1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
Summer 2012
The Community Challenge
O
n a recent weeknight 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 was 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
Union, told the crowd.
The Lawrence community
COMMUNITY VOICE Ana Victoria Morales speaks at a community forum In This Issue
in Lawrence, part of an ambitious plan to strengthen ties between teachers
engagement project began months and the larger Lawrence community. Said Morales, a recent graduate of the
ago, just days after the state moved to Lawrence Public Schools: “I’m here because I want to help lift my city up.” 2 President’s Column
take over the Lawrence Public Schools. Meet the Distinguished
Lawrence High School. Boston, and New Bedford. In most
(At press time, the state-appointed Service Winners of 2012
One by one, teachers, parents and of these cities, the teachers union is
receiver was expected to announce
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 4 Diary of a New Teacher: A
teacher learns that there is
district’s lowest-performing schools,
concerns and their hopes for the future. presence. “Given the number of people no quick fix for confronting
including inviting charter schools to
“Lawrence has a history of leading the we represent, we have the potential to
manage several of the city’s schools.) inequality and segregation
way to social change,” said Jineyda play a much more significant role in
Jasiela Chaves, a public education
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. 5 The Editor of the Advocate
is spearheading the project, says Signs Off
true way of making change—that’s why He has begun recruiting volunteers
that the state takeover provided an
teachers have to be involved.” from within his membership to serve
opportunity for Lawrence residents
to have a real conversation about
The effort to build a partnership as community ambassadors—teachers 6 On Campus: For-profit higher
education works for business,
between teachers and the communities and paraprofessionals who are already
its schools. “If we want to make our not so well for students
in which they live and work is not active in church groups or local
community, our city stronger, we have
unique to Lawrence. Similar efforts organizations and are willing to talk
to make our schools stronger too,” says
Chaves, who is a recent graduate of
are under way across the state, about what’s needed to make Lynn’s 7 Retiree Corner
Golden Apple: A father’s day
including in Lynn, Lowell, Worcester, schools work for the children they page 8
Continued on
tribute
Award-Winning Film Gets the Story Straight
By Matt Robinson
F rom “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 a surprise 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
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 were announced at the state team’s content leader, expressed surprise
convention in Quincy last month, at the call and said that all of her co-
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer
are presented annually to AFT MA workers deserve to be thanked for their
VICE PRESIDENTS work. “This school is full of wonderful
members who have demonstrated
teachers and I don’t know that I should
Tim Angerhofer an outstanding level of service and
be singled out, but I do feel honored,”
Patricia Armstrong dedication to their union locals. This
Deborah Blinder Piacitelli told the Boston Globe.
year’s recipients included Amesbury
Sean Bowker
Kathryn Chamberlain High School teacher Thad Ackerman;
Brenda Chaney Lowell High School teacher William
Kathy Delaney Donaghey; Wayne LeBlanc, a Top of the Pops
Catherine Deveney professional technician at UMass
Patricia Driscoll
Five Boston high school students got to
Dartmouth; Lynn paraprofessional Thad Ackerman, math teacher, showcase their talent with the Boston
Marianne Dumont
Catherine Deveney, Barbara Bemis, a Amesbury High School. Pops as winners of the annual Fidelity
Brant Duncan
J. Michael Earle paraprofessional at Carney Academy FutureStage Young Artists Competition.
Ackermans,” said Leary, who teaches
Margaret Farrell in New Bedford; and retired Lowell Boston Latin School students Phuong
Mary Ferriter with Ackerman at Amesbury High
teacher Judith Robinson. Nghi Pham and John, Grace and
Jenna Fitzgerald School. Robert Carney comprised four
AFT MA president Tom Gosnell
Richard Flaherty His colleagues and fellow union of the five talented winners of the
Paul Georges praised this year’s award winners,
members seem to agree. Ackerman, 2012 Fidelity FutureStage Young
Daniel Haacker noting that they set a high standard
who gave up a career in engineering Artists Competition. Olivia Harris of
Joyce Harrington for the union’s future leaders. “These
Susan Leahy to become a teacher, currently serves Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, was
individuals really embody what AFT
Francis McLaughlin as treasurer of AFT Amesbury. also featured. A panel of judges selected
Massachusetts is about. They inspire the winners from among many contestants
Bruce Nelson Local president Cindy Yetman
James Philip their colleagues, their students and all from the Boston and Cambridge area.The
praises him for his consummate
Bruce Sparfven of us in the union movement.” winners performed on May 29, 2012, with
professionalism, and for using his love
Richard Stutman the Boston Pops, under the direction of
Gale Thomas Service counts of numbers to help the teachers and
Keith Lockhart.
