1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
May 2012
Teachers Tell Stand: “Sit Down”
S
ome of the state’s top teachers
made a special trip to Beacon
Hill last month to urge
legislators to reject a measure that
would eliminate many workplace
protections for teachers. In hours of
passionate and eloquent testimony
before the Joint Committee on
Education, the teachers argued that
the controversial ballot measure
would silence them, thus making it far
more difficult for them to advocate on
behalf of the students who need them
the most.
Teachers and legislators also
had an opportunity to hear from
representatives of the outside
In This Issue
group, known as Stand for Children,
that is pushing the measure with EXPERT TESTIMONY Lowell teacher Susan Uvanni and Boston teacher
a major financial assist from Riana Good look on as Ross Kochman, a 6th grade teacher at Boston’s Harbor
corporate foundations including the School, testifies to members of the Joint Committee on Education about a
conservative Walton Foundation.
controversial proposal that would gut workplace protections for educators. 2 President’s Column
Bold Print
At the hearing, Stand chief Jason voices aren’t heard enough in policy appears to be far more concerned with
Williams spoke to the powerful
impact that great teachers can have
discussions because we’d rather be
in our classrooms,” said Tang, the
ways to limit the ability of teachers
to bargain collectively than with the
4 Diary of a New Student: A
teacher returns to the class-
on struggling students. But while the recipient of a Sontag Prize in Urban lives of actual children who attend rooms where she was once a
educators present no doubt share Education, an award to outstanding Massachusetts schools. student
that view they argued forcefully that educators across the country. Tang
the Stand initiative will punish the said that her own insights into what No silver bullet 5 Behind the Scenes: Travel
very teachers who take on the most students need in order to succeed While Stand’s Williams stated in opens a new teacher’s eyes
challenging assignments. had come from students themselves, his testimony that there is “no silver
bullet” for turning around struggling
Happy Birthday Phantom
Jessica Tang, a 6th grade along with input from parents and
humanities teacher at the Young community members. “Students have schools, the educators argued that the Tollbooth
Achievers Math and Science ballot measure represents a one-size-
Pilot School in Boston, told the
practical concerns, parents want
more opportunities for their kids and fits-all approach that would essentially 6 On Campus: Responding to
school shootings
legislators that the seriousness of community members want schools handcuff them, making collaboration
the threat facing educators in the
Commonwealth had brought her
they can be proud of. This proposal
addresses none of those,” said Tang,
and innovation in their schools far
more difficult.
7 Retiree Corner
Senior seminars
out of her classroom. “Teacher noting that the ballot initiative Continued on page 8
1-A-4-A: 2012 Convention
Paraprofessional Pride, Unity on Display Supplement
W hen Chris Lopez, the library para
at Boston’s Condon Elementary
School, realized that a teacher needed
urgent assistance with a student in
crisis, she knew just where to turn.
Lopez sounded an urgent call for
veteran para Sharon O’Dwyer who
quickly arrived on the scene. “We help
If you’d like to receive an
each other out,” said O’Dwyer. “We electronic version of the
support the teachers and the students— Advocate, send an email to
we’re part of a team.” advocate@aftma.net. Please
The team ethos that is the rule
among paras at the Condon was on
include your home mailing
vivid display at the recent statewide address for identification.
Paraprofessional Conference at the
Boston Teachers Union hall. More Did you know that your
PARA TEAM Paraprofessionals from the Condon Elementary School in
than 20 paras attended from the South
Boston school, far and away the largest
Boston. Close to twenty paras from the Condon attended the recent AFT MA membership
statewide Paraprofessional Conference, the largest delegation at the event.
delegation at the event. The Condon entitles you to discounts
paras say that they look forward to said Manning, to the delight of her new that gets too little recognition. on insurance products?
attending the gathering all year. “It’s Tom Gosnell, the president of AFT
a day for us,” said Sheila Yetman. This
colleagues. For more information visit
The Condon paras say that they Massachusetts, acknowledged that
year, the group succeeded in bringing exemplify the spirit of the annual para in his remarks to the crowd. “You are
the benefits page of our
a brand new recruit: Casey Manning, gathering, this year themed as “A critical to the success and support of website:
who started at the school as a long- Tribute to Paras.” Each year paras from our students,” said Gosnell. “You have www.aftma.net/member-
term sub and is completing her first schools across the state meet up here to an extremely demanding job.”
year as a para. “They made me come,”
benefits/
recharge and celebrate an occupation
Continued on page 3

2. BOLD
ensure that all students have excellent
teachers.
This is another distortion. The
Ed Doherty reality is that seniority does not protect
anyone from being evaluated by their
PRINT
Special Assistant to the President, supervisors and being dismissed if his
or her performance does not measure Full STEM Ahead
AFT Massachusetts up to expectations. It does not matter Maureen Parker, an eighth grade
whether a teacher has been teaching physical science teacher at the Locke
Experienced Teachers for two years or for forty-two years, Middle School in Billerica, has been
that person can be fired if he or she is selected to participate in the 2012
Siemens STEM Institute this summer.
Deserve Respect
unable or unwilling to do the job well.
