MA field
expressions that have one definition
class with economist Robert Reich ing as a field representative for representative Caryn Laflamme with
along the Atlantic, another along
on the growing disparity between AFSCME Council 93, assisting city her husband Brian and two-year-
the Pacific. “In California, if we say
the rich and the poor in the US and town employees with contract old son Luc. Caryn comes from a
the weather is mild it means that it’s
helped her to decide on her own ca- negotiations. At AFT MA she’ll be long line of labor activists and says
cold. Here it means that it’s warm.”
reer path. “I realized that if I wanted working with a range of member she learned from her family the

importance of workers’ rights.
4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

5. BEHIND G
raffiti on a classroom wall. A
student, clad in jeans and a
THE SCENES
hooded sweatshirt, spotted
near the scene of the crime, writing
on the wall with a purple Sharpie. A
clear-cut case. Or is it?
That was the evidence that
Susan MacLeod confronted students in an after-
and school-program at Lowell’s
Robinson Middle School last year.
Cathie Watkins The students had to untangle the
case for themselves as part of an
innovative mock trial program
Lowell’s sponsored by the nonprofit
Discovering Justice. With the
Legal Eagles support of local attorneys who
volunteer to act as coaches, the
students take on ripped-from-the-
headlines legal problems, learn
An innovative after to engage in legal analysis and ORDER IN THE COURT Susan MacLeod and Cathie Watkins model their
ultimately try a case before an actual plaque from their students’ successful showing at a mock trial competition.
school program gives judge in a real courtroom.
eight year teaching at the Robinson, Watkins and MacLeod say that
Teachers Cathie Watkins and
Lowell students a be- Susan MacLeod, say that the mock says that many of the students who while enrichment programs are
signed up for the course didn’t often made available to honors
trial program offers students an
hind-the-scenes look at up-close look at the legal system. realize that they’d be acting out students, or students in wealthy
an actual trial. “They all took it districts, the mock trial program
Along the way, the students also
the judicial system. learn valuable skills, including how incredibly seriously and they did a is for kids who are usually left out.
fabulous job,” says MacLeod. Discovering Justice, the nonprofit
to analyze evidence, how to ask
The course culminated in a that oversees the mock trial
questions in a legal context, and
hour-long trial, the fictional Gaines program, offers it only to schools
what the appropriate etiquette is in
vs. Genovia School District, before in communities with significant
a courtroom.
two Lowell Juvenile Court judges, populations of underserved
Watkins says that in addition
and a jury of students, lawyers and students. In addition to Lowell,
to their new understanding of
teachers. The jury heard testimony the trial program is also being
the legal system, the Robinson
from the young man suspected of offered in Boston, New Bedford and
students gained something even
“tagging” the school wall and, who Worcester. The program is intended
more important: self-confidence.
in turn sued the school, claiming to expose younger students to the
“Some of the students were so shy
that his rights had been violated by judicial system in a positive way.
when they started, but by the time
the principal’s excessive search. The Watkins says that as far as
it ended they were able to get up in
jury ultimately found in favor of the she’s concerned the verdict for the
front of a judge and a jury and make
defendant. program is in. “It was new for us
their case,” says Watkins, who is
Student Lane Longtin, who and it’s been a real success. We have
beginning her fifteenth year at the
participated in the mock trial students who now feel comfortable
Robinson.
program, says that he signed up speaking in front of a group when
After they were presented with
because he’s always had an interest they didn’t before.” She says that
the case of the graffiti-marked
in the law—particularly famous for a school that has the challenges
classroom wall—and a suspect to
unsolved cases. (Longtin counts faced by the Robinson, which serves
go with the crime—each student
among his favorite books a series some of Lowell’s poorest students,
was assigned a part in the legal
starring a kid lawyer).Thanks to being able to offer an innovative
drama that followed, including a
the after-school-program, Longtin program like Discovering Justice
live hearing before a local Lowell
is now thinking that he’d like to means a lot. “Eighty percent of our
judge. Students had to give opening
be a lawyer—when he gets out of students are on free or reduced
statements, closing statements
middle school. “I got to do the cross lunch and homelessness is an issue
and question witnesses. While
examination for the defendant’s for some of our kids,” says Watkins.
local prosecutors and defense
side,” says Longtin. “I’ve met some “This after school program enriches
attorneys assisted with fine tuning,
the writing—not to mention the
acting—was all done by the students
lawyers before but this is the first
time that I got to really see what it’s
▪
their lives.”
