1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
December 2012
A Proven Path to Success
LOWELL—On a fall Friday, teach-
ers, administrators, city officials and
union leaders gathered to celebrate
yet another marker of success in the
remarkable story of Lowell’s Char-
lotte M. Murkland School. Identified
as one of the state’s lowest perform-
ing schools just a year ago, student
achievement here has increased so
much that the school could now be
designated Level 1, or top status, by
the state. What’s more, schools in
Lowell overall have demonstrated
marked improvement, the number of
Level 1 schools increasing by 2/3 just
this year.
The course charted by faculty and
administrators in Lowell contains im-
portant lessons for anyone seeking to In This Issue
turnaround a struggling school, and TRUE REFORM AFT President Randi Weingarten talks to students at Lowell’s
adds a significant contribution to the
education reform debate. The gains
Murkland School while Assistant Principal Kevin Andriolo looks on. Weingarten
says that the teacher-led reforms implemented by the Murkland should be a
2 President’s Column
AFT MA Scholarships
realized at the school didn’t come model for school improvement efforts in Massachusetts and across the country.
from arbitrarily firing educators, forc- 4 Diary of a New Teacher: A
Mid-Career Teacher Trades a
ing them to reapply for their jobs, or one rooted in collaboration among served. As for the student population,
handing the school over to a private district leadership, school adminis- that too is similar to Lawrence: 75% of College Classroom for a Lynn
operator Instead, administrators, trators and the United Teachers of students at the Murkland are on free Middle School
teachers and their union worked to Lowell, should serve as an example or reduced lunch, while two fifths of
create a model of shared responsibil-
ity and accountability that has paid off
for school improvement efforts every-
where.
the students in each grade are English
language learners.
5 Paraclete Foundation’s Sister
Ann Fox Honored
for students and educators alike. Just four years ago, the situation
“When you treat people with at the Murkland was very similar to True reform Retiree Benefits Threatened
respect you can create a shared vi- struggling schools in nearby Law- Teachers here say that they can
sion that produces real results,” says rence. Morale was low and teachers explain exactly why the turnaround 6 On Campus: Future of Campus
Affirmative Action Unclear
Randi Weingarten, president of the complained of a culture that under- efforts have been so successful. “This
American Federation of Teachers who mined them as professionals. Leader- is true reform,” says Mary Therese
recently visited the Murkland and met ship had been lacking at the district Linnehan. “Our administrators start 7 Retiree Corner
with teachers and staff here. Weingar- level, and grant-funded directives with the assumption that we’re the Golden Apple
ten says that the turnaround model came and went with little regard true experts in the classroom.
that has shown such promise here, to the needs of the students being
Continued on page 3
Lawrence Teachers: Give Us a Real Chance
LAWRENCE—Give us a real chance both schools. Studies, where students
to turn our school around. That’s the Teachers say that a steady rise are taken when they
message that teachers at the Henry K. in enrollment coupled with a loss of are in extreme distress,
Oliver School in Lawrence are sending staff positions has had the predictable says that the current
to state and city education officials. outcome of causing test scores to drop. arrangement doesn’t
Teachers point out that the school, Since 2009, student enrollment at serve either group
which was recently designated Level the Oliver has risen from 532 to 739, of students well. She
4, or low performing, by the state, even as the school has lost some 20 recalls a time last
was once among the top-performing staff members according to teachers’ year when her class
schools in Lawrence. The Oliver can estimates, including a principal, was taking the math
reclaim that status, say teachers, if half of the school’s aides and three MCAS, the screams
they are given real support by the instructional coaches. Meanwhile the of a troubled student
district and the conditions, staffing, percentage of students who require echoing all around
and resources to respond to the needs the most support—special education them. “The kids are
of their students. and English language learners—has scared a lot of the
Test scores at the Oliver began to risen too. Nearly 31% of students time.”
slip four years ago after the school at the Oliver are struggling to learn The physical arrangement of Teachers at the Oliver School in
Lawrence say that the grade 1-8
was moved to the former Lawrence English, up from 24% in 2009. the space—the Oliver is housed on
school began its slide after it was
High School. Rechristened the North Teachers say that the Oliver’s alternating floors, with the separate
moved into the old Lawrence High
Common Educational Complex, the current home is chaotic, with the special education program in School building, a facility that
1900-era high school building now school day frequently disrupted by between—makes collaboration with faculty say is not suitable for young
houses both the grade 1-8 Oliver and so-called “code red” lock-downs as other teachers incredibly challenging. children.
the grade 1-12 School for Exceptional emergency personnel are summoned Said one teacher: “Our former facility
Studies, a separate special education to help with students at the School was in disrepair but at least we were
program that includes teenagers and for Exceptional Studies. One teacher, able to work together as teachers.
young adults with severe emotional whose classroom adjoins a behavior
problems. A single principal oversees room for the School for Exceptional Continued on page 3

2. education and public libraries.
Of course, we shall continue to meet
with incumbent legislators.