Parker is one of fifty middle and high
Seniority rights are not a protection
school STEM educators who will spend
for bad teachers; on the contrary,
a week at the world headquarters of
these rights are a protection for good Discovery Communications where they
M ost people facing open- methodologies, and too old to relate teachers. Seniority is a protection will be immersed in hands-on STEM
heart surgery would seek out well with students; while younger against capricious and arbitrary professional development. Following
an experienced doctor who has recruits are enthusiastic, energetic, decisions by the employer; and further, the Institute, the Fellows will serve as
successfully performed the operation eager, and committed. The message these rights act as a barrier to prevent STEM ambassadors in their schools
over a number of years. Very few, if coming from this distorted picture age discrimination, racial bias, or any and communities as they continue
any, would search for a young man or is that younger is better and that other form of prejudice. Seniority working together on STEM projects and
woman just out of medical school with seniority rights in teacher contracts rights prevent school districts from empowering peers with the tools and
scant experience. The same would hold are an obstacle to keeping younger firing higher paid teachers in order knowledge gained from the Institute.
true for people looking for a lawyer to teachers in classrooms; therefore, these to replace them with teachers on the Parker began teaching at the Locke in
represent them in an important legal rights for teachers must be eliminated. 2001 after a 16 year career in industry as
lower salary steps. Seniority allows
In Massachusetts an attack on an electron microscopist, histotechnician,
proceeding. Their first choice would experienced teachers to advocate
teachers’ seniority rights is currently and environmental chemist.
probably be the firm’s senior partner, for children and to have a voice in
not the rookie, just out of law school, being spearheaded by “Stand for educational decisions; and, when    
who has only appeared a handful of Children,” an organization whose necessary, to disagree with a principal
times before a judge. In medicine innocuous name has nothing to do with or superintendent or school committee Pencil Project
and law, experience is valued. There its real agenda. One only has to look member without fear of retribution or Kudos to students in fifth through
is a presumption that those who have at some of Stand for Children’s major job loss. eighth grades at South Lawrence
been in these professions for a number donors, including Bain Capital and the Attacks on our teachers’ rights East School who took part in two
of years have talent, knowledge, Walton Family Foundation (Walmart), are totally unwarranted given the community service projects to collect
and ability that exceeds that of their to realize that what it “stands” for is outstanding work of our state’s school supplies for a school in Kenya
younger colleagues. Big Business and not for children. teachers. For the past four years and pajamas, socks and underwear for
Unfortunately, in the field of These are organizations that like to the pediatric unit at Lawrence General
Massachusetts has been rated
be able to say, “you’re fired,” without Hospital. Jill Riker, an eighth-grade
education, the notion that experience number one in the nation in student
worrying about such things as fairness, teacher at South Lawrence East, worked
is a positive attribute in one’s achievement on the National
due process or anti-discrimination with sixth-grade teacher Pat Briton,
professional life is not as prevalent. Assessment of Educational Progress to organize the projects. Students at
For example, a recent Boston Globe protections. in both math and reading. This is South Lawrence East began work on
editorial lamented the idea that Stand for Children’s major strategy an incredible record. Our teachers the project in February, settling on the
“young, talented teachers” could in its attack on teachers’ rights is to deserve a great deal of the credit for logo, “Bring On The Love.” The entire
lose their positions to “veteran place a ballot question before voters our students’ outstanding academic school collected school supplies for The
teachers.” Experienced teachers are next fall that would restrict teachers’ performance. The experience and Pencil Project, for a total of seven large
often characterized in the media as collective bargaining rights around dedication of our teachers should boxes for a school in Kenya through an
burnt-out, lazy, unfamiliar with new issues of evaluation, assignments, and be valued and respected, just as we organization called Kawelle. Congrats to
transfers. Further, it would prohibit value experience and dedication in Riker, Briton and your students for their
the use of seniority as a determining inspiring work.
other professions. Our teachers do
factor in teacher layoffs. Stand for not deserve to have their reasonable
Children’s claim is that seniority    
protections and legitimate rights
The official publication of
protects “bad” teachers, and that
the goal of the ballot question is to
abolished.
▪ Trivial pursuits
Congratulations to the winners of the
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO first ever Lynn Teachers Union Trivia
Thomas J. Gosnell, President Letters to the Editor Night. The team headed up by Diane
Dunn and Cathy Deveney, an AFT MA
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer
Dear Editor: of a retirement. Executive Board and paraprofessional
VICE PRESIDENTS Some of the issues addressed during In addition to this, Boston’s at the Thurgood Marshall Middle
the Telephone Town Hall on 3/28/12 principals are not strangers to School member, took the top spot in
Patricia Armstrong
are already being implemented in nepotism, favoritism, other preferential the event, successfully answering the
Deborah Blinder
Sean Bowker treatment in their hiring of employees most number of stump-worthy questions.
Boston Public Schools. Older teachers
Kathryn Chamberlain The event, which was emceed by AFT
are being given less than satisfactory for their buildings. Some principals
Brenda Chaney MA’s own Brian LaPierre, attracted more
evaluations in various areas and are simply politically connected than 70 Lynn educators from schools
Kathy Delaney
Catherine Deveney are being told outright that they figureheads who wield their power in across the city. If you’d like to organize
Patricia Driscoll should retire. Some have even been corrupt and inappropriate manners a trivia night for your union, contact
Marianne Dumont terminated with the loss of their in their schools. They hire teachers jberkshire@aftma.net.
