1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
Summer 2012
The Community Challenge
On a recent week night in Lawrence,
teachers, students, parents and local
leaders packed the public library for a
first-of-its-kind community forum. On
the agenda was an ambitious plan to
strengthen ties between the Lawrence
Teachers Unions, its members, and
the larger Lawrence community. The
concept is simple: whatever divisions
may exist within this community
with its rich immigrant history are
insignificant when compared to what
binds Lawrentians together. “We all
love this city, and we all want the best
for our children,” Frank McLaughlin,
president of the Lawrence Teachers
In This Issue
Union, told the crowd.
The Lawrence community
COMMUNITY VOICE Ana Victoria Morales speaks at a community forum
engagement project began months
in Lawrence, part of an ambitious plan to strengthen ties between teachers
ago, just days after the state moved to and the larger Lawrence community. Said Morales, a recent graduate of the
take over the Lawrence Public Schools. Lawrence Public Schools: “I’m here because I want to help lift my city up.” 2 President’s Column
(At press time, the state-appointed Meet the Distinguished
One by one, teachers, parents and of these cities, the teachers union is
receiver was expected to announce Service Winners of 2012
leaders of community organizations the largest organized group, yet the
an ambitious plan to turnaround the
took to the floor to talk about their unions rarely have much of a public
district’s lowest-performing schools,
concerns and their hopes for the future. presence. “Given the number of people 4 Diary of a New Teacher: A
teacher learns that there is
including inviting charter schools to
“Lawrence has a history of leading the we represent, we have the potential to no quick fix for confronting
manage several of the city’s schools.)
way to social change,” said Jineyda play a much more significant role in
Jasiela Chaves, a public education inequality and segregation
Tapia, a teacher at the high school who the community,” says Brant Duncan,
organizer for Jobs with Justice, which
grew up in Lawrence. “Education is the president of the Lynn Teachers Union.
is spearheading the project, says
true way of making change—that’s why He has begun recruiting volunteers 5 The Editor of the Advocate
that the state takeover provided an Signs Off
teacher have to be involved.” from within his membership to serve
opportunity for Lawrence residents
The effort to build a partnership as community ambassadors—teachers
to have a real conversation about
its schools. “If we want to make our
between teachers and the communities and paraprofessionals who are already 6 On Campus: For-Profit Higher
Education Works for Business,
in which they live and work is not active in church groups or local
community, our city stronger, we have Not so Well for Students
unique to Lawrence. Similar efforts organizations and are willing to talk
to make our schools stronger too,” says
are under way across the state, about what’s needed to make Lynn’s
Chaves, who is a recent graduate of
Lawrence High School.
including in Lynn, Lowell, Worcester, schools work for the children they 7 Retiree Corner
Golden Apple: A father’s day
Boston, and New Bedford. In most serve. Continued on page 8
tribute
Award-Winning Film Gets the Story Straight
By Matt Robinson
From “Blackboard Jungle” to “Rock
n’ Roll High School” to “Stand and
Deliver,” Hollywood has done what it
can to portray what is allegedly going
on within the walls of our schools and
If you’d like to receive an
amongst our students. Try as they
might, however, few of these films ever electronic version of the
quite measure up to reality. From Race Advocate, send an email to
to the Top to high-stakes testing, to advocate@aftma.net. Please
data, data, and more data (Editorial
include your home mailing
note: Ugh!), schools today are far too
complex and complicated to tie up address for identification.
with a happy ending and a pleasant
soundtrack. No film could ever do our
public schools and their teachers real
RED CARPET TEACH, a film about public education by local filmmakers and
Boston teachers Bob and Yvonne Lamothe (at right), at its Boston debut. Writers wanted
justice. Or could it? and as far south as Key West, FL. that has been brought on by obsessive Are you a new teacher who
Created by public school teachers “The teachers were all around us,” testing, as well as what they see as the
(who also happen to be married),
would like to write about
Mr. Lamothe says, noting that it took “dismantling” of public schools.
“TEACH, Teachers are Talking, Is many of them time to overcome fears— By combining these interviews with your experiences? You’ll get
the Nation Listening?” tells the story both of the camera and of potential segments taken from union debates, $300 per column and the
of today’s teachers by involving and reprisals. “Those who came forward did legislative hearings and teacher rallies, exposure of appearing in a
featuring today’s teachers. In addition so with so much commitment that their and speeches by actor Bradley Whitford
to their own ideas, filmmakers Robert
statewide publication that
statements resonate.” Lamothe says that and education historian and analyst
and Yvonne Lamothe drew on the the teachers who participated in “Teach” Diane Ravitch, the Lamothes take reaches 25,000 readers. In-
insights and opinions of more than were particularly concerned about viewers deeper into the education terested? Write to:
40 of their colleagues from Boston to the direction education is taking, how debate than perhaps any other film. advocate@aftma.net
Brooklyn to as far west as Madison, WI, little input they have, a “joylessness” Continued on page 3
2. BOLD
day will only come when the funding
of schools reaches a level far beyond
the current one.