For more information about
like to be in the courtroom.” Discovering Justice, visit www.
themselves. MacLeod, now in her
discoveringjustice.org
AFT Debuts Free Lesson Site
T he American Federation of
Teachers has introduced what
will become the largest online com-
investment ever in a tool to improve
the teaching profession.”
Share My Lesson allows users to
munity for teachers to collaborate upload their own resources, review
and share teaching resources and and rate resources on the site, and
innovative ideas, with an emphasis download anything at all, at no
on resources to guide them on im- charge. The site is open to all edu-
plementing the new Common Core cators, from preschool to college.
standards. Called Share My Lesson, The user-generated content will be
the free site categorizes resources supplemented by tens of thousands
by grade level, subject and type of of resources from content partners,
resource, such as video or handout. including the Encyclopaedia Britan-
Since its debut at the AFT conven- nica. Says Weingarten: “Share My
tion in Detroit this summer, Share Lesson supports teachers by giving
My Lesson has amassed more than them a place to come together and
250,000 resources. share their knowledge, skills, lesson
“Teachers are expected to do so plans and effective classroom strat-
much, often with very little support, egies. It’s by teachers, for teachers,
and they are thirsty for the tools and is an easy-to-use source for
they need to improve instruction,” classroom resources—and it’s free.”
says AFT President Randi Wein-
garten. “The AFT decided to accept Visit www.sharemylesson.org to get
the challenge and make its biggest started.
5
October 2012

6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
Higher Education a Big Issue in 2012 Election
M itt Romney’s selection of
Congressman Paul Ryan as his
running mate sharpened his differenc-
3 percent of the federal budget. Ryan’s
plan wouldn’t touch military spending,
which takes about 25% of total federal
Mitt Romney’s
selection of
government spending, the same per- Congressman
es with President Obama, especially in
the areas of government spending and centage as health care, mostly Medi- Paul Ryan as his
taxes. Romney always favored cutting care, which Romney/Ryan also now running mate
taxes and government services, based claim would be unaffected by budget sharpened his
on his central idea that the U.S. gov- cuts. The Romney/Ryan plan would differences
ernment is wasteful and incompetent increase the deficit, which follows the with President
compared with private businesses, but pattern of larger deficits under Re- Obama, espe-
he relied on slogans rather than actual publican administrations than under cially in the areas
policies. Congressman Ryan brings to Democratic administrations. President
of government
the ticket his reputation as author of Clinton’s administration had budget
surpluses in his last three years in
spending and
the House Budget Plan, which calls
office. taxes.
for deep cuts in some government
programs, while maintaining tax cuts The differences between the Presi-
for the wealthy and corporations, all dential candidates are most clear for the wage scale. More young people, in- stimulate domestic spending, which
of which is supposed to eliminate the higher education. cluding college graduates are moving the economy needs, but flow into
government deficit. President Obama would increase back home because they can’t afford to financial assets. Cuts in government
The Ryan Budget Plan to reduce Pell grants for lower and middle live on their own. social programs, such as education
the government deficit is ideologically- income students and maintain the tax The loss of pensions has forced reduce employment. During the
based fantasy, because the tax cuts for credits for paying college tuition and many people past retirement age to Reagan recovery of the 1980s, federal
the wealthy far outweigh the spending fees. Both would help students and work longer, holding up jobs for young government employment increased by
cuts almost totally targeted on social their parents. He also would main- people, and the future of social secu- 100,000 jobs.
programs that are only a small sliver tain loan programs as government rity doesn’t look very promising for Former Governor Romney’s plans
of the total federal government bud- programs at low interest rates, rather young people, who are expected to pay for higher education will make college
get. Education, for example, takes only that private bank programs charging the costs now while future benefits for less accessible and more expensive.
higher interest rates that increases them are far less secure. When asked how his programs will
banks’ profits. President Obama would As with most of Romney’s other lower tuition, Romney advised stu-
also force for-profit colleges to show
higher loan repayment rates and
proposals, cutting taxes for the
wealthy and government spending
dents to “shop around.”
▪
employment rates upon graduation won’t end the recession, but prolong
in order to qualify for federal student it. Tax cuts for the wealthy do not
grants and loans.