J. Michael Earle retirement that they have worked so who don’t have proper credentials to
Margaret Farrell    
Mary Ferriter
hard to accrue. Principals are doing take over positions as they become
Jenna Fitzgerald this in response to a not very subtle available in their schools as they see fit. Employee of the Month
Richard Flaherty mandate from the Superintendent’s If you want to get corroboration Gabriella White, the Academic/Testing
Paul Georges office. about this information, just ask some Coordinator, has been named Nashoba
Alice M. Gunning The aim, of course, is to reduce the of the older teachers around the city. Valley Tech’s Employee of the Month.
Daniel Haacker
school’s budget. Many not so subtle They know what is being done in the Gabby was nominated by Andrea Watson,
Joyce Harrington
Susan Leahy tactics are being used to “get rid of” schools. Jeremy Slotnick, Jonathan Roman, Emily
Francis McLaughlin older staff members. Smith and Eric Stevenson, who praised her
Bruce Nelson The methods being used with the Name and address withheld upon request. for her hard work and dedication to her
Catherine Patten students at Nashoba Valley. “She is always
older teachers are being used system
James Philip available to give advice and suggestions
Bruce Sparfven
wide. Principals walk up to older
about ways to improve classroom
Richard Stutman teachers and tell them verbally that performance, and is often seen talking
Gale Thomas they “should retire.” Then various to and encouraging students to do their
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor
tactics ensue to wear down the best. She inspires us to work our hardest
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402
teacher whch destroys the teacher’s under any circumstance and should
Boston, Mass. 02111 morale piece by piece. Eventually, if all be commended.,” wrote the students.
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 hints and tactics haven’t been heeded Congratulations Gabby!
Fax: 617-423-0174 the harassed and totally morale
www.aftma.net frazzled teacher gets terminated. The Got good news to share? Send it to
2 advocate@aftma.net
teacher then leaves without the benefit advocate@aftma.net

3. Para Pride, Unity on Display
Continued from cover
counterparts in Amesbury. “The lesson
here is that we have to work together to
At the statewide Para be successful,” says Duncan.
Conference, celebration Under siege
mixes with a palpable The featured speaker of the day was
Ruby Newbold, president of the Detroit
fear for the future. Association of Educational Office
Paras across the country Employees and an AFT vice president.
Newbold reported having seen one of
are losing their rights the misleading television ads being
as their profession and aired here by the controversial group
Stand for Children (see cover story).
way of life comes under Said Newbold: “They don’t stand
assault. for people who actually work with
children.” She cautioned the audience
members to be wary of organizations
While much of the day was devoted that claim to speak for ‘children’ or
to celebrating the hard work of the ‘parents’ but are really mouthpieces for SPECIAL DAY Iris Santana (left) is a first year para at the Holland School in
education support personnel, serious a corporate agenda. “They have a plan Boston. Her friend Jacqueline Stroud has worked at the school for 6 years.
issues dominated the discussion. and they’re following it,” said Newbold. This was the first time either had attended the Paraprofessional Conference.
Several Massachusetts school “They want our schools, our unions Fitzgerald, the Paraprofessional Field the event for the first time. Jerome
districts have sought to privatize and our way of life.” Representative for the Boston Teachers Anderson, a para at the Washington
paraprofessional services in recent In Michigan, paras, teachers and Union. “We have to remind ourselves Elementary School in Lynn, which
years, a trend that is likely to accelerate other public employees have found ‘this is who we are’ and ‘this is what we serves students with behavior
given the deep financial straits in themselves under a full-0n assault in believe in.’” problems, said that staff at the
which many cities and towns find recent months. Lawmakers recently Despite the immense challenges school were trying to do a better job
themselves. In Amesbury, paras who passed a measure banning public facing paras, teachers and other of working directly with parents in
work with special education students employers from deducting dues from public sector union members today, an effort to help them understand
successfully fought an effort to the paychecks of school employees. Newbold told the crowd that she what paras do. “Parents don’t always
outsource their jobs by working with Union leaders say that the bill was remains hopeful. Said Newbold: “We realize,” says Anderson, a first-time
parents and community members. passed to punish school employees for have something the other side doesn’t attendee at the conference.
Still, their victory came at a significant exercising their free speech rights in have: each other—we have solidarity. First year para Iris Santana was
cost to the paras—already the lowest calling for a constitutional amendment They may have money but we have attending the event with her friend
paid educators in the city—who gave to protect collective bargaining rights right.” She encouraged the paras to Jacqueline Stroud. Both work at
up vacation days, longevity bonuses in the state. help educate their colleagues about the the Holland School in Dorchester.
and reimbursement for professional
Community solution importance of belonging to a union, Santana said that Newbold’s speech
training and education in order to hold
Newbold said that the experience and to get involved if they aren’t had encouraged her to become more
onto the jobs they love.
of the paras and teachers in Michigan already. “Get informed and involved in active. “She really challenged us today.”