When Barbara Leary, director paraprofessionals of Amesbury. Says
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor Yetman: “He can always be counted
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402
of mathematics at AFT Amesbury,
offered her support for the nomination on to explain financial issues to our Got good news to share? Send it to
Boston, Mass. 02111
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 of her colleague, Thad Ackerman, her members in a clear and meaningful advocate@aftma.net
Fax: 617-423-0174 recommendation could hardly have fashion. He is well deserving of this
www.aftma.net been stronger. “The world would be a award and recognition.
advocate@aftma.net
2 better place if there were more Thad Continued on page 5

3. A Film with Real Class
Though they met
before becoming
teachers, the
Continued from cover Lamothes clearly
in their classes,” Lamothe says, “whose
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
3
Summer 2012

4. Diary
of a New Teacher
O
n a recent Sunday morning, I
staked out a spot about 200
meters from the finish line of the
Providence Marathon. After a while,
in the distance I spotted Ben, one of
EYES WIDE OPEN
Bill Madden-
Fuoco says that his
experiences working
in urban districts
my students. Well over six feet tall and 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 education is the
by, smiling. 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
your experiences? You’ll get – with our school’s three Dream Far central office so that he could attempt of local control and the premise that
runners and other teacher volunteers. to transfer for the upcoming year. His privilege-conferring education is a
$300 per column and the
Everyone who works and learns in father had signed all the papers. On the birthright that comes with living in the
exposure of appearing in a an urban school has no choice but to “Out-of-Assigned-District Placement” right zip code? An equity index that
statewide publication that wring out the best possible results from form, in the “reason for request” space, measures state-by-state educational
reaches 25,000 readers. In- what we have. Pursuit of higher MCAS he had written: “Better educational fairness and determines federal funding
scores and budget constraints have left programs, more activities, higher would be a good start. Even a move as
terested? Write to:
enrichments for most Boston teenagers success rates, and closer to where modest as this, however, won’t come
advocate@aftma.net threadbare, and Darcel’s efforts to we live.” After a long talk with Ben, I voluntarily. But with the right kind of
create opportunities where few exist agreed to take him. pressure, it might.
is a model of what it means to be an Later that week we drove to the
Meet the 2011-2012
effective urban educator now. central office. A nice woman told us we Congratulations
Days before the marathon, I worked had to go to Newton South High School.
New Teacher Diarists with Ben after school. Students in my On the way there we passed Newton The Advocate congratulates New Teacher
10th grade Humanities classes recently North High School, which opened two Diarist Bill Madden-Fuoco. Hiis col-
developed their own research questions years ago and cost almost $200 million
umn in the September 2011 edition of
The following new teachers contributed
to pursue as their final projects. The
the paper, on the difference between
to the New Teacher Diary during the to build. Kids played lacrosse on its
teaching and ensuring that students
past school year. The Advocate thanks criterion is that the question can emerald lawn and its sprawling modern
learn, took second place in the annual
all of these fine teachers for sharing lead to a reasonable debate. Here’s façade seemed like a mirage. At Newton
journalism competition sponsored by
their experience and looks forward to Ben’s: “Should one person get a better South, an administrator was one of the
the American Federation of Teachers.
welcoming a new class of contributors education just because of where he or few souls left in the main office. She
Also receiving recognition this year:
next fall. she lives?” I hesitated at first. On its informed Ben that he would have to call
cartoonist Joseph Quigley for his draw-
face, the question seems incapable of the next day to make an appointment ing of “The New Atlas” that appeared in
Riana Good sparking debate. But then I came to my when the office was better staffed. The the November 2011 Advocate. Quigley
Spanish teacher, Boston Teachers Union senses and approved it. next day Ben borrowed my phone to received a second-place prize for best
School, Jamaica Plain. Ben lives in a small condominium make the call. A woman on the other original drawing. Congratulations to
complex through which the borders end kept repeating “You have to live in both!
Lorena German of Newton, Brookline, and Boston Newton in order to go here.”