Over and over the claim is PRINT
Thomas J. Gosnell made that Massachusetts has an
achievement gap, meaning that white
President, AFT Massachusetts students achieve at a higher level Outward Bound
than minority students. In fact, the Two teachers from Lowell’s Wang
education bill is entitled “An Act Middle School will be joining an
Poverty, School Funding To Reduce The Achievement Gap.”
Statistics do show that a gap exists.
Earthwatch expedition this summer.
Reading teacher Patricia Robinson
and science teacher Dawn Theberge
and the Achievement Gap
Statistics do show that the lowest
will join 10 other teachers on the trip
student achievement is in high poverty
to the Jackson Hole, Wyoming region
areas. Statistics do show that since the
to study songbird population trends in
G overnor Patrick’s task force Without substantial additional passage of the Act, the level of funding the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
on education presented a funding the schools will never be able for education is still far below what is Theberge says that she and Robinson
report which stated that poverty to hire the number of professionals needed to fulfill the Act’s goals. were thrilled to be chosen to participate,
is pernicious. Indeed it is. The needed to provide a comprehensive The economic times remain and will report on their adventure in a
numbers of children living in poverty surround care program. tough. No doubt about it. Poverty is future issue of the Advocate. Earthwatch
throughout the nation is a national still at a high level. No doubt about seeks to engage people worldwide in
In addition, the academic program
it. The income gap gets wider. No scientific field research and education to
disgrace. Even in Massachusetts, one can be quite deficient. Of course,
doubt about it. Funding for schools promote the understanding and action
of the more affluent states, the level MCAS requires that the tested
remains inadequate. No doubt about necessary for a sustainable environment.
of childhood poverty is horrifying. subjects receive the greatest attention,
Such a child is more likely to have but even if MCAS did not exist, a it. The political atmosphere remains
inadequate medical and dental care, robust and expansive curriculum discouraging. No doubt about it.
to live in substandard housing, to have requires significant funding. In AFT MA belongs to a coalition
Planet Challenge
poor nutrition, and to be exposed to poor neighborhoods schools which is advocating for more revenue. Congratulations to Lynn teacher Donna
community violence. A child brings undertake heroic efforts to offer This coalition is working to change the Whalen and her fifth graders at the
these conditions of life to school where rigorous and expansive curriculum political atmosphere so that support Brickett School. Whalen’s students
a stimulating and caring atmosphere which include at least some of the for more revenue will increase. are the winners of Disney’s Planet
can alleviate but not eliminate them following: social studies, art, foreign Without increased revenues poverty Challenge, an environmental contest for
without massive support from society will continue to be widespread, middle and elementary school students
languages, English, music, physical
funding for schools will still be across the US. Students must pick a
at large. This means a commitment to education, mathematics, and the
inadequate, and the achievement gap local environmental issue and design
fund much more generously education sciences. Despite the superb efforts of
will continue to exist. a solution. Whalen’s students chose
in low income communities. committed staff, overcrowded classes to study the effects of car emissions
Governor Patrick’s task force and inadequate resources limit what Public schools have contributed
and idling vehicles on people and the
recommended that schools provide can be done. mightily to American society, which
environment. Their prize? A trip to
surround care services so that Of course, it is indeed possible that expects schools to continue to do
Disney World, all expenses paid, for 19
students will participate in programs there may be schools which offer all so. However, schools by themselves students and 5 chaperones. In addition to
that will enable them to get all the these subjects but schools, to have a will not reduce poverty and close visiting the theme park, the students will
medical and dental services they rigorous and expansive curriculum, the achievement gap. This must be also be meeting famed primatologist Jane
need, a healthy diet, and a full range must offer the subjects in a way that a community effort, all segments of Goodall.
of emotional supports. Even though will give students the opportunity to society. It does take a village to raise
current staff provides such services, explore all the subjects in depth. That a child.
their numbers are insufficient.