Very significant issues will be 2013 AFT MA
Thomas J. Gosnell
Scholarships
present in the 2013 session of the
legislature. An increase in revenues
President, AFT Massachusetts is much needed. Even though the
O
sales tax increased from 5% to nce again AFT Massachusetts
6-1/4%, the Commonwealth does will be awarding scholarships
The Election and the Future not have sufficient revenues to fund
adequately public education, public
libraries, and a host of other public
to eight eligible high school
seniors who are dependents of
AFT MA members. Every year
A
services. AFT MA awards eight $1500
The American Federation still attend public schools despite
A commission has been scholarships on the basis of a
of Teachers Massachusetts the withering criticism directed
established to examine health labor history exam administered
worked most diligently to against the schools. We need
insurance coverage for retirees. by the Massachusetts AFL-
help Elizabeth Warren to get elected elected leaders, like the late Senator
What a vital subject. We have made CIO, in cooperation with the
U.S. Senator. Her passionate Ted Kennedy, who advocated
the commission very aware of our Massachusetts Department
advocacy for the middle class and sensible reform but never flinched
view that maintenance of adequate of Education. One additional
for the positive role government from steadfastly supporting public
health insurance for retirees is scholarship is being awarded by
can play in the life of the citizenry schools. We expect to see such
essential. AFT MA will keep you the AFT MA Professional Staff
was most welcome. Even here in support again.
informed. Union in memory of long-time
Massachusetts we do not always Congratulations to U.S.
Rumors abound that charter AFT MA field representative Jay
hear such pronouncements. Congressman John Tierney for his
school advocates will campaign hard Porter.
We shall work with the senator to outstanding reelection campaign.
to raise the cap on charter schools. To be considered for the
enhance public education and public AFT MA support was enthusiastic.
Raising the cap on charter schools, scholarships, named in honor
libraries and to strengthen the He has always been outspoken
given the current funding formula of Albert Shanker and Sandra
infrastructure so that the economy supporter of public education. The
undermining public schools, will be Feldman, both former presidents
can have a more robust recovery. race was rough, but his constituents
very harmful. We shall do what we of the American Federation of
Even though the federal recognized his outstanding record.
need to do. Teachers, and Jay Porter, the
government does not have the We also endorsed all the other
AFT MA appreciates the work student must be a dependent of
expansive role that the states and incumbent U.S. Representatives
you did to help elect endorsed an AFT MA member and a high
the local communities have in and new comer Joseph Kennedy III,
candidates. We shall need you school senior. The student must
support of public education, its role all of whom won decisively. The
to work equal vigorously with all also attend a college or other
is significant. Title I funding is a Massachusetts delegation has one
legislators when issues vital to post-secondary school in the fall
federal responsibility. Pell grants, of the most pro public education
public schools and public libraries of 2013.
which are college loans for poor records in the nation.
appear in the legislature.
and middle income students, are Most of the candidates we Applications
Merry Christmas, Happy
a federal responsibility. Included endorsed for state representative Applications for the 2013
Chanukah, and Happy Holidays to
in infrastructure projects is school
construction.
Over 90% of school age children
and state senator also prevailed.
We shall meet very quickly with ▪
all.
If you have any questions or
scholarships are available on the
AFT MA website: www.aftma.
those who are new to the legislature net. The deadline for submitting
comments email me at tgosnell@
in the United States of America to share our views about public
aftma.net. applications is Monday, December
17.
To take the labor history exam,
Event to Examine Future of Public Ed. students should apply directly
to their guidance office, social
studies teacher, or principal. A
The official publication of
I s education for democracy at risk?
That’s the question that a panel of
noted educators will address on De-
packet including one labor history
study guide and one application
was sent to each high school in the
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO cember 3rd at an event sponsored by
state in November. A study guide
Citizens for Public Schools. Among
Thomas J. Gosnell, President is also available on our website.
the featured speakers will be Deborah
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer Meier, a long-time collaborator with
This year’s labor history exam
will be given on Wednesday,
VICE PRESIDENTS Diane Ravitch.
February 6. Once a student has
A teacher and administrator for
Tim Angerhofer submitted an application to AFT
Patricia Armstrong nearly four decades, Meier is also a
noted advocate for public education Massachusetts and notified a
Deborah Blinder
Sean Bowker who has served students and their guidance counselor, he or she
Kathryn Chamberlain families in Boston and New York. is considered registered for the
Brenda Chaney A former principal of Mission Hill exam.
Kathy Delaney
School in Boston and former co-chair
Catherine Deveney Additional scholarships
Patricia Driscoll of the Coalition of Essential Schools,
Deborah Meier, a teacher and long- Additional scholarships
Marianne Dumont Meier is currently a senior scholar at
Brant Duncan NYU’s Steinhart School of Education. time collaborator with Diane Ravitch, are also available through the
J. Michael Earle will be the featured speaker at a Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Be sure
Also speaking are Brookline
Margaret Farrell Citizens for Public Schools event. to visit www.mass.aflcio.org
Educators Union President Jessica
Mary Ferriter to learn about other opportunities.
Wender Shubrow and James McDer-
Jenna Fitzgerald Last year ten children of AFT
Richard Flaherty mott, a former member of the Mas- What: Judge Sumner Z. Kaplan
Paul Georges sachusetts Board of Education who Massachusetts members were
Memorial Lecture and Benefit: awarded $1500 scholarships.
Daniel Haacker resigned out of frustration with the
Joyce Harrington
“Is Education for Democracy at The 2012 winners include Rose
Board’s policies. The event is being
Susan Leahy Risk?” Allocca, Abigail Heingertner,
held in honor of educator and CPS
Francis McLaughlin Brandon Higgins, Kayla
Board Member Sumner Z. Kaplan.
