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,
and led to a protest march and rally
called “We are Lawrence.” Explains
Milagro Grullón, Executive Director
SIGNS OF SPRING Lawrence community leaders (from left): Milagro Grullón,
Victor Jarvis, Jasiela Chavez and Jules Abel.The leaders say that despite its well-
In This Issue
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 administrators and the Lawrence 2 President’s Column
and the article merely affirmed that that pervades the hallways and Teachers Union to engage parents in
perception. It’s up to us to get the real classrooms of the Lawrence, the
takeover was viewed by many in the
a conversation about the future of the
city’s schools. Victor Jarvis, pastor
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 Lawrence schools as an opportunity of the Ebenezer Christian Church
is what our city is about.” to strengthen the city itself. “Our and the human rights commissioner TEACH comes to town
schools are the key to a better future for the City of Lawrence, has been
Transformation time for all of the children of Lawrence,” helping to survey local parents 5 Portrait of a letter writer:
Latin teacher Mike Maguire
There is no doubt that Lawrence says Frank McLaughlin, president of who attend his church about their
stands at a juncture of significant
change these days. Late last year, the
the Lawrence Teachers Union. “By
transforming our schools, we can help
ideas for strengthening the schools.
One common theme, says Jarvis:
6 On Campus: In tough
economy, college for all is a
state took over the Lawrence Public to transform Lawrence.” Lawrence schools must do a better worthy goal
Schools, leaving the fate of students, job of mirroring the diversity of the
parents and teachers unclear. The
City of challenge city itself. “This city is special. We 7 Retiree Corner
Community leaders like Ms. have different races and cultures
The Golden Apple: a retired
state-appointed receiver, Jeff Riley,
will announce personnel changes Grullón say they are hopeful about amalgamated together—we are teacher wakes up and gets
along with plans to restructure many the changes taking place in the Lawrence,” says Jarvis. active
of the schools later this year. schools, particularly new efforts by 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, thanks to 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 teacher Yvonne Lamothe. Lamothe, who
Standing up for Children state’s deliberative legislative and
regulatory processes to seek further
changes. Using an initiative petition
teaches visual arts in the Boston Public
Schools, will appear on Urban Update,
on April 8th.The show is broadcast on
Note: the following letter was sent because their teachers are great. Now is to strong-arm legislators and voters is Sunday mornings on WHDH immediately
to Democratic town, ward, and city not the time to switch gears. not the answer for our students or our following Meet the Press. Lamothe recently
chairs in response to a letter which The Stand initiative has been sent future. took to the airwaves in honor to discuss
Stand for Children sent them. to the Legislature by the Secretary of We, as leaders of the Massachusetts “TEACH,” the documentary about teaching
State, given a bill number of H 3883, Democratic Party, the Massachusetts that she and her husband Bob created.
Dear Democratic party activist: and referred to the Joint Committee AFL-CIO, the American Federation (See article at bottom of page).The feature
We believe you may recently have on Education. We ask you to urge length documentary will get its first official
of Teachers Massachusetts, and the
received a letter from a group called your legislators to reject this proposal Boston screening on April 16th at the Loews
Massachusetts Teachers Association,
Stand for Children concerning an and to call on the proponents to Cineplex on Boston Common.
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 attempt to change education in this
part of an effort to sell an ill-advised teacher evaluation system, which Legal Eagles
manner. Many other organizations
proposal and does so in language was developed through extensive The verdict is in and two Lowell middle
join us in opposing this unnecessary school teachers who have been helping
that is designed to put it in terms collaboration among educators, and divisive initiative, including their students learn about the legal system
attractive to Democrats. Because there parents, advocates of all types, and Arise for Social Justice, Citizens for are officially guilty—of being outstanding
is another side to this story, we write state and local officials. Our concerns Public Schools, the Massachusetts teachers. Sue MacLeod and Cathie
to you today to urge you to reject this focus on the students of Massachusetts, Administrators for Special Education, Watkins, both teachers at Lowell’s
path. number one in America, and it’s who are not well served by the Stand the Massachusetts Association Robinson Middle School, created a mock
not by accident. It’s because excellent ballot initiative. for Supervision and Curriculum trial scenario for their students that included
teachers work with students who are In its statements, Stand has Development, the Massachusetts local attorneys and a real live judge.The
supported by families and communities distorted the truth about the progress Elementary School Principals’ after-school program was funded by a 21st
who help them succeed. Where changes that has been made toward establishing Association, Massachusetts Jobs Century Community Learning Centers
are needed, Massachusetts has led the a rigorous and fair teacher evaluation Grant. On March 23, the teachers traveled
with Justice, the Massachusetts
way – with teachers and their unions at system in our Commonwealth. In fact, with their students into Boston to see a real
Parent Teacher Association, the
the table so that the voices of those in representatives of the group were a mock trial put on by the Massachusetts Bar
Massachusetts Organization of Association. A longer article about MacLeod,
the classroom are helping to guide the part of the process that created the Educational Collaboratives, the Watkins and the Robinson ‘legal eagles’ will
discussion. It’s working. very system they now want to change. Massachusetts Reading Association, appear in the May issue of the Advocate.