ELA teacher, Lawrence High School, – imperceptibly, yet with great The conversations we have about
Lawrence. consequence – slice through red teacher evaluation, turnarounds, and
brick walls and piece out educational charters matter. Gotta have them. But
Bill Madden-Fuoco opportunity. Ben goes to school in they skirt a larger issue. I predict that
Humanities teacher, Urban Science Boston where the four-year graduation performance based evaluations will
Academy ,West Roxbury, rate is 62%. If he lived in the apartment reveal that in urban districts, even the
a few doors down, he would catch the most effective teachers – say the top 5%
Melissa McDonald
school bus that stops at the end of his – do not produce acceptable learning
Fifth grade teacher, Parthum Elementary
street and takes kids to Newton, where gains. I say this as someone who
School, Lawrence.
the student population is 74% white, believes that when it comes to learning,
and the graduation rate is 96%. teacher quality trumps everything,
Joyce Melker
Ben is often whimsical. When I including out-of-school factors.
Paraprofessional, Henry Lord Middle
checked in on him, his computer screen We need to change conditions to
School, Fall River,
was checkered with pictures of snake make effective teaching more possible:
Amanda Perez meat, culled from a Google images smaller rosters, fewer preps, more
Middle school teacher, Sarah Greenwood search. “Ben, why are you searching time to plan and collaborate, more
School, Dorchester. for pictures of snake meat?” I asked. teachers. Such a paradigm shift could
“It’s because I eat a lot of fish, and fish begin to level the playing field, but
Matthew Robinson and snakes have almost the same kind the investment required is far beyond
ELA and journalism teacher, Burke High of skin,” he explained. “I wanted to see anything currently being discussed.
School, Dorchester. what their meat looks like.” Left unchecked, inequality festers.
When it comes to the differences Always. The dream of desegregation
Robert Tobio between the schools of Boston and its – our best-ever check against
Math and special education teacher, Mary neighbors, however, Ben is serious. He educational inequality – has been
Lyon Pilot School, Brighton. can fluently navigate the DESE and all but killed by the Supreme Court.
Education Week websites to show that And zoning laws that prohibit the
students in Newton are more likely to construction of affordable housing in
have classes taught by highly qualified areas with high performing schools
teachers. He is well versed in the deep effectively act as gates to keep out
catalog of classes and activities that other people’s children. Dewey called
Newton and Brookline boast. Despite education “the great equalizer.” But
its seemingly comparable per-pupil when schools themselves are grossly
spending, Boston has a far greater unequal, education is the great sorting
percentage of students with low- mechanism.
socioeconomic status and students with I often wonder: How is it that we
limited English proficiency, and its are not out in the streets over what
attendance rates are abysmal. Jonathan Kozol calls “apartheid
Two weeks after the marathon, Ben education”? What will it take to
asked me to drive him to Newton’s dismantle our fealty to the principle
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
is 100%. LeBlanc’s dedication to of Lowell. Over the years, that gift
In great company mentoring extends to the union’s newest of collegiality has made Donaghey a
When the New Bedford Federation members, the research associates and beloved figure among his students, his
of Paraprofessionals were considering technical associates. “They were all colleagues, as well as among his fellow
whom to nominate for the distinguished mentored by Wayne in ‘how to survive union members. “He has tremendous
service award, Barbara Bemis quickly and thrive here,’” says Griffith, noting integrity and an incredibly warm
came to mind. Explains Connie Motta, that LeBlanc helped the new members personality,” says O’Brien. Among his
president of the local: “Barbara is a write their first contract. students and fellow teachers Donaghey
dedicated paraprofessional who has Griffith sums up the qualities is known as an outstanding teacher who
worked diligently for the betterment Judith Robinson, retired teacher, of his coworker this way: “In short, helps to create a “college-bound” culture
of the union, its members, and the Lowell Public Schools Wayne is one of those people that all among his students and their families.
students of the New Bedford Public unions need—bright, inexhaustible and O’Brien notes that Donaghey has
Schools.” But what may be most incorruptible—and which too few of us also served as a union leader for many
Continued service
impressive about Bemis, notes Motta, have in sufficient quantity. We admire years, including as an LHS building
Every year AFT Massachusetts
is the duration of her dedication. “She’s him, respect him and love him.” rep, as the secondary vice president
honors a retired union member whose
been a para for 41 and a half years.” and as the high school representative
Bemis’ colleagues at the John B.
career has exemplified dedication and Collegiality award
service. The 2012 award goes to Judy on the Education Development
DeValles School, where she has served When Bill Donaghey joined the
Robinson, a beloved kindergarten Committee, which meets monthly with
as a building rep for the past 10 years, faculty at Lowell High School as a
teacher who spent more than 30 years the superintendent. “Bill is the true
praise her leadership and devotion to Spanish teacher nearly 30 years ago,
educating the children of Lowell. But reflection of what every teacher aspires
the children with whom she works. Jack O’Brien, then a house master
while Robinson may no longer be in the to be,” says O’Brien.