Bruce Nelson Where: Brookline Public Library,
James Philip It will be moderated by Kaplan’s Marandola, Amalia Mendoza,
daughter Ruth, a current member of Main Branch Shawn Morrissey, Benjamin
Bruce Sparfven
Richard Stutman the state Board of Education. Soper, Boris Stanchev and Sarah
Gale Thomas Citizens for Public Schools has When: Monday, December 3rd, Vandewalle. Congratulations to
been sharply critical of the growing 6:30-8:00 PM last year’s winners and good luck
▪
Matt Robinson, Editor
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402 push to privatize public schools in to all of this year’s applicants.
Boston, Mass. 02111 Massachusetts. The event will fo- Event is free and open to the
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 cus on what can be done to stop the public. Donations to support For more information call
Fax: 617-423-0174 privatization of our public schools, the work of Citizens for Public
www.aftma.net
617.423.3342.
and empower parents, teachers and Schools will be accepted. For
advocate@aftma.net
our communities to ensure that all more information visit:
our students have the opportunity to www.citizensforpublicschools.org/
learn.
2

3. A Proven Path to Success
is more proof that
collaboration re-
ally works,” says Paul
Continued from cover responsibility for all of the Murkland’s Georges, president of
students. “We’re all using the same the United Teachers
language, and we have the same ex- of Lowell. This is a
pectations,” says second year teacher different way of do-
Teachers and staff at the ing education reform
Danielle Quinlan. “We talk about
Murkland insist that theirs standing on one another’s shoulders— that is grounded in a
is a model that can be there’s a real sense of teamwork.” deep respect for the
replicated in any strug- Teachers now work in teams, both work that educators
across and within grades, so as to do every day in their
gling school or district.The better respond to the needs of their classrooms.”
most essential ingredients: students. They start by assessing
strong, committed leader- student data, everything from MCAS
Lessons learned
scores to classroom performance to Georges says that
ship at every level and a he and his team of
attendance to anecdotal indicators,
genuine opportunity for then work together to determine how educators and union Second year teacher Rachel Quinlan talks to AFT
leaders are eager to President Randi Weingarten and Murkland Principal
teacher voice. best to reach the students who need
Jason DiCarlo about the culture at the school. “There’s
additional help. The teams are backed offer Lowell’s ap-
proach to school a real sense of team here,” says Quinlan.
up by literacy and math coaches who
are able to provide differentiated as- improvement as a
They have faith in us and respect
sistance based on what students—and model for other urban
us and that belief has enabled us to Mass. Board of Elementary and Sec-
their teachers—need to succeed. districts, including Lawrence, now in
transform the way we work and really ondary Education by a slim margin.
“Everybody talks about data- the first year of a state-led turnaround
reach the students.” In its application to the state SABIS
driven decision making but what the process. Despite its measurable suc-
Jason DiCarlo, the school’s prin- had budgeted for a single ESL teacher
teachers have learned to do at the cess, state officials have shown little
cipal, who joined the staff when the to work with English language learn-
Murkland is remarkable,” says Dr. interest in Lowell’s collaborative
turnaround process began, says that ers, despite the fact that more than a
Kate McLaughlin, a vice president of model.
from the beginning, he and Assistant third of the students in Lowell are still
the United Teachers of Lowell. Last year, just six months after
Principal Kevin Andreolo, sought learning English.
choosing the Murkland as the back-
to give teachers a voice. “It’s pretty Says Georges: “If this debate were
simple—when you give people a voice, Collaboration works drop to announce the 2011 MCAS
truly about the best way to improve
Teachers and staff at the Murkland scores, state officials gave the nod to a
they have much more buy in,” says student achievement and outcomes,
insist that theirs is a model that can 1200 seat for-profit charter school in
DiCarlo. “Everyone at this school had the state would be looking at how to
be replicated in any struggling school Lowell. The school, slated to open in
potential—we just had to figure out replicate our success at the Murkland.
or district. The most essential ele- the fall of 2013, will divert as much as
how to tap into it.” That’s not what’s happening here.”
ments: strong, committed leadership $24 million from the Murkland and
Still, Georges says that he’s hopeful
Real teamwork at every level and a genuine oppor- other Lowell Public Schools, despite
that the continued success of both the
The Murkland’s redesign involved tunity for teacher voice. The Lowell their significant improvement in re-
school and the district could change
a deep restructuring of the way that Public Schools, under the leadership cent years. The charter, to be operated
that. “Results speak, and we’ve got a
teaching and learning take place,with
the emphasis at the school shifting
of Superintendent Jean Franco and
her predecessor, Chris Scott, have
demonstrated a deep commitment
by SABIS Educational Systems, Inc.,
a private, for-profit company with
headquarters in Minnesota and Bei-
model in Lowell that really works.”
▪
away from individual classrooms—not
to mention the test scores of individ- to labor/management collaboration. rut, Lebanon, remains controversial
ual teachers—and towards a shared “The success we’re seeing in Lowell in Lowell and was approved by the
Give Us a Real Chance ‘All of Our Oliver’
Teachers at the Henry K.
End childhood hunger
in America by 2015.