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 Secondary School Administrators’ Trivial Pursuits
voters or rammed through bumper- Elementary and Secondary Education Association, the New England Jewish The Lynn Teachers Union has come up
sticker ballot initiatives to try to impose that requires all school districts to Labor Committee, and the Union of with a fun-filled way to boost morale and
a “solution.” It is clear those efforts implement the new system. That Minority Neighborhoods. We are also encourage new member participation. On
have gone too far. Massachusetts began last fall, and the new approach joined by educational leaders such April 12th, the LTU will host its first ever
students succeed in large measure will be in place in every school district as Susan Moore Johnson and Robert trivia night.The theme: “Are you smarter
by 2014. The evaluation tool, which Schwartz, professors at the Harvard than a principal?” Teams of teachers and
encompasses MCAS test scores and Graduate School of Education; Jon paraprofessionals from the Lynn schools will
other measures, will be used for Saphier, president of Research for answer questions about everything from pop
personnel decisions that support our culture, politics and sports to the history
Better Teaching, Inc.; Sue Freedman,
common goals: providing a great of their unique city.The top teams will win
director of the RTTT Human Resource
The official publication of education to every student and having prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights.
Pilot Project, Working Group for For more information and to sign up, visit
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO an excellent teacher in every classroom. Educator Excellence; and three recent www.lynnteachersunion.org.
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
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer the Stand initiative. Top Honors
damage the Stand ballot initiative
VICE PRESIDENTS Secretary of Education Paul would cause, please go to: www. Three professors at UMass Dartmouth
Reville said in November 2011: “I fear have been honored by the National Science
Patricia Armstrong massteacher.org/stand or to www.
that the ballot initiative would set Foundation with the highly prestigious
Deborah Blinder aftma.net.
up a distracting and divisive battle, Early Faculty Career Development Awards.
Sean Bowker Don’t be fooled. In the interest
Kathryn Chamberlain engendering an over-simplified public The faculty members, who will share a
of helping to ensure a high-quality combined $1 million in grant money, were
Brenda Chaney dialogue that would alienate educators
Kathy Delaney education for every student, we urge recognized for research which has the
and prevent us from achieving a variety you to ask your legislators to reject H
Catherine Deveney potential to revolutionize their fields.The
Patricia Driscoll of reform goals.” 3883 and call on Stand to immediately UMass Dartmouth honorees, all members
Marianne Dumont Secretary Reville’s comment withdraw its initiative petition. of the Faculty Federation at that school,
J. Michael Earle addresses both the progress we have include Katja Haltta-Otto, Department
Sincerely,
Margaret Farrell made and the dangers of the Stand of Mechanical Engineering; Chandra
Mary Ferriter John Walsh
initiative. The new teacher evaluation Chair Orrill, Kaput Center; and Nima Rahbar,
Jenna Fitzgerald
Richard Flaherty process is designed to put in place Massachusetts Democratic Party Department of Civil and Environmental
Paul Georges a thorough system of accountability Engineering. Congratulations to all on this
Alice M. Gunning for educators, schools, and districts. Thomas Gosnell outstanding achievement!
Daniel Haacker Moreover, policy changes in education President
Joyce Harrington AFT Massachusetts
should not be brought about by
Susan Leahy
Francis McLaughlin gimmicky slogans designed to make Wanted: New Teachers
Paul Toner The Advocate is seeking new teachers
Bruce Nelson complex issues seem simple. Yet
Catherine Patten
President and paraprofessionals to contribute to
that is exactly the course that Stand
James Philip Massachusetts Teachers Association the 2012-2013 New Teacher Diary.