Bemis is also a role model, adds at LHS, noticed something special
classroom, the members of the United AFT MA congratulates all of this
Motta. “She has been a strong leader about his new colleague. “He had
year’s Distinguished Service Award
▪
Teachers of Lowell continue to benefit an immediate rapport with almost
and role model in tough times and is winners.
from her vast educational and union-
what s
unafraid to stand up for what’s right.
related expertise. “She’s been incredibly
l t d ti “Sh ’ b i dibl
Her actions exemplify what a true union
generous with her time and is always
leader should be.”
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 SPEED RACER After six years at the
paraprofessionals to receive the every school name! Fortunately, I’m helm of the Advocate, editor Jennifer
Distinguished Service Award in the a quick learner and after 54 issues (or
Berkshire is riding into the future.
same year, Lynn para Cathi Deveney 456 pages for any math teachers out
there), I finally know the difference I’m creating a website to keep an eye
was an obvious choice, says Brant
between a PLC and an IEP. I can talk on the corporate education agenda in
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
of the AFT Massachusetts Executive ‘judgment’ in a headline on the front Massachusetts will take some serious
cover). getting used to.
Board, Deveney is leading an effort Dedication in action
Now I’m moving on. This fall I’ll Thanks to all of you for making the
to provide paras in Lynn with high When James Griffith, president of
be starting my own business to help last six years so rewarding. It’s been an
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,
Deveney facilitated courses for paras
Dartmouth, was considering whom to
nominate for this year’s Distinguished
Service award, he had to look no
better job of communicating with their
members. I’m also looking forward
minute of it.
▪
—Jennifer Berkshire
to doing some in-depth reporting on
in Lynn, then worked with the Lynn further than among his own colleagues. education issues. Last but not least, jenniferberkshire@gmail.com
5
Summer 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
at for-profit schools is more than double signs of ending. Students in
the tuition and fees at state colleges and
universities. Almost all costs at for-
profit schools is paid from government
grants and loans.
PhD/EdD the province went on strike
in February to protest a pro-
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 money may seem trivial by US
Charitable Trust, for-profit schools
receive about 25% of all Federal Pell
A program 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
Grants, loans and loan defaults
would be much higher if not for Federal
law requiring that at least 10% of total
justice and equality Cultural Rights, which Canada
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

7. Retiree Corner SENIOR SEMINARS
Marie Ardito, Co-founder Protecting Your Nest Egg
Massachusetts Retirees United Two hour free seminar, presented by
www.retireesunited.org Elder Law Attorney Mary Howie deals
with should you have a will or a trust.
Trusts (irrevocable and revocable)
Retirement Questions—Answered
gifting, Medicare Qualifying Trusts,
probate, joint tenancy, direct transfers
upon death, aid and attendance, and
much more.
T his month’s column is on a couple If you look at some of these dates. you work for, nor the Commonwealth,
of issues important to those still some people would have almost a two- contributes anything to your fund. When: Saturday June 23, 10 - Noon
working and those retired. As you know year wait until they can exercise what If your salary this year was $70,000 Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105,
MRU was responsible for the passage the law states they need only a year to and you are under retirement plus, 214 Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
of a bill that increased by $15,000 the use. You calculate what you can earn you paid $7,700 to get credit for this
amount a person may make in a public on a calendar year not a contract year. year of service. If you have any of To register email Marie at mardito@
service job when retired. The law states It is obvious that PERAC feels you the forms of creditable service listed, retireesunited.org or call 1-617-482-
one has to be retired one year to make should skip one complete calendar or you have regular service that you 1568 and leave your name (please
use of the increase. It should not be year in order to be eligible for the rendered in the past but took the spell last name) a phone # and the
necessary to clarify what constitutes benefit. That is not what the law money out for it, you have to buy it number who will be attending.You are
a year. However recently the Public stated; it said retired for one year. If back or make an initial purchase. registered unless you hear differently.