Continued from cover Despite the huge challenges they Take the pledge at
face, the Oliver’s teaching staff is Oliver School in Lawrence say http://nokidhungry.org/aft
determined to try to turn around that they can once again be the
Despite the huge challenges the school. Many of them taught at city’s top-performing school— Learn to recognize the signs.
they face, the Oliver’s the school when it was one of the if they are given real support A child facing hunger may:
teaching staff is determined top-performing schools in the city by the district and the condi- • often feel sick or tired
• sleep in class
to try to turn around the and believe they know exactly what’s tions, staffing, and resources to • have problems with math and
school. Many of them taught required to earn that status again. respond to the needs of their language skills
On the list: a facility that works for • be more aggressive
at the school when it was students. • feel anxious and have difficulty
students and teachers, consistent concentrating
one of the top-performing leadership and expectations, a • have slower memory recall
schools in the city and believe collaborative process for instructional Students and teachers need: • underperform and have poor
grades
they know exactly what’s decision making tailored to individual • frequently miss school or arrive
student needs, adequate staffing and • A safe and adequate facility
required to earn that status late
resources, and additional supports
again. and interventions for students with • Adequate staffing
the greatest needs, particularly
Now we’re in a building that isn’t English language learners and • Support for students with
appropriate for kids and actually special education students. The the greatest needs, es-
makes it harder for us to help our Oliver’s increasingly active and
pecially English language
students.” involved parents will be essential for
a successful turnaround effort, say
learners and special educa-
A lack of direction from the district
teachers. tion students
Laure
only compounds the challenges faced
n
by the Oliver, say teachers here. For State and district officials have not
Long
example, the Lawrence Public Schools yet made public their plans for the • Adequate resources, includ-
currently provides individualized Oliver, but rumors abound that the ing books, instructional
instruction for English language school may be handed over to a private materials, and technology
learners only if students are classified operator, the long-time teachers Find out what you can do
as newcomers. For returning students replaced by less experienced recruits. to help at Strength.org.
• Consistent leadership and
who still can’t read English at grade But the Oliver’s teachers fundamentally
expectations
level, however, there is no additional disagree with this approach. “It’s like
assistance available. One staff member the people in charge are saying ‘we
don’t know how to fix this,’” observed • Collaborative process for
describes a student who arrived at
the school able to read Spanish but by one teacher. “By handing the school decision making
third grade was still struggling to read to an EMO [educational management
English. “There’s nothing for him, but organization], they’re basically
relinquishing any responsibility for the
▪
he’s still going to be expected to take
the MCAS test.” school and its problems.”
3
December 2012

4. Diary S
tanding on the precipice of an CAREER
unknown future, I nonetheless
CHANGE
took the plunge. I had been
New teacher
teaching as an adjunct professor at
Bradford Green
a local university, a place where I
of a New Teacher had worked in various capacities for traded college
five years. Yet I made the decision students at a
to start over and become a middle local univer-
school teacher. And so I taught my sity for middle
By Bradford Green school students
last class at Salem State on Decem-
English Language Arts teacher in Lynn. His
ber 12th, and began my new assign-
Pickering Middle School first year as an
ment at Pickering Middle School in
Lynn MA English teach-
Lynn the very next day. I entered
the building with not a little trepi- er wasn’t all
dation: teaching college students is wonderful and
Meet the 2012-2013 easy—relatively speaking, anyway. simple, writes
I had left a group of students that Green, but
New Teacher Diarists listened fairly intently to what I had mostly it was.
to say, trading them in for a group
Bradford Green of students that needed me more,
English Language Arts teacher, Pickering but were—perhaps— less diligent. concepts that were beyond their ing one learns in. Anyway, as I sat
Middle School, Lynn Wednesday, my first day, I was reach. In other words, I assumed. there and listened to them I began
told that entering in the middle of Sixth graders do not understand to well up with emotion. Tracing its
Chaya Harris the year would be “difficult.” Still, words like “egalitarian” ; they are source, I realized that I was feel-
Fifth grade teacher, Mather School, Boston even though I was 49 year old man not savvy about comma-splices just ing the gratitude of the moment. It
beginning a brand new career, I yet. I needed to learn my audience! had been so many years since I had
Himilcon Inciarte was determined to play by the same My third day brought a real gift. . . heard the sound of a chorus: pure,
Fourth grade Spanish teacher, Dever-Mc- rules that my students had to obey. It was Friday, December 15th. unadulterated, warm. Soon thereaf-
Cormack, Elementary, Boston I did not use my cellphone because It was 2:30 and – as I was to dis- ter I realized the truth of my pas-
the students could not use theirs; I cover later – the one day where the sion: I was tearing up over my own,
Karina Dise did not drink any beverages because building clears out relatively early. lost childhood. I knew, right then,
Paraprofessional, Zanetti Montessori the students could not. I made a So when I left at 3:15 the halls were that I had made the right choice to
School, Springfield point of not yelling at students pretty empty. I was glad it was change careers. Yet that first year
because I, myself, do not care to be Friday and that I had the whole would not be easy.