In Lynn, the Lynn Teachers
demonstrates that it isn’t enough to our fight—because that’s what it is: our Stroud nodded in agreement. “We do
Union which represents the paras in
struggle.” this work because we love kids,” said
that city’s schools, has fought off a
similar privatization bid—for now.
President Brant Duncan notes that the
merely belong to a union. “We have to
organize ourselves,” said Newbold, who
serves on the AFT’s Paraprofessional
That message seemed to resonate
with the paras in the audience, a
Stroud. “That’s why we’re here.”
▪
Advisory Council with Jenna number of whom were attending
Lynn paras learned much from their
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3
May 2012

4. Diary I
n my classroom there is a young TEACH FOR LAWRENCE
girl. She came to the US when she Lorena German, a
was little. She was raised here in third year teacher at
Lawrence and all her schooling was in Lawrence High School,
the public schools. In middle school has come back to teach
of a New Teacher she was very involved in her studies. at the same school
She always did her homework and that she once attended.
then some. She won city wide spelling German brings with her
By Lorena German bees, read endlessly, participated a direct knowledge of
English Teacher the challenges that her
in after school activities and even
Lawrence HIgh School students will face when
tutored peers when allowed. She was
they go onto college. “I
responsible in her education and had want them to see, through
serious goals for her life. College was me, that they have a
already on her mind. She graduated chance to make a change.”
Writers wanted from eighth grade with honors.
Then, she went to Lawrence High
Are you a new teacher who School. She sat in classes packed
She went away during the summers will be a sea of white American
would like to write about with other students and was highly
to various college-sponsored programs students and she will start to question
distracted by the dysfunction. She saw
your experiences? You’ll get students who dropped out long before
for high school students as a way to her identity as a Latina in the U.S. She
$300 per column and the compensate for what she was lacking will not understand what the class is
graduation day. She saw classrooms
during the year and to boost up her talking about as they discuss British
exposure of appearing in a plagued by endless standardized
resume. She still hadn’t given up on poetry or when the teacher corrects
statewide publication that tests and busy work. She experienced
that college goal. her paper and grades her down for
absent teachers and a few others who
reaches 25,000 readers. In- seemed like they were only coming in
Senior year rolled around and the “poor syntax.” She will start to wonder
terested? Write to: A student had become a B/C student. why each time she says that she’s from
for a paycheck. She sat there and was
Then it was time to apply for college. Lawrence people give her funny looks.
advocate@aftma.net frustrated. She was angry. She knew
Since she hadn’t had a real counselor She will learn that her experience
that not every school operated that
for four years, she finagled and got a is not unique because she will meet
way because she visited other schools
teacher to list herself as a counselor. other students from other inner cities
and she knew students in other places.
She then wrote her own college like her.
She wished and hoped, but that wasn’t
recommendations. She passed them to That young girl in my classroom is
enough.
the teacher and the woman signed on me. And that is why I returned to the
During the school day she couldn’t
the dotted line. Office aids, personnel same classrooms in which I was once
breathe properly because the air was
and teachers didn’t understand a student, this time to teach. I teach
perfumed by so much gossip and
her vigor or frustration and just because I really know and understand
negativity: students who were more
questioned why she walked around the young people that sit in front of
concerned with their social lives and
with a puffed up chest. Maybe because me. I want them to see, through me
what boyfriend they had that week;
that’s all she had. and through my experience, that they
young people arguing about what
What she doesn’t know is that too have a chance to make a change. I
he said and she said. Meanwhile
the search for a new superintendent
continued.
while she’ll get into college she won’t
be academically prepared. Her classes
teach for Lawrence.
▪
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4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

5. 2012 Convention Report
The State of the Union Report on Organization
By Tom Gosnell Tennessee. Rhode Island has seen a
President, AFT Massachusetts diminution in the pensions of those
By Annemarie Dubois disproves that theory.
I n the last convention report I already retired and the future pensions
Director of Organization, AFT In one unintended consequence
wrote about challenging events of those currently working. Massachusetts of the new law, in virtually all
in Massachusetts and in the nation. What has happened throughout the
communities where officials have
Much has also happened this year. nation was bound to have some impact AFT MA members will long raised the issue, union leaders have
In Wisconsin the governor and on us. remember this past year as one formed strong bonds as they worked
the legislature massacred collective What has happened in of immense challenge, significant together , and many have resolved
bargaining for public employees. Massachusetts is not nearly as change, and strong coalitions. to continue to work as the Public
Court challenges did not succeed. draconian, but we have not escaped Collective bargaining, health Employee Coalition on issues that
However, the unions collected twice unscathed. Our voice in bargaining insurance, teacher accountability and affect any or all union members
the number of signatures to put on the about health insurance is not as robust. evaluation, and continuing financial in the coalition. As we mobilize
ballot the recall of Governor Walker, However, the public employee unions deficits in many cities and towns to defeat the Stand for Children
the architect of the assault on collective were able to get into the legislation the dominated our members’ lives as Innitiative, our coalition members
bargaining. The campaign is fierce. right to negotiate mitigation monies to they struggled to do the work they provide us a natural springboard in
I have told the AFT leadership in offset any large increase in co-pays and love in schools, colleges, and libraries our communities as we take our fight
Wisconsin that AFT MA will give them deductibles. In addition, the premium across the state. directly to the voters.