Former Governor Romney would
cut Pell grants, eliminate tax credits
for tuition and fees, bring private
banks back into the federal student SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, PUBLIC POLICY, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
loan programs, and most cynical of
all, roll back President Obama Gainful
Employment Regulations that would
require all colleges to show low loan
default rates and reasonable ability to
pay college loans after graduation in
Master of Arts in Teaching
order to receive federal funds.
In his policy paper on education,
Romney writes that tuition increases Flexible schedule - Financial aid available
are the central problem in higher 20% discount for teachers*
education, which he blames on federal
funding. High tuition and fees are
indeed a national disgrace, far higher Licensure areas
than in other countries, but Former include:
Governor Romney conveniently
forgets that reductions in state fund- • General Science
ing for higher education, including his
cuts in higher education funding as • Biology
Massachusetts Governor, drove tuition • Chemistry
higher.
In focusing on high tuition rather • Physics
than its causes, Romney is taking aim
at the support of young people for • Mathematics
President Obama. According to the
Associate Press, 66 percent of voters
• English
age 18 to 24 voted for Obama in 2008; • History
a recent Gallup poll showed that only
56 percent favor him now. • Spanish
It is not surprising that President
Obama’s rating among young people • French
has declined.
• Portuguese
The recession has hurt young
people more than other age groups.
The unemployment rate is almost
twice as high for young people. For * Current teachers maybe eligible for 20% discount. Call 508.910.9050 for more information.
those with jobs, wages are falling and Apply Today for Fall 2012
more college graduates are taking jobs
that do not require a college educa-
tion, pushing more high school grads For more information, call 508.910.9050 or
into unemployment and further down visit w w w.teaching.umassd.edu
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

7. Retiree Corner SENIOR SEMINARS
Preparing for Retirement (Marie
Marie Ardito, Co-founder Ardito)
Massachusetts Retirees United • Wilmington Middle School Octo-
www.retireesunited.org ber 10, 2012 3:30-5:30
• Lynn Teachers Union Building
October 24, 2012 3:15-5:15
Aid and Attendance for Veterans
• Medway October 25, 2012 3:30-
5:30
M any of us do not begin to
investigate something until we
need it. As a result, there are services
are on Medicaid (not Medicare) do not
qualify as they are already receiving a
subsidy.
approved and funds to be released,
which places an additional burden.
Some assisted living facilities will work
How to Protect Your Nest Egg
and Plan for the Right Outcome
for Your Family (Elder Law At-
available that we don’t make use of Aid and Attendance is a benefit with you if they know the resident torney Mary Howie)
because we do not know they are through federal legislation so veterans qualifies for Aid and Attendance. • Saturday, October 20, 2012 from
there. So many of us have an older in every state are eligible. Eligibility is Fortunately, all benefits are retro-dated ten to noon
person in our lives for whom we may also determined by how much of your back to the original filing date. • Saturday Dec. 8, 2012 from ten
be responsible. Long before we need income you are spending on health If you or your loved one is 70 to noon
services they will need them. Therefore care, including the total cost of a facility or older, you should request the
it is important that we investigate for assisted living or nursing home is application process be expedited. The Understanding Your Social Secu-
the benefits for which some may be counted. The amount of the benefit is VA’s own law states those applications rity and Medicare
eligible. One of these things is Aid and $1,704 a month to a veteran, $1,094 for benefits for a veteran/widow 70 • Saturday October 27, 2012
Attendance that is offered to veterans per month to a surviving spouse, or or older are to be given priority. It is from ten to noon
and their spouses. $2,020 per month to a couple who advised that you include a cover letter
As defined by this benefit, a both need assistance with two daily with the application noting this request. Living In Retirement As An In-
veteran is one who served his/her functions. There is a means test as Due to the imminent changes formed Retiree
country for ninety days, one day of far as how much you can have in the that will be occurring regarding the • Saturday November 3, 2012 from
which the country was involved in bank. It is advisable for you to speak look-back period for this benefit, it is ten to noon
a war. To be eligible for this benefit to an elder law attorney as he/she can recommended that if you have someone
one must need help with two daily help you qualify for the means test. who may qualify now for this benefit All the Saturday seminars are at 314
functions: ambulation (cane, walker, Presently, there is no look-back period begin ASAP to look into it. A member
Main Street Unit 105 Wilmington, MA
wheelchair qualify), dressing or for dispersing of funds for this benefit told me that if you send a letter saying
01887. Main Street in Wilmington is
undressing, feeding, personal hygiene but that will change in 2013 when there you are in the process of filing for
the same as Route 38. Please register
and grooming, bowel and bladder will be a two or three year look-back. this benefit, your time frame begins
by emailing Marie at mardito@
management, taking medications as Expect that it will take between 4-6 with the reception of the letter by the
retireesunited.org or calling the voice
prescribed, etc. Individuals who are months on average for your application veterans agency. Aid and Attendance is
message system at 617-482-1568. Be
blind or a patient in a nursing home to be processed and to receive a one of the many topics that Elder-Law
sure to tell the seminar for which
because of mental or physical incapacity determination letter. Due to the current Attorney Mary Howie discusses at the
you are registering, your name, phone
also qualify, as do veterans who are backlog of claims to be processed this free Protecting Your Nest Egg Seminar
number and the number attending.