Bill Madden-Fuoco yelled at. I was also very conscious weekend to collect myself and plan. A few weeks later my cell-phone
Humanities teacher, Urban Science of my role as a male, working in On my way out the door I heard the went missing; then a young boy said
Academy ,West Roxbury, the inner city where male figures as sound of little voices so I followed some pretty alarming things to me
role models are often wanting. I had the sound to its source, the audito- in the cafeteria when I told him to
Eliana Martinez learned at this age to be a part of rium. The children from the middle wait for his table to be called before
Social studies teacher, Lawrence High collective humanity—to be inclusive school next door were practicing for he got into line. No, it was not all
School, Lawrence and not exclusive. Yet despite my the holiday concert. I entered the wonderful and simple. But mostly,
best intentions, my first three days balcony –my first time in the place– it was. Looking back, neither the
Amanda Perez were filled with missteps. and looked around: the place could rough language I was treated to
Middle school teacher, Sarah Greenwood I discovered that my vocabu- have used some paint. by that student nor the loss of my
School, Dorchester. lary did not work well with 6th I reminded myself of something phone matters to me. It is the sound
graders. (Thank goodness for my I always said to college students, of that chorus, echoing in my mind
Robert Tobio inclusion teacher, Claire Pappas!) especially those that loved their even as I write this journal, that
technology: William Shakespeare matters most. Tiny voices, sweetly
▪
Math and special education teacher, Mary It took me an exorbitant amount
Lyon Pilot School, Brighton. of time to think of what to do next, read by candle light; it is the intent singing, singing songs.
and thought students understood to learn that matters, not the build-
Lesley University Graduate School of Education
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teach.lesley.edu/advocate

5. Convent-ional Wisdom On November 8, Sister
Ann was celebrated
Paraclete Foundation Founder Sister Ann Fox honored by her students
and colleagues at
H
oused at the crossroads of the Ann demonstrates her famous Paraclete’s annual
“new” and “old” South Boston, generosity and humility by giving the reception that was
the Paraclete Foundation has credit to others. held this year at
been serving disadvantaged youth “The founders should be listed as Boston College High
for nearly 15 years, offering after- a group of concerned mothers who School. Co-chaired by
school tutoring and enrichment wanted something more than sports Collaborative Partners
programs. The program has served for their children,” she explains, President and CEO
hundreds of students from Boston noting that many neighborhood Jack C. Hobbs and
and far beyond (students come from parents were looking specifically for a Thomas J. Gunning,
multiple communities and over program that provided not only social Executive Director
10 foreign countries), providing support but also academic assistance of the Building
them supervision, support and in the arts and sciences so their Trades Employers
inspiration that helps them become children could achieve and improve Association, the event featured Lifelong activist Sister Ann Fox
independent and better prepared their lives through learning. “They Honorary Co-Chairs Diane Patrick received the Hero Among Us award
fort school and life and encourages were the driving force. The Paraclete and Angela Menino (wives of our from the Boston Celtics in November.
them to make positive impacts on was not a result of any strategic plan Governor and Boston’s Mayor, still humble and eager to dissipate
their communities. Over 23% of on my part.” respectively) and included EVENT the attention to others. “I think no
Paraclete’s students have graduated Sister Ann also credits her and a special recognition of Mrs. one can be a hero on their own,”
from or are currently attending colleague Barry Hynes (who now Menino, who has also been a devoted she suggested, “and that there are
college. serves as vice president of the board supporter of Boston-area youth for many heroes among us that we don’t
The program was founded in 1998 of trustees) with helping get Paraclete many years. take the time or care to properly
by Sister Ann Fox, a lifelong activist off the ground. In addition to being honored by appreciate.” Still, she admitted, “I am
and advocate who also founded the “Barry…had begun the Nativity her own Paraclete family, Sister Ann honored that people took the time to
Maranyundo School for Girls in School in Boston,” she explains, was also recognized by the Boston put my name forward.”
Rwanda, Africa. Prior to founding “so we incorporated their model of Celtics as part of their Heroes Among Among the many who backed
Paraclete, Sister Ann directed the bringing in recent college graduates Us program on November 7. Sister Ann’s candidacy for this
South Boston Neighborhood House to teach - we gave them room and “Sister Ann has demonstrated special halftime honor was Paraclete
and helped create an education board and a little spending money.” what it means to be a true hero Board Member Gerry Dwyer, Chief
training programs for welfare She also mentions Fr. Thomas of the Boston community,” said Administrative Officer of Boston
mothers in the Bromley Heath MacDonald, pastor of St. Augustine Matt Meyersohn, community Water & Sewer.
housing development. A long-time Church, who donated the funds relations manager for the Celtics. “Sister Ann is rightly recognized
social worker, Sister Ann is also a with which Paraclete opened in a “She has successfully carried out for the decades of work she has
founding member of the Women former convent on E Street. “They her life’s mission of helping and dedicated to improving the lives of
Waging Peace initiativeand is were instrumental in the Paraclete’s educating those in need. The Celtics children and families in Boston and
included in the Institute for Inclusive history,” Sister Ann says. organization can’t think of a better fit throughout the world,” Dwyer said.
Security’s Directory of Women Peace Despite her own efforts to defer for the Heroes Among Us Award than “Those of us lucky enough to count
Experts. the credit, Sister Ann has been [Sister] Ann.” her as our friend are most fortunate
When asked how she came up
with the idea for Paraclete, Sister
a beloved and vital part of the
Paraclete family since its inception.
Even when asked about this
honor, however, Sister Ann was
to have been touched by her.”
▪
Retiree Benefits Under Threat
help retirees with large unexpected
healthcare expenses uncovered by the
new insurance, she noted.
She and her retiree friends agree
By Patti Fitzgerald their careers.” without a raise.