all the assistance we can. split is still subject to negotiations. Public employees in If we enlist their assistance, we
Repeal of collective bargaining Pensions for those hired on or Massachusetts faced an can spread our message more quickly
also happened in Ohio, but in a after April 2, 2012, will see changes unprecedented assault on their to other public employees, their
powerful display of solidarity the requiring more years to be worked to collective bargaining rights when families and the community at large.
unions gathered a massive amount get full pensions. Those hired before the legislature passed a bill allowing Our coalition colleagues will certainly
of signatures to put on the ballot that date will not be affected. municipalities to transfer their face the same assault on seniority
a repeal of the legislation. Then The most prominent current employees to the Group Insurance and other employee protections if
they persuaded the voters to repeal challenge is the initiative petition Commission (GIC) to obtain health the largest sector of public employee
the legislation. Showing our union which, if passed, will cause chaos and insurance. Although the legislation unions, teachers, lose this fight. We
solidarity, we gave them financial confusion. In the convention folder promises financial relief to must build on the strength we have
assistance. there is an abundance of literature municipalities in these still difficult found in coalition with our municipal
The Indiana legislature passed which explains the petition and gives financial times, it does nothing to union colleagues to effectively
a bill, signed by the governor, many, many talking points which can reduce health care costs. It simply combat those who would destroy all
eliminating the right to collectively be used both with our members and shifts those costs to employees of us.
bargain about practically everything. the general public. in the form of higher copays and Stand for Children threatens
Idaho teachers have lost tenure and deductibles. While the bill will the very foundations of teacher
collective bargaining is history in Continued on page 4A drastically change the health care due process rights as well as
landscape for our members, the state collective bargaining over the terms
Legal Report
Public Employee Coalition, including and conditions of employment.
AFT MA, worked tirelessly and They claim, as do their corporate
effectively for months at the State supporters the Walton Foundation,
House to avoid a total catastrophe the Gates foundation, and Bain
By Haidee Morris, General excluding relevant experience from that would have left unions Capital, among others, that
Counsel, and Joseph Lettiere, primary consideration. This is an completely out of the process. eliminating teacher rights will
Associate Counsel, AFT open invitation to discriminate on the Some municipal leaders have improve public education and “close
Massachusetts basis of age, as relevant experience used the law as a springboard for the achievement gap”. They assert
is excluded from the primary real negotiation about the issue
Evergreen Clauses determining factors. that by staffing classrooms with
of high cost health insurance, and young, enthusiastic, innovative
Last year we reported on the Furthermore, the principal is not have worked with union leaders in teachers and eliminating the “old
nullification of evergreen clauses by required to consider only performance coalition to both reduce costs and dead wood”, at risk students will
the Supreme Judicial Court in the evaluations. The principal has carte to lessen the burden on employees. succeed.
Boston Housing Authority case. We blanche to consider “merit and In those communities, union Make no mistake about the real
are pleased to report that, through ability” which includes performance leaders have worked together as issue in this fight-money. If veteran
union cooperation we were able evaluations, as well as other never before, setting aside their teachers with multiple advanced
to successfully pass legislation unspecified factors related to job differences, to negotiate successfully
which reinstated evergreen clauses. degrees earning salaries at the top of
performance and the “best interests” multiyear health insurance plans
Evergreen clauses are once again the salary scale lose their jobs, and
of the students in the school or that protect members, especially the
valid, retroactive to the time of the district. The principal also has younger inexperienced teachers with
SJC decision. Evergreen clauses most vulnerable, with mitigation bachelor’s degrees replace them, at
unfettered discretion as to whether to
can be important for preserving plans that span the length of the the low end of the salary scale, school
accept a teacher in a transfer or layoff
arbitration rights and including stipend situation, leaving a teacher without agreement. districts will save millions of dollars
positions as regular compensation rights or, ultimately, a job. Sadly, in other communities, annually. If the cycle continues to
for retirement purposes. If you do leaders used the new law as a club repeat itself, and without due process
not have an evergreen clause, make The petition would end layoff to transfer employees to the GIC rights for the new young teachers
sure to negotiate your contracts protection for teachers with and to beat unions into acceptance who in ten or so years would find
retroactively to the expiration date professional teacher status over of a one year mitigation fund, the themselves at the top of the scale, it
of the last contract to avoid these those without such status, prevent minimum required by the new would, the savings would multiply as
problems. less than full time teachers from statute. Despite utilizing a strong
getting professional status, and each crop of “old dead wood” met its
“Stand for Children” Petition coalition approach, these union fate.