in an assisted living facility or require timeframe can be much longer. Many offered by Massachusetts Retirees
There will be no return call unless
assisted care, whether given in the home families can’t afford to pay for care United. Please become informed on
you request directions.
or in an outside facility. Veterans who while waiting for the pension to be issues before you need them. 
The
Golden chip on my shoulder, and a desire to
run from everything. Little did I know
LARGER THAN LIFE
Bradford Green, a
Apple
I would meet Mr. Barry Hopping, my
new teacher at Lynn’s
new English teacher.
Pickering Middle
The year was, I admit, not a
School with a statue of
bright spot as concerns my academic
his hero, James Joyce.
credibility. I failed several courses. I
Green’s other hero is a
got into trouble. I did not care – at all.
former teacher, Barry
Bradford Green Though I would go through college
Hopping. “My world
many years later finishing at the top of
English Teacher, was filled with a sense
my class, in 1974 I was at the bottom
Pickering Middle School, of impending doom,
of the pile. The one bright spot for me
sadness and profound
Lynn, MA was my English class.
loss. Every day I go to
Mr. Hopping believed in me. He
work and remember
told me I was a good student, spent a
that scared little boy
D r. Richard Elia, a professor of
English at Salem State University
lectured from the first day of class
lot of time writing comments on my
essays. English was my only hope!
that Mr. Hopping
made feel special; I am
I was an avid reader. I remember
reminded that I am
to the last—without notes. He is a when I wrote a story called “The Vast
sitting now at the front
charismatic, brilliant force at the Majority” and Mr. Hopping told me
of the room for the
podium. He is the kind of teacher with a little work I would be able to
same reasons.”
that could tell underclassmen to “go create “another masterpiece.” Those
to hell” – and they would thank him words never left me. I did not know
and mean it. He reflects all I wish to at the time (nor would I find out until my mind that had always told me to visit him in 2010. He did not exactly
become as a teacher, but he is not why 2010) that 1974 was Mr. Hopping’s do something with my passion for remember me. But he did remember
I decided to teach. For that teacher we first year as a teacher. He always literature. However, it is not really 1974, the first year he taught. I tried
need to return to an earlier day: 1974. smiled. He never yelled—or if he did English that Mr. Hopping taught me. to tell him how much he had meant
I had just lost a second parent and, it was not at me. Yet I am pretty sure Every day I go to work and to me, but it seemed impossible to
at the age of twelve, was entering what he never yelled. English was my refuge remember that scared little boy that articulate it then. I am hoping this
was then called junior high school – from the cruelty of the world. That he made feel special; I am reminded letter will serve to let him know that
seventh grade. My world was filled is how it seemed to me at the time, that I am sitting now at the front of I teach English today, and he was a
with a sense of impending doom, anyway. Mr. Hopping made everything the room for the same reasons. I am driving force in my life. Mr. Hopping:
sadness and profound loss. At the seem important; everything from reminded of his smile, his exuberance, I will never forget you. 
time, however, I just felt it as anger. grammar to the newspaper he imbued his passion for life itself. He saved me.
What twelve year-old can express with special meaning and a sense of I spent some time searching for
their true feelings? How can they even purpose. I would grow up to work Mr. Hopping and discovered that he
really know them? I entered Ipswich in the corporate world for 25 years is a principal in a middle school in the
Junior High with a sense of disgust, a before turning to that little voice in Newburyport school system. I went to
October 2012 7