“something has to be done” to curb
T
Dumont, an AFT Massachusetts If teachers cannot receive health
skyrocketing costs for healthcare
eachers, librarians and other Vice President, says that she also fears insurance along with a pension, they
benefits. “You can’t dig your heels in
public employees who have been for retirees who thought that their may be forced to “think twice” and put
… I don’t know the answer.” She can’t
eyeing retirement in the next few futures were secure, only to have the off retirement, said Dumont.
help but feel though, that it’s just one
years may be taken by surprise when state revisit what they believed to be a Charged with bringing under
more piece to an ongoing multi-facet-
a state commission recommends in guaranteed benefit. “Who’s to say that control skyrocketing state and munici-
ed broadside against public employee
late December that they work longer somewhere down the road we won’t pal projected costs for retiree health
unions, and teachers in particular,
or pay more for retiree healthcare be fighting again to retain something benefits ($16 billion over 30 years for
nationwide.
benefits, or both. else that we worked for?” the state and $30 billion for cities and
While union members still enjoy
“We’re comfortable that current What seems clear is that public towns), the commission of manage-
a “good amount” of protections, their
retirees will not be impacted,” said employees will likely have to put in ment and labor representatives has
hard-won benefits are “very slowly
Andy Powell, the American Federa- more years and/or work to an older been meeting since the spring and will
being chipped away,” said Dumont.
tion of Teachers’ representative on the age to be eligible for healthcare ben- present its recommendations to the
Private employees should be looking
12-member Special Commission on efits. And, no longer will healthcare Legislature Dec. 20. The recommen-
to boost their own benefits, and raise
Retiree Healthcare, following a Nov. insurance automatically come with dations will provide the framework for
everyone up, rather than knock down
13 meeting. “But we’re encouraging retirement, said Powell. Eligibility for a bill or put in some form into the next
those of public employees, in her
employees to keep an eye on it.” retirement may come before health- state budget. Whether the reforms will
view.
But how close to retirement em- care benefits do, and contributions cover all public employees in the state
Massachusetts has some of the
ployees will have to be to be protected toward health benefits by the state or leave some control to municipali-
highest healthcare costs in the coun-
from the changes—five years out, 10 and municipalities most likely will ties is also undetermined, according
try. “This has placed increased pres-
years out—is still unclear, said Pow- drop.Those features are all contained to Powell.
sure on elected officials to examine
ell, an AFT field representative and in three models the commission is Dumont, a vice president at AFT,
current benefits” said Powell. Labor
former Dracut firefighter. “Debate now considering. said that Lowell’s public employees
and Retirees are represented on the
rages as to who will be the impacted “It’s going to be intolerable for are still reeling, adjusting to higher
Commission and “are presenting a
population.” some people,” said Dumont, 63, of the insurance co-pays incurred from
strong voice of advocacy for those
What’s likely to occur, Powell impending cuts. “What about people switching to the state’s Group Insur-
who count on health insurance ben-
reported, after the commission’s sixth who are within 10 years of retirement? ance Commission (GIC) coverage the
efits into retirement” added Powell.
meeting, is that “access will be differ- What’s it going to do to them for all past couple of years.
A vote to select a plan will be taken
ent for [employees] than it is today.” the time they’ve put in?” “There are so many retirees. We’re
Dec. 17, and a report will be heading
“People should be paying atten- “You don’t get rich teaching,” living longer than we ever have, and
to the Statehouse Dec. 20. “We’re
tion!” said retired Lowell teacher Dumont said, adding she and her really the number of older retirees
hoping the final vote can be a consen-
Mickey Dumont, whose daughter, colleagues sacrificed much. She is who have pensions is miniscule.” she
sus,” said Powell. “But the process
Jennifer Machado has been a teacher
in the Lowell Public Schools for nearly
15 years. “Younger people need to
convinced that she could have found a
better-paying job in the private sector,
but instead devoted 35 years to public
said. “They’re at the poverty level, and
then we have them paying more for
health insurance.” Lowell did create
has not been discussed.”
▪
know what to expect at the end of school teaching, many of those years a health reimbursement account to
5
December 2012

6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
Future of Campus Affirmative Action Unclear
I
n a weird twist of fate driven by Civil Rights Act intended admission
SPLIT DECISION
Supreme Court decisions, opposi- quotas in public colleges and univer- Thanks to recent
tion to Affirmative Action in college sities for minorities such as African Supreme Court
admissions is now based on unfairness Americans. decisions, opposi-
towards white applicants while legal The legal tide turned against col- tion to Affirmative
support for Affirmative Action relies lege admission Affirmative Action in Action in college
solely on diversity in education. 1978 when the U.S. Supreme Court admissions is now
Last month, the Supreme Court heard ruled (five to four) in the Bakke case based on unfairness
another in a series of cases of a white that admissions quotas violated the towards white ap-
student claiming that Affirmative Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause plicants while legal
Action violated the U.S. Constitution (originally passed in 1868 to protect support for Affir-
because there is little evidence that Af- the rights of former slaves), but race mative Action relies
firmative Action improves education. could be one of the factors for admis- solely on diversity
The Supreme Court justices sharply sions given the goal of improving in education.
questioned the fairness of Affirmative education through diversity in the
Action based on race. Their decision is student body.
expected next June. In 2003, the Court reaffirmed As many web sites opposing Af- enrollment at elite public and private
Affirmative Action was originally (again five to four) that race could be firmative Action highlight, Martin schools, it has not had much effect
intended to offset unfairness of the used as one of the factors in admis- Luther King’s dream that his “four on equal opportunity because college
vastly unequal opportunities in the sions based on the educational ben- little children will one day live in a graduation replicates inequality in the
U.S. for minorities and preferences efits of diversity of the student body, nation where they will not be judged nation.