is taking by asking voters to provide
Bruce Sparfven Contributors receive $300 per column and
it with a quick political victory that
Richard Stutman Steve Tolman the opportunity to write for a statewide
Gale Thomas would not improve public education
President audience of more than 25,000 public school
in Massachusetts. Stand’s proposal is educators, librarians and public higher
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor Massachusetts AFL-CIO
extremely long and hard to understand. education faculty. Past contributors have
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402
The initiative includes 11 sections even won national recognition from the
Boston, Mass. 02111
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 making changes to many different state American Federation of Teachers.To be
Fax: 617-423-0174 laws. On Election Day, a voter can only considered, applicants must have five or
www.aftma.net give a yes or no answer. fewer years in the classroom. Send inquiries
advocate@aftma.net
2 It is worth noting that putting a to jberkshire@aftma.net.

3. The power of knowledge
Healthy Outcome in Lexington 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
Andy Powell, an AFT unilaterally. He agreed, recalls
Massachusetts field representative Bateson, stating that the town was
speed on the complex issues before Insurance Bargaining
and municipal health insurance them, holding weekly ‘briefing’
open to any approach that would
expert who worked with the Lexington help it meet the goal of saving $4
meetings at the library that included Partner up
librarians, says that the experience of 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
the new health law shows that when negotiate provided the coalition with
considered by the public employee your community, get started today.
towns and coalitions work together, an essential ingredient: time. “We
innovative solutions can be the result. coalition. Says Donovan: “We all did
bought ourselves some time to look Get the facts
“The cost of health insurance is an the research and it really sunk in:
for options that would be amenable to Health insurance issues are complex
issue that affects everyone. The way there are costs that we didn’t have but with a little research you can be an
both sides,” says Bateson.
to address that problem isn’t to force before.” expert in no time.
a solution on town employees,” says Fact finding The hard work of the librarians
Powell. “A cooperative process really But getting the town to agree to and their coalition partners paid Consult an expert
produces 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 of to speed.
the ins and outs of the various health
new for Lexington’s librarians, insurance plans available to municipal the money saved in the form of an Follow the leader
teachers and first responders. The employees. They also began to develop improved contribution split, a health Reach out to AFT MA members in com-
town was one of the first to adopt a deeper understanding of the needs reimbursement account, and money munities that are health insurance success
so-called Section 19 coalition of everyone in the coalition, including set aside to help employees pay for stories to learn about their experiences.
bargaining back in 1993, a process retirees. “It was a real coalition and no excessive co-pays. “There was really In Lynn, Lexington, Chelsea, Wakefield
by which public employees bargain one was shy about speaking up,” says something for everyone.” and other cities and towns, coalitions
with a municipality as a single Donovan. “What it all came down to The librarians say that in have negotiated cooperative agreements
entity. And while the Lexington though was the idea that we all pay for addition to learning more than they that work for everyone. For more infor-
employees had made several changes everyone it isn’t just what’s good for ever thought they’d know about mation contact apowell@aftma.net.
to their health plan over the years the teachers or the firefighters—this is health insurance, they also have a
in an effort to save the town money, new appreciation for the power of
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- a coalition. Bateson says that the
whatever changes are being considered
only intensified. Donovan says that hand appreciation of the complexities process established a deep sense of to their health insurance plan. Hold regu-
conversation in Lexington is much of health insurance. Before long camaraderie among town employees. lar briefing meetings to keep members
like that taking place elsewhere in they were fluent in the language of “It was nice to see so many people who informed and don’t sugar coat the issues.
the country. “Instead of asking why it premiums, deductibles, co-pays and care so much,” says Bateson.
is that everyone doesn’t have decent health reimbursement accounts. And As for the old stereotype of Collect stories
health care benefits there is a loud when there was something they didn’t librarians being demure ‘marms,’ Too often the debate over health insur-
chorus demanding that our benefits armed with nothing more powerful ance is reduced to numbers. But behind
understand they asked for help. The
be brought down to the level of the than a pencil and the power to shush, 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 forget about it, says Donovan. “As
or retiree in your community who will
Donovan. to great lengths to educate themselves we showed in Lexington, librarians
be deeply impacted by health insurance
Back in November, Lexington’s about the issues, even recruiting are not afraid to speak up. And we changes? Ask them to share their story.
selectmen voted to accept the health nationally recognized health insurance don’t wear our hair in buns anymore
care reform law. The next step: expert Jonathan Gruber to come and either,” she says with a chuckle. “Now
urging the town manager to bargain give a talk at the library. we have tattoos.”
with the existing employee coalition
Lesley University School of Education
3
April 2012

4. Diary
Spring 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 students are still teenagers.
of a New Teacher I continue to find myself in awe of the
modern day teenager. Every day I
spend with them I am reminded about
By Amanda Perez how hard it is to be a teenager as I am
Middle school teacher confronted with how hard it is to teach
Sarah Greenwood School,
a teenager. When I was working on
Dorchester, MA
getting my license to teach K-8, I never
really considered the 6-8 portion of my
Meet the 2011-2012 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,
Academy is draped with newspaper
THE SCENES clippings, a pennant-like display of the
a Latin teacher
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 a lot
dozen letters to the editor on such issues to say.”