creates endless bureaucratic red tape
leaders could not provide any benefit Some will argue that public
regarding appointments, dismissals, and
Looming on the horizon, with evaluations. These are but a few of the to their members beyond the bare education simply could not function
significant funding from right wing many bad aspects of this petition. bones statutory requirement. under such circumstances and that
sources, the assault on teacher unions If we ever had any thought career educators would continue to
continues. With the ink barely dry AFT Massachusett is signing on to that without collective bargaining, work in education. Perhaps some few
on the new performance evaluation an amicus brief with the AFL-CIO in politicians would treat our members would, those necessary to serve as
standards required by the latest solidarity with the MTA, which has fairly and maintain contract
education reform act, the corporately principals or district administrators,
filed a legal challenge to the petition items that provide good working
funded “Stand for Children” in non- union positions. Since they
being on the ballot. However, it is easy conditions, salaries and benefits,
organization has filed an initiative to get on the ballot and hard to get have no protection other than what
petition which would put decisions the unbridled use of power some exists in their individual contracts,
a petition denied, so we anticipate a
about whom to keep and whom to municipal leaders have demonstrated their longevity to the age of
difficult fight at the ballot box. 
layoff in the hands of the principal in the implementation of the new retirement seems doubtful.
based on many subjective factors, but health insurance statute certainly
Continued on page 3A 1A

6. Executive Board Members
2012 AFT Massachusetts
Patricia Armstrong, Deb Blinder, Holliston Sean Bowker, SE Regional Kathryn Chamberlain,
Boston Teachers Union, Federation of Teachers, Teachers Federation, Chelmsford Federation
Local 66. Patricia a labor Local 3275 Deb teaches Local 1849 Sean teaches of Teachers, Local 3569
member of the Democratic Spanish at Adams Middle biology at SE Regional Kathryn teaches 6th grade
State Committee. School in Holliston. Vocational Technical HS. math and science.
Brenda Chaney, Boston Kathy Delaney, Catherine Deveney, Lynn Patricia Driscoll, Lawrence
Teachers Union, Lawrence Teachers Teachers Union, Local Teachers Union, Local
Local 66 Brenda is the Union, Local 1019 1037 Cathy is a a para at 1019 Pat taught for 35
community outreach Kathy is a middle school Marshall Middle School and a years in the Lawrence Public
coordinator for the BTU.. counselor and union VP. VP of the LTU. Schools.
Marianne Dumont, J. Michael Earle, United Margaret Farrell, Mary Ferriter, Chelsea
United Teachers of Teachers of Lowell, United Teachers of Teachers Union, Local
Lowell, Local 495 Mickey Local 495 Michael is vice Lowell, Local 495 1340 Mary is the lead
is the Education Issues president of the United Retired after 47 years of teacher of the Chelsea
Chairperson for the United Teachers of Lowell and teaching, Midge is now Middle School Alternative
Teachers of Lowell. taught honors biology at chairperson of the retired Program, located in the
Lowell High School. teachers group in Lowell. Browne Middle School.
Paul Georges, United Alice Gunning, Lynn Daniel Haacker, Joyce Harrington, Salem Jenna Fitzgerald, Boston
Teachers of Lowell, Local Teachers Union, Local Massachusetts Library Teachers Union, Local Teachers Union, Local 66
495 Paul is president of the 1037 Alice was president Staff Association, Local 1258 Joyce is president of Jenna is the paraprofessional
United Teachers of Lowell of the Lynn Teachers Union 4928 Dan is VP of the the Salem Teachers Union field representative for the
and a VP of the Mass. AFL- until last year and a longtime Massachusetts Library and a 5th grade teacher. Boston Teachers Union.
CIO. elementary teacher. Staff Association.
Richard Flaherty, Susan Leahy, Billerica Frank McLaughlin, Bruce Nelson, Peabody Catherine Patten,
Medway Federation of Federation of Teachers, Lawrence Teachers Federation of Teachers, Amesbury Federation of
Teachers, Local 3645 Local 1677 Union, Local 1019 Local 1289 Bruce is Teachers, Local 1033
Dick is former president of Sue recently retired as a Frank is president of the president of the Peabody Catherine is a 2nd grade
the Medway Federation of first grade teacher at the Lawrence Teachers Union Federation of Teachers. He teacher at Amesbury
Teachers and a retired social Vining School in Billerica. and a history teacher at is a retired English teacher. Elementary School.
studies teacher. Lawrence High.
James A. Philip, Boston Bruce Sparfven, UMass Richard Stutman, Gale Thomas, Lynn
Teachers Union, Local Faculty Federation, Boston Teachers Union, Teachers Union, Local
66 Timo is a member of Local 1895 Bruce is Vice Local 66 1037 Gale is a long-time
the executive board of the President of the UMass Richard is president of the activist in the Lynn Teachers
Boston Teachers Union. He Faculty Federation at UMass Boston Teachers Union. and Union and works part-time
teaches social studies at Dartmouth. He is also chair a former math teacher in at the Harrington School in
2A 2012 Convention Report
Brighton High School. of the Educational Services the Boston Public Schools. Lynn providing intervention
Unit. instruction.

7. AFT Massachusetts
Staff Members
Walter Armstrong, Jennifer Berkshire, Michael F. Canavan, Eileen Carney,
Field Representative Editor Field Representative for Secretary
Walter was previously the Jennifer is a freelance Legislation Mike formerly Eileen is a graduate of
president of the Bellingham journalist and an adjunct worked for the National Boston College and
Municipal Employees, part of faculty member in Labor Association of Government considers herself a proud
AFSCME Council 93. Studies at UMass Amherst. Employees and SEIU. advocate for public
education.