given whites in college admissions and but that affirmative action have a by the color of their skin but by the A few thousand Black and Hispanic
jobs. “logical endpoint” of about 25 years. content of their character” expressed students attending elite colleges due
Affirmative Action was first or- Since then, seven states, including the American ideology of equal oppor- to Affirmative Action, about 1% of
dered by President Kennedy in 1961 Michigan whose admissions policy the tunity for all. all U.S. college students, won’t make
with an Executive Order for govern- Supreme Court had approved in 2003, Dr. King was acutely aware that he much of a difference. According to
ment contractors to recruit, hire, and banned Affirmative Action in college lived in the real world ruled by racial their research, “When they enter
promote more minorities, which was admissions. oppression, but recent scholarship has kindergarten, black children are about
extended in the 1964 Civil Rights Act The body politic stands supremely uncovered his misgivings that special one year behind white children. When
to college admissions. In 1973, the ambivalent about college admission consideration for Black Americans they graduate from high school, black
U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the based on race. would weaken support for equal op- teenagers are four years behind white
portunity. “Many white workers whose teenagers.”
economic condition is not too far Espenshade and Radford argue
removed from the economic condition for a direct approach to correcting
of his black brother will find it difficult unequal opportunity in pre-school
to accept,” he wrote in a private letter. through high school including factors
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, PUBLIC POLICY, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (David Leonhardt, “Rethinking Affir- such as nutrition and help for poor
mative Action,” NYT) parents to overcome the disadvan-
Leonhardt argues that includ- tages of poverty and race in college
Master of Arts in Teaching ing class in Affirmative Action would
widen its base of support and improve
admissions.
The AFT has been working for de-
its record on equal opportunity. cades to change an educational system
Research by Thomas Espenshade that replicates a social structure of
Flexible schedule - Financial aid available and Alexandria Radford (“Moving privilege, while blaming children, par-
20% discount for teachers* Beyond Affirmative Action,” NYT and ents, and teachers for failure. It helps
No Longer Separate, Not Yet Equal, to have allies and more research.
Princeton Univ. Press) supports the Such changes will also take time, at
Licensure areas hypothesis that Affirmative Action as least a generation, probably more. In
include: practiced in the U.S. has not had much the meantime, the best strategy is to
effect reducing equality of opportu- return on the original goal of reduc-
• General Science nity. ing unequal opportunity by including
• Biology While Affirmative Action has class as well as race in Affirmative Ac-
• Chemistry
about doubled Black and Hispanic tion for college admissions.
▪
• Physics Visit India Over Winter Break
• Mathematics
Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) has teamed up with
• English AFT Massachusetts member Lillie Marshall at TeachingTraveling.com to put to-
gether an amazing trip to India for only $987! For more details go to http://www.
• History geeo.org/tours/WinterIndia/
GEEO is a 501c3 non-profit organization that runs summer professional
• Spanish
development travel programs designed for teachers. Educators have the option
• French to earn graduate school credit and professional development credit while seeing
the world. The trips are 8 to 24 days in length and are designed to be interesting
• Portuguese and affordable for teachers. GEEO provides teachers educational materials and
the structure to help them bring their experiences into the classroom. The trips
are open to all nationalities of K-12 and university educators and administrators,
* Current teachers maybe eligible for 20% discount. Call 508.910.9050 for more information. as well as retired educators. Educators are also permitted to bring along a non-
educator guest.
Apply Today for Spring 2013 GEEO is also offering 22 different travel programs for the summer of 2013,
including India/Nepal, Italy, Portugal/Spain, Amalfi Coast, Eastern Europe, Budapest
For more information, call 508.910.9050 or to Istanbul, Vietnam and Russia/Mongolia/China. For a complete list of destination
visit www.teaching.umassd.edu and detailed information about each trip, including itineraries, costs, travel dates,
visit www.geeo.org.
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

7. Retiree Corner
Marie Ardito, Co-founder SENIOR SEMINARS
Massachusetts Retirees United Preparing for Retirement
www.retireesunited.org (Given by Marie Ardito)
• December 1st, Wilmington, 314
We Can’t Keep Our Heads in the Sand •
Main St. Unit 105, 10-noon
December 4th :Amesbury High
T
School, 5 Highland St. 3:30-5:00
here is little doubt that Medicare Another bill will deal with the providing a pharmaceutical plan, you • December 6th: Hingham South
and Social Security will be Medicare B penalty imposed on those can go on Medicare D with no penalty Shore Educational Collaborative
discussed in the upcoming who become eligible for Medicare after as long as you produce the letter that Cafeteria, 40 Pond Park, 5:00-6:30
session of Congress. Massachusetts their 65th birthday. (A person in charge contains the words creditable plan. • December 12, Rockport Elemen-
Retirees United will have legislation of health care in one of the other 104 The purpose of the penalties in tary School Library, Rockport,
filed to correct some of the unfair Retirement Systems in Massachusetts both Medicare B and Medicare D 3:15-5:15
practices regarding both programs. told me to encourage everyone to sign is to discourage people from being • January 3, Billerica Memorial High
We will also join with many other up for Medicare three months prior to underinsured. But those retiring from School, Boston Rd, Billerica, 4-6:00
retirement groups to urge the repeal their 65th birthday even if they are not a public sector job are adequately
How to Protect Your Nest Egg and
of the Government Pension Offset eligible. When the authority tells you insured. We feel this is an important
Plan for the Right Outcome for Your
(GPO) and the Windfall Elimination that you are not eligible tell them that issue to address as more and more
Family (Given by Elder Law Attor-
Provision (WEP). We are approaching you want them to state on the computer communities are adopting Section 18 of ney Mary Howie)
two Senators to file the Senate version, files that you applied for Medicare and 32b of the General Laws, which states
and are working with our retiree were denied.) According to this person, that those eligible for Medicare must • Saturday Dec. 8, 314 Main Street
counterparts in California on the House if you become eligible at a later date go on Medicare. This is a tremendous Unit 105 Wilmington, MA 01887.