Honoring Distinguished Appreciation Call
Amy Piacitelli, a history teacher at
Charlestown High School, received
Service in 2012 asurprise call from U.S. Secretary of
Education Arne Duncan during national
Teacher Appreciation Week. Duncan
The official publication of
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO
S ix educators received this year’s
AFT Massachusetts Distinguished
Service Award. The awards, which were
called four teachers across the country
to thank them for their work. Piacitelli, a
history teacher at CHS and the history
Thomas J. Gosnell, President announced at the state convention team’s content leader, expressed surprise
in Quincy last month, are presented at the call and said that all of her co-
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer
annually to AFT MA members who have workers deserve to be thanked for their
VICE PRESIDENTS work. “This school is full of wonderful
demonstrated an outstanding level of
teachers and I don’t know that I should
Patricia Armstrong service and dedication to their union
be singled out, but I do feel honored,”
Deborah Blinder locals. This year’s recipients included
Sean Bowker Piacitelli told the Boston Globe.
Amesbury High School teacher Thad
Kathryn Chamberlain
Brenda Chaney Ackerman; Lowell High School teacher
Kathy Delaney William Donaghey; Wayne LeBlanc,
Catherine Deveney a professional technician at UMass Top of the Pops
Patricia Driscoll Dartmouth; Lynn paraprofessional
Marianne Dumont
Five Boston high school students will
Catherine Deveney, Barbara Bemis, a Thad Ackerman, math teacher, showcase their talent with the Boston
J. Michael Earle
paraprofessional at Carney Academy in Amesbury High School. Pops as winners of the annual Fidelity
Margaret Farrell
Mary Ferriter New Bedford; and retired Lowell Alice FutureStage Young Artists Competition.
Ackermans,” said Leary, who teaches
Jenna Fitzgerald Gunning, the long-time president of the Boston Latin School students Phuong
Richard Flaherty with Ackerman at Amesbury High
Lynn Teachers Union. Nghi Pham and John, Grace and
Paul Georges School. Robert Carney comprise four
AFT MA president Tom Gosnell
Alice M. Gunning His colleagues and fellow union of the five talented winners of the
Daniel Haacker praised this year’s award winners,
members seem to agree. Ackerman, 2012 Fidelity FutureStage Young
Joyce Harrington noting that they set a high standard
who gave up a career in engineering Artists Competition. Olivia Harris
Susan Leahy for the union’s future leaders. “These
Francis McLaughlin to become a teacher, currently serves of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School,
individuals really embody what AFT
Bruce Nelson as treasurer of AFT Amesbury. Local will also be featured. A panel of judges
Massachusetts is about. They inspire selected the winners from among
Catherine Patten president Cindy Yetman praises him
James Philip their colleagues, their students and all many contestants from the Boston and
for his consummate professionalism,
Bruce Sparfven of us in the union movement.” Cambridge area.The winners performed
and for using his love of numbers to
Richard Stutman on May 29, 2012, with the Boston Pops,
Gale Thomas Service counts help the teachers and paraprofessionals
under the direction of Keith Lockhart.
When Barbara Leary, director of of Amesbury. Says Yetman: “He
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor can always be counted on to explain
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402
mathematics at AFT Amesbury, offered
her support for the nomination of financial issues to our members in Got good news to share? Send it to
Boston, Mass. 02111
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 her colleague, Thad Ackerman, her a clear and meaningful fashion. He advocate@aftma.net
Fax: 617-423-0174 recommendation could hardly have is well deserving of this award and
www.aftma.net been stronger. “The world would be a recognition.
2 advocate@aftma.net
better place if there were more Thad Continued on page 5
3. A Film with Real Class
Though they met
before becoming
Continued from cover teachers, the
in their classes,” Lamothe says, “whose Lamothes clearly
No wonder, then, that the great experience should be celebrated share their passion
documentary was recently honored with and honored instead of branded as old, for effective education
the Indie Spec Best Cinematography incompetent, and burned out.” With and have come to
Award from the Boston International connections to the AFT, the Boston share a love for
Film Festival and has been accepted Teachers Union, Citizens for Public sharing stories
into the Manhattan Film Festival, one of Schools, The Coalition for Equal Quality through documentary.
the top festivals in the country. Education, and even the Boston School In fact, Lamothe
While there has been a spate of Bus Drivers Union, they were able to get says, “the connection
recent documentaries on the topic of multiple perspectives form a wide array between filmmaking
public education, Lamothe suggests that of sources and sides, thereby enriching and documenting
at least some have been inappropriately their story. creative work, artistic process was at the their perspectives and suggestions
labeled. “Many education movies that Lamothe explains that the film heart of our initial connection.” are to the future of education. “They
distort the truth and promote a business emerged from a concern that teachers That initial connection has since have valuable and essential ideas
view of education have millions of have been excluded from the national grown to become a means of, as and approaches to contribute to the
dollars to promote their misinformation debate about public education. “We felt Lamothe puts it, “organizing around direction that education policy should
about education,” he says, mentioning we couldn’t sit back and let education injustice.” “Millions of dollars are being take,” he says.