as charter schools, teacher evaluation
and standardized testing. In 2003, one the night—Meghan is now three, his son Maguire often looks to Julius Caesar for
of Maguire’s letters appeared in both Alexander, six—Maguire still writes at inspiration. “Think about ‘All Gaul is
the Boston Herald and the Boston least one letter per week. Along the way, divided into three parts’—now there’s a
Globe—on the same day. The Globe Maguire has identified some simple great topic sentence.” He’s also a fan of
has since implemented a exclusivity lessons for good letter writing—tips, he rhetorical devices, including rhetorical
policy, a change that Maguire can’t help insists, that anyone can follow. Chief questions, metaphor and alliteration.
but wonder if he brought about. “It’s a among them: keep it succinct. “Long Finally, Maguire makes sure to stick to
thought,” he says. 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,
Inspire through teaching
Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching at Northeastern
Offered through Northeastern University’s College of
Professional Studies, the Master of Arts in Teaching
allows you to secure your master’s degree and teacher’s
license in as few as 12 months.
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www.northeastern.edu/cps/MAT or call 1.877.668.7727
Next classes begin July 2, 2012
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
domination by one religion to read and their multiple curriculums that
that President Kennedy wanted to the bases, asking state governors the past 10 years, while funding per include liberal arts courses. But it
eliminate religion from public life. to increase spending on K-12, stop student has increased for other types will take more than a few dollars to
Senator Santorum later said that he cutting funding for state colleges and of colleges and universities. develop the education needed for
wished he had the line back. universities, and proposing an $8 Governor Patrick praised workplace development.
Senator Santorum’s calling Obama billion Community College to Career community colleges for their multiple There’s no reason that bachelor
a “snob” for wanting everyone to go Fund to train students for “targeted, roles of preparing students for granting colleges and universities
to college was equally puzzling. After certified training for jobs in rapidly bachelor degrees, providing post- can’t also educate students for jobs
some dancing around the need for growing industries.” (Whitehouse secondary remedial education, and in technical fields. Jobs are a good
higher education for a good job in the
modern economy, which mirrored
blog)
“We’re talking about somebody
satisfying intellectual needs for all
age students but focused on training ▪
thing.
President Obama’s position, Sen. going to a community college workers for new careers. He called on Dan Georgianna is the Chancellor
Santorum used statistics to argue and getting trained ... for that the state’s business leaders to join the Professor of Economics at UMass
that colleges indoctrinated students manufacturing job that now is Commonwealth in funding community Dartmouth. His column appears
against religion. His statistics on requiring somebody walking through colleges for more workplace monthly in the Advocate. Share
students giving up religion in college the door handling a million-dollar development. comments with him at dgeorgianna@
turned out to be backwards. Religion piece of equipment.” (as quoted by It’s easy to see this as college umassd.edu
drop-out rates are higher for young MSNBC.com) education for some and job training
people who don’t go to college. In this January’s State of the for others, a class division that is
“Should all students go to college?” Commonwealth Address, Governor widening in the U.S. due to restricted Students, Faculty Stand Up
is a serious question, however. This Patrick also asked for additional $10 access to bachelor degrees for students for Public Higher Education
question usually refers to students million for community colleges to who can’t afford them. But I think that
pursuing a degree, specifically a build up workforce development. Governor Patrick is trying to buttress Hundreds of students, faculty
$10 million sounds like a lot, but it is the community college system that is
bachelor’s degree. The easy answer and staff from public colleges
is “no” because some students less than 2% of the total budget for unique to the U.S. in giving students
across the Commonwealth
prefer education for the trades, community colleges in Massachusetts. multiple chances at education.
Nation-wide, funding per student for Education vs. training is based on a converged upon the State-
medical fields, and other good jobs.
community colleges has dropped over false comparison, however; education house last month to lobby
President Obama tried to cover all
is process-oriented, and training is for more resources for higher
goal-oriented. The education in Massachusetts.
process of education Participants in the day-long
shows students event represented nearly every
how to make sound public campus in the state, but
judgments in
delivered a single message:
complex situations
Public Higher Education is
and to how to follow
ethical principles
critical to the residents of Mas-
in community life. sachusetts, to our economy,
This process of and to our future, and must be
education continues adequately funded.
as the subject “Costs have risen dramati-
matter changes from cally,” said Melanie T. Mulvey,
kindergarten through 21, a senior at the Amherst
post-graduate campus. “It’s really hurting the
education.
university and the state. Low-
Can job training
follow educational
income students are some of
processes? Of the people who need these op-
course it can. Using portunities the most because
President’s Obama’s education really levels the play-
example, training for ing field.”
expensive equipment Mulvey and nearly 400
requires sound other student, staff and faculty
judgment and ethical advocates, urged the legisla-
principles in working
ture to increase the operating
with others. It all
comes down to good
budgets of the 29 campuses
teaching within a and to increase the scholarship
sound educational account, both by 5%.
curriculum.