version. We plan to file other bills at because you accumulated forty units savings to the communities. (Main Street in Wilmington is the
the federal level as well. in Social Security, you will be excluded We feel that the above-mentioned same as Route 38. ) 10-noon.
One bill will address the double from the penalty. bills should not only have the support
penalty imposed on those who are We feel that language should be of retired people but those still in the All Seminars are free to participants
eligible for Medicare as a spousal put in place at the federal level similar work force. In most instances you will and to the district. Register by email
benefit, but do not collect Social to the language for Medicare D for be the beneficiaries of this legislation mardito@retireesunited.org or call
1-617-482-1568 Make sure to give name,
Security. In two of the past three years pharmaceuticals. Medicare D does not longer than those who are already
number attending and seminar for which
there was no cost of living increase impose a penalty on you if you take retired.
registering. This registers you and no fol-
given to Social Security recipients. As it after your 65th birthday providing We cannot keep our heads in the low up phone call will occur unless you
a result anyone who collected Social you are on a creditable plan at age 65. sand. The words “I didn’t know” cannot have a question. If you received an email
Security did not have an increase to his Creditable is the term that indicates be part of our vocabularies. That is telling you a different way to register fol-
or her Medicare B premiums. Those that a plan is as good as, or better the primary function of MRU: to low the instructions you received. Please
not collecting Social Security because than Medicare D. Everyone should work for you as well as to provide you do not double register.
the GPO prevented them from doing so get a letter from his or her provider with the information you need to feel
were given an increase in each of the
two years on the Medicare B premiums.
(insurance company), which contains
the words creditable plan. Then if your
comfortable speaking out.
▪
This is a double penalty. community decides in the future to stop
The
Golden and some of my best friends. Mrs.
Famador was one of the few teachers
we felt comfortable telling about
Apple our immigration status, and she was
encouraging about the opportunities
that lay ahead regardless of our status.
Mrs. Famador was an immigrant too.
The next spring, I was still
struggling through Algebra class,
Ada Fuentes but Mrs. Famador always offered to
Public Education Organizer, stay after school with folks to help
Massachusetts Jobs with us with homework. During this time,
Justice talk of comprehensive immigration
reform was all over the news, and a big
protest for immigrant students and
I n the fall of 2005 I moved to East
Boston and was enrolled in the
Boston Public Schools. My first day,
our communities was being planned
for May 1st. Some of the more militant
students in Algebra class decided to
I was like any student attending a wear all white that day to show their
brand new school, trying to find my solidarity with immigrants all over the
classroom and go unnoticed. My first country. The day finally came around
class that day was English, and the and the hallways of East Boston High
room was packed with 40 students, a were filled with students in white
number that would never drop lower shirts. After lunch, a mass of students Ada Fuentes credits Mrs. Famador, her math teacher at East Boston High
than 30. My second class was Algebra began to walk out in solidarity with School, for teaching her life lessons even more important than algebra.
2, the dreaded math class of all time. I schools in California. Other students
sat down and tried to play that I wasn’t folks watched from the windows of were closed to me. I failed Algebra that I still visit East Boston High School
the “new girl” but the punk rock glam the school and it felt like we were all year and had to take it again my senior every now and then, and it is always
clothes and Princess Amidala hair connected. That same afternoon my school but I honestly looked forward a beautiful sight to see pictures of
gave me away. I noticed my teacher family participated in a march—their to another class with Mrs. Famador. my friends and I taped to the glass
immediately. Mrs. Famador, a Filipina very first— to downtown Boston, She always spoke about the importance shutters behind Mrs. Famador’s
mujer, was one of the few teachers of demanding immigration reform. of education and pursuing higher desk. Those pictures are more than
color at East Boston High. Mrs. Famador always encouraged education. Although math would never five years old now, but every time I
In October of that year I found us to pay attention in school and to be my strongest subject it was the life walk into her classroom it feels like I
out that I had lost my asylum status. stay out of trouble. I looked forward to lessons I learned in Mrs. Famador’s am a new student. It seems like just
I wasn’t sure yet what it meant not Algebra class because I felt that it was class that mattered most. It was yesterday that I found out that I was
have citizenship, or how my higher a safe space for immigrant students. awesome to find a teacher who truly undocumented, learned that I was not
education options were now limited. More importantly, the class and Mrs. tried to help her students succeed and alone, and that math class was a place
In Algebra Class, though, I found
an undocumented community
Famador helped me to make sense
of the world when I felt that all doors
encouraged us to push ourselves even
though our futures were uncertain.
of community and organizing.
▪
December 2012 7