one ‘heroic’ film in particular. policy be determined by people who made by the testing companies and by By considering who is in charge of
Lamothe explains that it was the aren’t teachers. We also felt we had the for profit charter schools,” Lamothe education and who should be, Lamothe
real-life situations of real-life teachers to challenge the extremely harmful points out. “Filmmaking is a way to get hopes that viewers of his film will come
that inspired him and his wife to drive toward more and more testing that message to people. “ to see that teachers are allies who are
make the film. “Observing what was and obsession with data that is turning As technology and video-based able and eager to support not only their
going on in our schools, seeing what our schools into testing factories. In engagement become more prevalent in students, but their communities as
was happening to our teacher friends, addition, we wanted to draw attentions the classroom, Lamothe suggests that well. “Teachers are not the enemy of
hearing untruths about what teachers to the vast inequality of resources it can also be used more effectively to society,” he emphasizes. “Teachers are
do or don’t do in the media, the that dominates our schools and engage others outside of the classroom not stupid, but this is the message we
sound bites that the general public communities. We especially felt we had as well. “Filmmaking is becoming more are hearing.”
freely mimic without really thinking to bring a voice to all those teachers who and more an important element of Lamothe also hopes that the film
or knowing. These injustices, these are fighting to provide an education teaching awareness of what is really inspires more teachers to become more
falsehoods needed to be addressed and that is dynamic, creative, exciting, and happening in our society,” Lamothe involved in education activism and
stories needed to be told by teachers joyful.” suggests. “Filmmaking is a means to challenge those who are trying to
who we know to be wise and soulful.” Lamothe asserts that the teachers to provide an alternative source “privatize…and profitize” our education
Adds Lamothe: “Every day in the media he and Yvonne interviewed are the of information to the huge media system.
we hear from the businesses, think- ones that know and care deeply about conglomerates that report a very “People are becoming aware that a
tankers, politicians, and administrators. children and their education, and limited perspective and often distort broad-based unified effort is needed to
This movie is about those who don’t who take home, not just lesson plans and exclude important viewpoints, challenge the coordinated attacks that
usually get heard.” and papers to grade, but concerns [including] those of actual teachers.” are being waged,” Lamothe suggests.
As the Lamothes have both taught about their students’ lives. “The many In collecting and analyzing these “We are hoping that the important
for many years, they have a deep different needs each student brings and diverse and experienced viewpoints, messages of Teach…will be heard all
familiarity with education issues and
connections to educators in the Boston
the challenges teachers have in meeting
each student where they are to bring
Lamothe learned a great deal about the
world of education that they have both
across the nation.”
▪
area and far beyond. “We teachers who them along in their learning process inhabited for many years. They also Matt Robinson is an ELA teacher at
have dedicated 20, 30, even 40 years is so important and yet undervalued,” learned even more about how smart Burke High School in Boston and a
of their lives to teaching the children Lamothe says. their colleagues are and how important regular contributor to the Advocate.
Lesley University School of Education
Providing a better learning experience for teachers for more than 100 years.
Lesley’s Graduate School of Education is marked by its commitment • Master’s programs leading to initial and professional licensure
to the preparation and professional development of educators, • Licensure-only programs
innovative and challenging coursework, and lifelong learning. • 12-credit post-Master’s options
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Lesley offers programs to fit your lifestyle. Learn on-campus, online, or at a location near you.
Questions? Contact info@lesley.edu | 888.LESLEY.U
School of Education teach.lesley.edu/advocate
3
Summer 2012
4. Diary O
n a recent Sunday morning, I EYES WIDE OPEN
staked out a spot about 200 Bill Madden-
meters from the finish line of the Fuoco says that his
Providence Marathon. After a while, experiences working
in the distance I spotted Ben, one of
of a New Teacher my students. Well over six feet tall and
in urban districts
have opened his eyes
from Uganda, Ben wore a bright orange to the devastating
tank top signifying his participation consequences of
By Bill Madden-Fuoco, in Dream Far, a marathon training inequality and
Humanities teacher, program for “at-risk” students in the segregation. Says
Urban Science Academy, greater Boston area. Madden-Fuoco:
West Roxbury, MA Soon after Ben ran by, his face “When schools
frozen in a state of exhaustion, Darcel themselves are
Hunt, a physics teacher and the Dream grossly unequal,
Writers wanted Far coordinator at my school, breezed
by, smiling.