Employee Retirement Administration this will adversely affect you, contact It is imperative that you begin the
No return phone call will be made
Commission (PERAC) provided your local Representative and Senator process ASAP as the interest rates on
unless you have a question or need
guidance to the 106 retirement systems and ask them why PERAC can impose such purchases is over doubling on
directions.
in the Commonwealth. a longer waiting period than the law April 2, 2013 to 8.25%. To avoid the
Here is a chart explaining PERAC’s states. Ask them to do what they can increase you must have your paper
to see that the law is implemented as work into the MTRS by that date. This Important Information
guidelines:
written not as PERAC interprets it summer is the perfect time to begin for Active Employees
Date of Retirement Date Eligible to Earn should be implemented. the process.
The next issue is that any teacher Another question I am often asked If you have creditable service that
Additional $15,000
you have not purchased and that you
Retired before or on 4/1/2011 still working, who has any creditable is does it pay to buy back service? The
are eligible to receive it is imperative
Eligible to earn: 4/2/2012 service they wish to purchase (buy service you would be buying back for
that you begin the process at once.
Retired between 4/2/2011 & 12/31/2011 back), go to the MTRS website www. the most part will be less expensive On April 2, 2013 the interest rate will
Eligible to earn: 1/1/2013 mass.gov/mtrs/ and read about the than what you just paid for this increase to 8.25% making the cost of
Retired between 1/1/2012 & 12/31/2012 various forms of creditable service. present year of service and it is still buying back this service substantially
Eligible to earn: 1/1/2014 If you qualify for any, download the a year of service. The only ones who more.
Retired between 1/1/2013 & 12/31/2013 appropriate form and start the buy- should not buy-back are those who
Eligible to earn: 1/1/2015 back process immediately. Some never want to retire or are at 80% If you need aren’t sure whether or
Retired between 1/1/2014 & 12/31/2014 ask me what I mean by buy-back? without the service. You do not buy- not you are eligible to buy back ser-
Eligible to earn:1/1/2016 Up until the time you retire you are back what you will never use. Contact vice,Visit www.mass.gov/mtrs/.
the only one contributing to your me at mardito@retireesunited.org
retirement. Neither the community with any questions you may have.
The
Golden W hat my dad did for me is
something very hard for me to
write about. My dad has done many
Apple things for me throughout my life, but
one of the most important things he
did for me was to introduce me to an
amazing group of individuals that
I ended up falling in love with and
Shannon Reilly making a career out of working with
them.
Special education teacher, My dad works very hard to provide
Vining Elementary School, for and support his family and is
Billerica, MA amazing at it. If my brother and I
ever asked for anything when we were
younger, he would try his best to get
it for us. He basically did what most
parents try to do for their children,
and show them an endless amount of SPECIAL BOND Shannon Reilly with her father—and inspiration—Joe, a
love. chef and instructor at the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative.
My dad is a chef instructor
at Merrimack Special Education follow my dreams and that is exactly teacher I am today.
Collaborative in Billerica and has what I did My dad is an amazing man. He
been for many years. My dad used I never understood what my dad gives individuals the opportunity to
to always share stories about events did everyday and why he loved his job learn skills in the kitchen that they
that would happen at his work and as much as he did until I worked at might not otherwise be taught. He is
at times I would go and visit while he a summer camp after my junior year patient, kind and celebrates the small
was working. I always had a strong of high school. The students that I successes in life with his students. I
relationship with my dad growing up, worked with were individuals with remember growing up and visiting
but it got stronger when I began to a variety of special needs. The first my dad’s work and thinking maybe I
volunteer with children with special day of camp changed my life forever. could do this someday. My dad has
needs. From that day on, with my dad’s shown me many things growing up but
I never knew why my dad would support, I began to look at colleges the most important thing he showed
get up at 4:45 in the morning and with special education programs. me was how to be patient and caring.
drive 45 minutes to work every day Throughout my four years of I am a special education teacher
but then I got it, I got the education college in Maine, my dad was always because I have had one of the best
bug! People have always said that I just a phone call away if I had any teachers guiding me my whole life.
remind them of my dad or that we questions about a situation I had My dad is the reason I am a special
look similar—little do they know we been in or a lesson I wanted to teach education teacher and loving what I
have more in common than meets the a group of students. My dad is the do every day.
eye. My dad has always inspired me to reason I am the person—and the
Summer 2012 7