For more information on how
The flaw in the
training rather than to join the campaign visit www.
education strategy is phenomonline.org.
the assumption that training can be
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
in close proximity to you as the illness
could be prolonged. They should be
able to be assertive, both with hospital
When: Saturday April 14 10 - Noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105,
care, and advance directive. Whatever themselves, and very often will ask personnel as well as family, without 214 Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
you call it, you should definitely have that one person be spokesperson for alienating them. Make sure they will
one. the family. Another reason for the respect your wishes even if they may Protecting Your Nest Egg
This document sets forth your importance of having this document not agree with all of them. Make sure Two hour seminar, presented by Elder
wishes for health care in the event is that if you cannot make health care they understand that you will continue Law Attorney Mary Howie
that you are ever unable to speak for decisions for yourself, and you do not to make your health care decisions for
yourself. The contract that most of us have a document naming someone to yourself as long as you are able. When: Saturday April 28, 10 - Noon
have may simply name the person or do it, your loved ones will have to go Most people make life-ending Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105,
persons who will make the decisions through the costly process of having choices while they are in good health. 214 Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
for us. Typically, one individual is the decisions made by the court Thus it is very easy at such a time to
named as decision maker, and if they in case of a dispute among family say, “I do not want any extraordinary Preparing for Retirement
are unable to perform the task, an members as to what should be done. measures used at the end.”. But if it A comprehensive 2 hour seminar for
alternative candidate. This document is particularly vital if it is necessary for another individual teachers, paras and education support
This article focuses primarily upon is a non family member that you wish to make that decision for you, you personnel within 10 years of retiring.
why you should have this document. to name. need to be able to trust them to use Note: seminar is offered on multiple
Thought must be given as to who It is advisable to name only one common sense. Is there a possibility dates.
you name and the assurance that the person as primary spokesperson and that, after being on life support, you
person named will fulfill your wishes. another as secondary. Multiple people can return to a good quality of life? If Chelmsford: McCarthy Middle
Illness, even serious illness, can confuse the process. It should the life support is simply prolonging a School Lecture Hall, 250 North Rd.
pays no respect to age. Most of us be someone open to discussing and vegetative state of life they shouldn’t Chelmsford, MA
remember the battle that was waged in keeping other family members in the agree. If you believe quality of life is
When: Monday April 9, 4-6 PM
our newspapers between parents and loop, but not intimidated by others in more important than quantity of life,
a husband in Florida when one party order to fulfill your wishes. Whoever be sure they know this.
Lynn: Lynn Teachers Union, 679
chose to disconnect “life support.” The you name should be someone who Do some reading and thinking on
Western Ave.
patient was just twenty-five. This is can handle what this involves. Most the topic and don’t procrastinate if
When: Saturday, April 25, 3-5 PM.
clear proof that one should not wait importantly, whomever you name you have put off doing one of these
for “old age” to create a proxy. should be aware that you have documents. If you don’t know what
Upton: Blackstone Valley Vocational
With privacy so strictly adhered selected them. It should be someone measures you want and don’t want,
Regional School, 65 Pleasant Street.
to in hospitals, doctors and nurses you trust completely, can discuss how can you expect your loved ones to
will no longer divulge information to
just anyone. They want the patient’s
what measures you do or don’t want,
and most importantly, that they have
know?
▪ When: Tuesday, May 1, 2:30-4:30 PM
For details or to register for any of
permission to do so, and when he/ common sense in making decisions. It Marie Ardito’s column appears
the above seminars, contact Marie
she cannot give this permission they is important that you convey to them regularly in the Advocate. Contact
her with questions or column ideas at
Ardito at 1-617-482-1568 or e-mail
will speak only to those authorized that you expect them to use discretion
mardito@retireesunited.org.
mardito@retireesunited.org.
through one of these documents. Also, in the process. The person should live
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 what she did for 32 years: educating. Dickinson says that she’s particularly
herself had been busy teaching and Two editorials by Dickinson on the pleased at the participation of retirees
raising two children. That all changed, Occupy movement and the importance in the protests. “One gentleman is
though, says Dickinson. One day the of citizen activism have appeared in 80 and uses an oxygen tank, another
couple was watching TV footage of the the Cape Cod Times in recent months. woman has a walker—I feel honored to
Arab 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