education is the
great sorting
Are you a new teacher who Darcel logged hundreds of miles this mechanism. “
would like to write about year – in the rain, the sun, the snow
– with our school’s three Dream Far
your experiences? You’ll get runners and other teacher volunteers.
to transfer for the upcoming year. His privilege-conferring education is a
father had signed all the papers. On the birthright that comes with living in the
$300 per column and the Everyone who works and learns in
“Out-of-Assigned-District Placement” right zip code? An equity index that
exposure of appearing in a an urban school has no choice but to
form, in the “reason for request” space, measures state-by-state educational
statewide publication that wring out the best possible results from
he had written: “Better educational fairness and determines federal funding
what we have. Pursuit of higher MCAS
reaches 25,000 readers. In- scores and budget constraints have left
programs, more activities, higher would be a good start. Even a move as
terested? Write to: success rates, and closer to where modest as this, however, won’t come
enrichments for most Boston teenagers
we live.” After a long talk with Ben, I voluntarily. But with the right kind of
advocate@aftma.net threadbare, and Darcel’s efforts to
agreed to take him. pressure, it might.
create opportunities where few exist
Later that week we drove to the
is a model of what it means to be an
central office. A nice woman told us we
effective urban educator now. Congratulations
had to go to Newton South High School.
Meet the 2011-2012 Days before the marathon, I worked
On the way there we passed Newton The Advocate congratulates New Teacher
New Teacher Diarists with Ben after school. Students in my
North High School, which opened two Diarist Bill Madden-Fuoco. Hiis col-
10th grade Humanities classes recently
years ago and cost almost $200 million umn in the September 2011 edition of
developed their own research questions
The following new teachers contributed to build. Kids played lacrosse on its the paper, on the difference between
to pursue as their final projects. The
to the New Teacher Diary during the emerald lawn and its sprawling modern teaching and ensuring that students
criterion is that the question can
past school year. The Advocate thanks façade seemed like a mirage. At Newton learn, took second place in the annual
lead to a reasonable debate. Here’s journalism competition sponsored by
all of these fine teachers for sharing South, an administrator was one of the
Ben’s: “Should one person get a better the American Federation of Teachers.
their experience and looks forward to few souls left in the main office. She
education just because of where he or Also receiving recognition this year:
welcoming a new class of contributors informed Ben that he would have to call
she lives?” I hesitated at first. On its cartoonist Joseph Quigley for his draw-
next fall. the next day to make an appointment
face, the question seems incapable of ing of “The New Atlas” that appeared in
when the office was better staffed. The
Riana Good sparking debate. But then I came to my the November 2011 Advocate. Quigley
next day Ben borrowed my phone to
Spanish teacher, Boston Teachers Union senses and approved it. received a second-place prize for best
make the call. A woman on the other
School, Jamaica Plain. Ben lives in a small condominium original drawing. Congratulations to
end kept repeating “You have to live in
complex through which the borders both!
Newton in order to go here.”
Lorena German of Newton, Brookline, and Boston
The conversations we have about
ELA teacher, Lawrence High School, – imperceptibly, yet with great
teacher evaluation, turnarounds, and
Lawrence. consequence – slice through red
charters matter. Gotta have them. But
brick walls and piece out educational
they skirt a larger issue. I predict that
Bill Madden-Fuoco opportunity. Ben goes to school in
performance based evaluations will
Humanities teacher, Urban Science Boston where the four-year graduation
reveal that in urban districts, even the
Academy ,West Roxbury, rate is 62%. If he lived in the apartment
most effective teachers – say the top 5%
a few doors down, he would catch the
– do not produce acceptable learning
Melissa McDonald school bus that stops at the end of his
gains. I say this as someone who
Fifth grade teacher, Parthum Elementary street and takes kids to Newton, where
believes that when it comes to learning,
School, Lawrence. the student population is 74% white,
teacher quality trumps everything,
and the graduation rate is 96%.
including out-of-school factors.
Joyce Melker Ben is often whimsical. When I
We need to change conditions to
Paraprofessional, Henry Lord Middle checked in on him, his computer screen
School, Fall River, make effective teaching more possible:
was checkered with pictures of snake
smaller rosters, fewer preps, more
meat, culled from a Google images
Amanda Perez time to plan and collaborate, more
search. “Ben, why are you searching
Middle school teacher, Sarah Greenwood teachers. Such a paradigm shift could
for pictures of snake meat?” I asked.