Jennifer L. Daniel, Office Edward Doherty, Annemarie T. DuBois, Carmela Dyette,
Manager Special Assistant to the Director of Receptionist
Jennifer graduated from President Ed served as Organization Past Carmela is a graduate of
Bristol Community College president of the Boston president of the Peabody the Boston Public Schools
and has been with AFT Teachers Union before Federation of Teachers, and is currently attending
Massachusetts since 1994. joining the staff of AFT Annemarie was a former the Wentworth Institute of
Massachusetts. English teacher. Technology.
system, including the use of student
achievement and student/parental and
staff feedback, over at least the next two
years.
Our members in Boston continue
their protracted fight for a fair contract
as do their colleagues in Peabody, Salem
Diane Frey, Field Brian LaPierre Political and Lawrence. Our members in Lynn,
Shawn Flood, Field Joseph R. Lettiere,
Representative Diane Organizer Brian was a Lowell, Westport, and Pittsfield among
Representative Shawn is a Associate Counsel
began her long career in field representative for AFT others, settled contracts this year. The
former field representative Joe formerly served as
the labor movement as MA and taught history at
with the AFT Northern associate counsel for settlements in Pittsfield gave all five
an organizer for 1199 and both the Thurgood Marshall
New England Council and Council 93 of the American bargaining units multiyear contracts for
worked most recently for Middle School and Lynn
an organizer for the New Federation of State, County the first time in years.
AFT in Vermont, organizing English High School.
Mexico Federation of and Municipal Employees. One of the most significant changes
early education workers.
Teachers. this past year occurred at AFT MA
itself. Veteran field representatives
Steve Asadoorian, Dianne Heeley, and
Political Director Cathy Dwyer retired.
Long time secretary Mary Ann Dority
also retired.
Brian LaPierre moved into the job
of political organizer, and Andy Powell,
Walter Armstrong, and Mike Regan
joined the staff as field representatives.
Haidee Morris, General Dan Murphy, Director of Andy Powell, Field J. Coley Walsh, Field
Counsel Representative for Eileen Carney joined the staff as
Education Policy Representative
Haidee was formerly A former researcher, writer Legislation secretary and Carmela Dyette became
Andy formerly worked as a
the labor counsel to the and analyst, Dan came Coley was formerly a our receptionist.
health insurance consultant
Boston Public Schools to AFT MA from AFT’s guidance counselor at the Shawn Flood, Diane Frey,
with Boston Benefits
and the Massachusetts national headquarters in Partners, advising public Lawrence Regional School. Special Assistant to the president Ed
Community Colleges. Washington DC. sector unions. Doherty and I joined our new field
representatives working with our locals.
Report on Organization
Dan Murphy, director of education
policy and programs worked with our
members and with DESE on their
also face the same fate, albeit in out to members of the Lawrence behalf.
Continued from Convention Report, page 1A
different forums. community including parents, church John Coley Walsh and Mike Canavan
The issue has far-reaching The state placed the Lawrence and civic leaders to create coalitions so worked as lobbyists at the State House
monetary impact at the state level as Public Schools into Level 5 status, that the opportunity to transform the on behalf of our members.
well. Lower teacher salaries would receivership, a first for any district schools will succeed and will impact As always, Jennifer Berkshire
lessen municipal demands for local in the state. Commissioner Chester life in the city itself positively. told our stories in The Advocate and
aid increases. If teachers didn’t stay in appointed Boston principal Jeffery Teacher accountability and teacher assisted our locals in establishing
the profession long enough to qualify C. Riley as the receiver who wields evaluation dominated the year in our communication networks to facilitate
for retirement benefits and work unprecedented singular authority over Level 4 schools in Boston, Lawrence, the distribution of information and
long enough to collect a pension, the the system as he attempts to improve Lowell, and Lynn, but they now move political action.
unfunded pension liability the state student outcomes in the district. He to the forefront in our Race To The Jennifer Daniel, our office manager,
faces would disappear. signed a three year contract, but has Top districts for next year. Many continued to assist our members at the
The consequences of a Stand stated publically that the turnaround of our members have voiced their AFT MA office.
victory reach far beyond teachers and may take longer. He has begun an frustration as they have tried to As we face the coming year and
education. They threaten every public intense evaluation process of some 60 negotiate what became a moving target the immense challenges ahead, we
employee whose unions would face teachers. They will learn by the end since DESE failed to meet its own commit ourselves and our resources to
the same draconian legislative and of the school year whether or not they deadlines for the release of guidelines fighting the attacks that threaten the
ballot initiative fights to destroy their will have jobs for the next school year. and rubrics. Teacher evaluation will rights of our members and of all public
due process and collective bargaining The Lawrence Teachers Union dominate negotiations for years to employees and the institutions in which
rights. Private sector unions would working with AFT MA and AFT has come since DESE will continue to roll they work.
joined Jobs With Justice to reach out some aspects of the evaluation 3A
2012 Convention Report

8. Secretary Treasurer’s Statement of Financial Position: April 30, 2011
REPORT ASSETS
Cash 626,436
Receivables 561,096
The State of the Union’s Finances Prepaid Expenses
Furniture & Equipment
62,971
30,725
Security Deposit 12,465
TOTAL ASSETS 1,293,693
Mark Allred as collective bargaining rights.