School, Dorchester. begin to level the playing field, but
“It’s because I eat a lot of fish, and fish
the investment required is far beyond
and snakes have almost the same kind
Matthew Robinson anything currently being discussed.
of skin,” he explained. “I wanted to see
ELA and journalism teacher, Burke High Left unchecked, inequality festers.
what their meat looks like.”
School, Dorchester. Always. The dream of desegregation
When it comes to the differences
– our best-ever check against
between the schools of Boston and its
Robert Tobio educational inequality – has been
neighbors, however, Ben is serious. He
Math and special education teacher, Mary all but killed by the Supreme Court.
can fluently navigate the DESE and
Lyon Pilot School, Brighton. And zoning laws that prohibit the
Education Week websites to show that
construction of affordable housing in
students in Newton are more likely to
areas with high performing schools
have classes taught by highly qualified
effectively act as gates to keep out
teachers. He is well versed in the deep
other people’s children. Dewey called
catalog of classes and activities that
education “the great equalizer.” But
Newton and Brookline boast. Despite
when schools themselves are grossly
its seemingly comparable per-pupil
unequal, education is the great sorting
spending, Boston has a far greater
mechanism.
percentage of students with low-
I often wonder: How is it that we
socioeconomic status and students with
are not out in the streets over what
limited English proficiency, and its
Jonathan Kozol calls “apartheid
attendance rates are abysmal.
education”? What will it take to
Two weeks after the marathon, Ben
dismantle our fealty to the principle
asked me to drive him to Newton’s
of local control and the premise that
central office so that he could attempt
4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate
5. Honoring Distinguished Service in 2012
Continued from cover Public Schools to make sure that paras Wayne LeBlanc, this year’s winner in
who took the courses received salary the category of higher education, is a
increases. professional technician in Griffith’s
Recently Deveney had the department, Medical Laboratory
opportunity to impress her colleagues Science. Says Griffith: “There is no
anew when the team that she captained more admired professional technician
took top honors at the first ever Lynn at UMass. His ability is so significant
Teachers Union Trivia Night. “I don’t that he has become the go to guy for all
know how she does it,” says Diane professional technicians on campus.”
Dawe, the LTU’s recording secretary. But LeBlanc, who has been a
“Cathi is a force of nature.” member of the Faculty Federation for William Donaghey, Spanish teacher,
28 years, is also a leader within the Lowell High School
union. Griffith points out that because everyone he encountered: students,
of LeBlanc’s role as a mentor to his staff, administrators,” says O’Brien,
Barbara Bemis, paraprofessional,
coworkers, union membership among who now serves as a part-time staff
New Bedford Public Schools.
professional technicians on campus representative for the United Teachers
In great company is 100%. LeBlanc’s dedication to of Lowell. Over the years, that gift
When the New Bedford Federation mentoring extends to the union’s newest of collegiality has made Donaghey a
of Paraprofessionals were considering members, the research associates and beloved figure among his students, his
whom to nominate for the distinguished technical associates. “They were all colleagues, as well as among his fellow
service award, Barbara Bemis quickly mentored by Wayne in ‘how to survive union members. “He has tremendous
came to mind. Explains Connie Motta, and thrive here,’” says Griffith, noting integrity and an incredibly warm
president of the local: “Barbara is a that LeBlanc helped the new members personality,” says O’Brien. Among his
dedicated paraprofessional who has write their first contract. students and fellow teachers Donaghey
worked diligently for the betterment Griffith sums up the qualities is known as an outstanding teacher who
of the union, its members, and the Judith Robinson, retired teacher, of his coworker this way: “In short, helps to create a “college-bound” culture
students of the New Bedford Public Lowell Public Schools Wayne is one of those people that all among his students and their families.
Schools.” But what may be most unions need—bright, inexhaustible and O’Brien notes that Donaghey has
impressive about Bemis, notes Motta, incorruptible—and which too few of us
Continued service also served as a union leader for many
is the duration of her dedication. “She’s have in sufficient quantity. We admire years, including as an LHS building
Every year AFT Massachusetts
been a para for 41 and a half years.” him, respect him and love him.” rep, as the secondary vice president
honors a retired union member whose
Bemis’ colleagues at the John B. and as the high school representative
DeValles School, where she has served
career has exemplified dedication and Collegiality award
service. The 2012 award goes to Judy on the Education Development
as a building rep for the past 10 years, When Bill Donaghey joined the
Robinson, a beloved kindergarten Committee, which meets monthly with
praise her leadership and devotion to faculty at Lowell High School as a
teacher who spent more than 30 years the superintendent. “Bill is the true
the children with whom she works. Spanish teacher nearly 30 years ago,
educating the children of Lowell. But reflection of what every teacher aspires
Bemis is also a role model, adds Jack O’Brien, then a house master
while Robinson may no longer be in the to be,” says O’Brien.
Motta. “She has been a strong leader at LHS, noticed something special
classroom, the members of the United AFT MA congratulates all of this
and role model in tough times and is about his new colleague. “He had
year’s Distinguished Service Award
▪
Teachers of Lowell continue to benefit an immediate rapport with almost
unafraid to stand up for what’s right. winners.
from her vast educational and union-
Her actions exemplify what a true union
related expertise. “She’s been incredibly
leader should be.”
generous with her time and is always
willing to offer her time to help out,”
says UTL office manager Nancy Giblin.
The Editor of the Advocate Signs Off
Robinson currently serves as
recording secretary for the local and
is famous for using her scrapbooking
I t’s hard for me to believe that six
years have gone by since I took over
as editor of the Advocate. During that
skills to keep a running record of union time I’ve visited countless schools, met
history. She has also played a key role an unbelievable number of amazing
in helping the UTL to develop surveys educators and seen for myself the
of educators in the city, the results challenges that you face everyday. The
experience has been a privilege, and
of which would lead to the focus on
I’m grateful to all of you for being will-
collaboration between the union and
ing to share your stories.
the Lowell Public Schools. Says Giblin: When I started at AFT Massachu-
“We’re so fortunate to have someone setts, I knew very little about public
as dedicated as Judy. Her voice and education, save for having attended
Cathi Deveney, paraprofessional,
expertise have been a real asset to the public schools from first grade all the
Lynn Public Schools.
teachers of Lowell.” way through graduate school. Just how
much did I have to learn? As a non-
A force of nature Massachusetts native, I didn’t even
While it is unusual for two know enough to put “The” in front of
every school name! Fortunately, I’m SPEED RACER After six years at the
paraprofessionals to receive the helm of the Advocate, editor Jennifer
Distinguished Service Award in the a quick learner and after 54 issues (or
456 pages for any math teachers out Berkshire is riding into the future.
same year, Lynn para Cathi Deveney
there), I finally know the difference I’m creating a website to keep an eye
was an obvious choice, says Brant on the corporate education agenda in
between a PLC and an IEP. I can talk
Duncan, president of the Lynn Teachers DIBELS with the best of them, and Massachusetts and the elected officials
Union. “She’s worked tireless on behalf know enough about the new evaluation who enable it. Stay tuned...
of the paras of Lynn, and she is a real system to test the patience of even my While I won’t miss the monthly
leader in our union, both at the local closest loved ones. deadlines and having to hound my
and the state level,” says Duncan. “How Along the way there have been writers to get their columns in on time
she finds time for all of her activities is a highlights (winning national recogni- (you know who you are!), living with-
mystery.” tion for my story on charter school out the stories of the teachers, para-
In addition to serving as 2nd vice
Wayne LeBlanc, professional teachers who organized a union) as professionals, librarians and higher
president of the local, and a member technician, UMass Dartmouth well as some low points (misspelling education faculty who make up AFT
‘judgment’ in a headline on the front Massachusetts will take some serious
of the AFT Massachusetts Executive
cover). getting used to.
Board, Deveney is leading an effort Dedication in action Thanks to all of you for making the
Now I’m moving on. This fall I’ll
to provide paras in Lynn with high When James Griffith, president of last six years so rewarding. It’s been an
be starting my own business to help
quality professional development. the UMass Faculty Federation at UMass unions and nonprofit groups do a incredible ride and I’ve enjoyed every
Working with Northeastern University
and Northshore Community College,
Dartmouth, was considering whom to
nominate for this year’s Distinguished
better job of communicating with their
members. I’m also looking forward
minute of it.
▪
—Jennifer Berkshire
Deveney facilitated courses for paras Service award, he had to look no to doing some in-depth reporting on
jenniferberkshire@gmail.com
in Lynn, then worked with the Lynn further than among his own colleagues. education issues. Last but not least,
5
June 2012
6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
For Profit Education Best—at Bilking Public
T he first bullet in former Governor
Romney recently released
educational policy (A Chance for Every
Students at for-
profit schools end Higher Education
up with higher News in Brief
Child: Mitt Romney’s Plan for Restoring
unemployment
the Promise of American Education)
and lower earnings
is to “allow low income and special UMass Lowell Adjuncts Sign
needs students to choose which school
than do comparable
students from other First Contract
to attend.“ For Governor Romney, Adjunct faculty at UMass Low-
school choice for low income students
schools.They also
end up with higher ell. whose fight for a first con-
combines market-based policy with
concern for the poor, a sleigh of hand debt. tract lasted more than a year,
that George Orwell predicted in 1984. finally have an agreement with
The business model clearly works for Obama signed an Executive Order to the university. The instructors
The proposed benefits of school
the businesses in for-profit education, stop recruiting abuses at for-profit voted overwhelmingly to ap-
choice can easily be tested with data
but it does not work very well for their schools that aim at veterans. The U.S.