Secretary Now, in 2012, we face yet another
challenge in the so called “Stand LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Treasurer,
AFT for Children” initiative petition.
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Massachusetts Everyone wants an excellent
teacher in every classroom. Accounts payable 14,14726,986
However, as you will hear at this Accrued Expenses 47,174
Once again, I am pleased to convention as well as your local ‑
Employee Benefits Payable
report that the finances of the leaders, if this petition passes, it
organization are sound. We have will gut our collective bargaining TOTAL LIABILITIES 111,634
weathered another year of assault agreements. TOTAL NET ASSETS 1,293,693
on our collective bargaining rights This will be a massive fight and
as well upon our dignity as public TOTAL LIABILITIES & ASSETS 1,293,693
the winds are currently not in our
(and private) servants. The toll has favor. However, the leadership
been massive but we continue to of this organization will do battle REVENUES
fight the good fight to protect what without any increase in revenue
Per Capita Dues 3,678,638
we have. Our members, whether for the coming fiscal year. We
At large Dues 1,340
they be teachers, librarians, understand that times are tough AFT Rebate 40,658
paraprofessionals, cafeteria for all of us and we will work 0
AFT Defense Fund Grant
workers, college professors, within our existing resources to 30,240
AFT Assistance
bus drivers or secretaries, are win this battle. However, each and 4,483
Interest Income
doing the job every day for every one of our members must do Insurance Administrative Fees 2,967
the good of the citizens of the his or her part to spread the word
Commonwealth. After all, isn’t to defeat this wretched petition. TOTAL REVENUES 3,758,326
the state of Massachusetts tops in Thank you for the opportunity
education? And the strange thing to be your Secretary-Treasurer. EXPENSES
is that Massachusetts is the most Advertising 3,798
It is an honor to serve this 62,365
unionized state in the nation. Assistance to Members and Locals
organization. Enjoy the
▪ Automobiles 204,348
Over the past year, we have convention!
Charitable Contributions 25,336
battled the assaults on our health
Citizens for Public Schools 0
care plans, our pensions as well 43,678
Conferences & Conventions
Contributions to Cand. & Refer. 144,080
Depreciation 16,626
Congratulations!
Employee Benefits 455,577
Expenses Reimbursements 83,185
Insurance 22,379
Library 24,133
Maintenance 789
Newspaper 72,919
Distinguished Service 2012 AFT MA Scholarship
Office Supplies 73,675
Award Recipients Winners 154,377
Payroll Taxes
Congratulations to the win- AFT Massachusetts congratu- Pension Plan 294,222
ners of the 2012 Distinguished lates the winners of the 2012 Per Capita – AFT 3,308
Postage 18,616
Service Awards. The awards Albert Shanker, Sandra Feld- 35,865
Professional Fees
are presented annually to AFT man and Jay Porter Scholar- Public Relations 39,000
MA members who have demon- ships. Each winner, a high Rent 184,446
strated an outstanding level of school senior and dependent of Salaries 1,805,235
service and dedication to their an AFT Massachusetts mem- Scholarships 12,000
Telephone & Utilities 13,300
union locals. ber, will receive $1500 towards
K-12 Educators the cost of his or her college TOTAL EXPENSES 3,793,257
Thad Ackerman, AFT or post-secondary education. INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 71,020
Amesbury Congratulations to this year’s
winners and best of luck with ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,226,656
William Donaghey, United your future endeavors.
ASSETS AT END OF YEAR 1,182,059
Teachers of Lowell
Public & Private Higher
Education, Municipal Li-
Albert Shanker, Sandra Feld-
man and Jay Porter Scholar- President’s Report
brarians or Nurses ship Recipients Continued from Convention Report, page 1A the continuation of quality public
Wayne LeBlanc, UMass Rose Allocca education for our students from pre-
Go to the AFT MA web page at www.
Faculty Federation Abigail Heingertner kindergarten to higher education, and
aftma.net to learn much more. We
Brandon Higgins the maintenance of public libraries for
shall work very hard and very smart to
School Related Personnel Kayla Marandola all residents.
defeat this initiative.
Barbara Bemis, Amalia Mendoza As we move forward, all AFT MA
Since the challenges will continue,
New Bedford Fed. of Shawn Morrissey members need to be activists, willing
public employee unions will continue
Paraprofessionals Boris Stanchev to articulate the values and ideals we
to band together to fight, to fight hard,
Sarah Vandewalle believe are necessary for a civilized
and to fight even harder.
Catherine Deveney, Lynn I shall repeat what I wrote the last society.
Teachers Union AFT MA Professional We want what is good for students,
two years.
Staff Union Jay Porter fair to all educational workers and
▪
AFT Massachusetts, in alliance
Retired Member Scholarship librarians, and collaboratively done.
with like minded organizations, will
Judith Robinson, United Benjamin Soper fight for increased revenues, the
Teachers of Lowell avoidance of layoffs, the amendment
of the education bill, the preservation
of health care coverage and pensions,
4A