because choice rules higher education, prove the deal last month. The
students. Department of Education has instituted
with the clearest choice between for-
The previously cited Harvard study sanctions at for-profit schools with high
new deal includes a significant
profit schools, where the business model salary increase, grants year-
of for-profit schools concluded that, default rates, including suspending
is supposed to promote good education long appointments to senior
“for-profit students end up with higher them from the student loans program.
at low cost, and not-for-profit schools,
unemployment and “idleness” rates and Similar to new banking regulations, adjuncts and bars the dismissal
where entrenched faculty supposedly
thwart education.
lower earnings six years after entering several bills have been proposed in of adjuncts without just cause.
As the choice model predicts, for-
programs than do comparable students Congress to force for-profits to provide The agreement came after a
from other schools.” some share of student aid from their series of rallies and headlines,
profit schools are the fastest growing
MA Attorney General, Martha own funds. calling attention to the school’s
segment in higher education. According
Coakley, and officials in other states are Contrary to Mr. Romney’s claim
to a 2011 Harvard University study, decision to pay its outgoing
investigating claims of false promises that school choice will lead to efficiency
enrollment in for-profit post-secondary president, Jack Wilson, more
and other recruiting violations. Many in education, market based incentives
schools increased by more than 100 fold than half a million dollars. After
for-profit schools budget as much for based on school choice led the for-
to almost 2 million students over the a year-long sabbatical Wilson
recruiting as they do for instruction. profits in higher education to the
past 4 decades. For-profit institutions
The abuses of for-profit schools easiest way to make a buck: collecting will return to UMass Lowell to
now enroll over 9% of students in higher
have attracted the attention of the government funds from bilking the teach for more than $200,000.
education.
Federal government as well. President public.
In another study, this research
group from Harvard also found that Student Strike in Quebec
the schools with funding from Federal Continues
student loan programs charge higher A massive strike by college
school of education, public policy and civic engagement
tuition than similar schools without students in Quebec is now in
access to Federal student loans. Tuition its fifth month and shows no
PhD/EdD
at for-profit schools is more than double signs of ending. Students in
the tuition and fees at state colleges and
the province went on strike
universities. Almost all costs at for-
in February to protest a pro-
profit schools is paid from government
grants and loans.
posal by government officials
to raise tuition from $2,168
Loan default rates at for-profit
schools is also high, more than the in Educational lEadErship to $3,793 between 2012 and
double default rates at not-for- 2017. While the amount of
profit schools. According to the Pew
Charitable Trust, for-profit schools
receive about 25% of all Federal Pell
a program money may seem trivial by US
standards, the striking students
say that that’s just the point.
Grants and Loans and account for
almost ½ of student loan defaults. focused on social While the International Cov-
enant on Economic, Social and
justice and equality
Grants, loans and loan defaults
would be much higher if not for Federal
Cultural Rights, which Canada
law requiring that at least 10% of total enacted in 1976, guarantees
student revenue comes from private
sources. Even 90% coverage by grants in education free higher education, students
in the province say that signs of
and loans underestimates the federal 4 year program please contact: creeping ‘Americanization’ can
dollars that go to for-profit schools be seen throughout the Ca-
because they are allowed to count designed nadian university system. “The
tuition assistance for service veterans for part-time dr. Joao paraskeva, government wants to say that
and the G.I. Bill as private funds
students Graduate program director loans and debt are the solu-
towards the 10% minimum. 508.910.6697
For-profit schools target service
tion,” says Concordia student
small
classes jparaskeva@umassd.edu Richard Hinton, while on a visit
veterans because they can leverage
G.I. funds to get more Federal funding to Boston this spring. “That’s
state
of the art research unacceptable to us. Tuition in-
for other students. According to a NY
in education
Times report (NYT, “For-Profit Colleges, leadership and policy creases make higher education
Vulnerable G.I.’s” 9/21/2011), “between accessible to fewer students.
2006 and 2010, the money received Saddling them with debt is not
in military education benefits by just
producing
education
leaders and policy makers the answer.”
20 for-profit companies soared to an
estimated $521.2 million from $66.6 with critical thinking skills For more information on the
million.” strike visit www.freeeducation-
www.umassd.edu/educationalleadership montreal.org
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate
