1. Boston, MA 02111
Suite 402
38 Chauncy Street
AFT Massachusetts
March 2012
Standing Up for Children Every Day
I
n November, Massachusetts
Photo by Brandon Slaughter,Jeremiah Burke High School, Boston
residents will be asked to vote on a
ballot question backed by a group
called, deceptively, Stand for Children.
But critics of the organization, which
is funded by corporate foundations
and has deep ties to Bain Capital,
say a more accurate name might be
Stand Against Teachers. If the ballot
question wins the backing of voters,
the controversial measure would gut
workplace protections for educators and
make it far more difficult for them to
advocate on behalf of the students who
need them most.
Stand for Children claims that the
initiative will “promote excellence
in public schools,” but a closer
In This Issue
TAKING A STAND Members of the Boston Teacher Activist Group, who
examination shows that it will have
teach in public schools in and around Boston.The educators warn that a ballot
the opposite effect: It could drive
question being pushed by Stand for Children would have a chilling effect on the
great teachers from the classroom and ability of teachers to advocate for their students. See their editorial on page 5.
silence teacher voices at the expense of 2 President’s Column
children. differences in teacher ratings will have that teachers can advocate for students AFT MA Endorses Warren
major consequences. “When you realize and educational quality—without fear
High Stakes Ratings that the distinction between ‘proficient’ of retribution. Taking those protections 4 Diary of a New Teacher: The
If voters approve the measure, state and ‘exemplary’ is poorly defined, yet away robs teachers of the power to evaluation equation
law will be changed so that, in cases could be the basis for decisions of hiring speak their minds freely, since doing
of layoffs or budget cuts, decisions and firing, it hits close to home,” says so might result in a lower performance 5 Members of Boston’s Teacher
about which teachers go and stay Riana Good, a Teach Plus policy fellow rating or even job loss. Activist Group on Stand for
must be determined by evaluation and fourth-year Spanish teacher at the Ann O’Halloran taught in Boston Children’s ballot question
ratings. The initiative forces all Boston Teachers Union Pilot School.
schools to tie local hiring, firing, layoff
and Newton for more than three
decades and was named Massachusetts
6 On Campus: In Internet Age,
and transfer decisions to the state’s Who will stand up? New Role Needed for Unions
history teacher of the year in 2007.
brand new teacher evaluation system. Many educators say that what most Retiree Corner
Under the new system, still to be fully concerns them about the Stand for
She fears that by stripping teachers
of workplace protections, the Stand
7 The Golden Apple: Political
implemented, all teachers must be Children ballot question is that it will for Children initiative will also punish organizer Brian LaPierre on
assigned one of four ratings: exemplary, prevent teachers from standing up educators who are willing to criticize the mentors who inspired
proficient, needs improvement for the children who need them most. education policies they believe are him
or unsatisfactory. And even slight Current workplace protections exist so harmful. Continued on page 8
For-Profit Charter Threatens Progress in Lowell
B ack in September Governor
Deval Patrick and the state’s top
education officials made a special
the eventual 1200 seat school will
divert millions of public funding from
the same schools that Patrick and
trip to the Charlotte M. Murkland others so recently praised.
Elementary School in Lowell. The Paul Georges, president of the If you’d like to receive an
occasion for the visit: a stunning United Teachers of Lowell has joined electronic version of the
rise in achievement by students at Superintendent Jean Franco of the Advocate, send an email to
the school in the city’s historic—and Lowell Public Schools, in opposing the
high poverty—Acre neighborhood. creation of a third charter school in
advocate@aftma.net. Please
Officials used the Murkland, the top Lowell, arguing that it jeopardizes the include your home mailing
performing level four school in the tremendous gains made in the city’s address for identification.
state, as a backdrop to announce public schools. “We produced amazing
the results of the 2011 MCAS scores. results at our two turnaround schools
Said Patrick: “The gains exhibited at and our reward is a charter school Did you know that your
Murkland Elementary demonstrate that’s being run for profit? You explain AFT MA membership
that when we focus efforts on to me the logic in that,” says Georges, entitles you to discounts
providing schools with the tools they who teaches English as a Second
need, our students will rise to the Language at Lowell High School.
on insurance products?
challenge and progress will be made in The education reform bill passed in For more information visit
closing achievement gaps.” 2010 doubled the amount of funding MIXED MESSAGES Just five months the benefits page of our
That was then. Late last month, that can be diverted from public ago Governor Deval Patrick came
apparently no longer satisfied with schools to charter schools in districts to the Murkland School in Lowell to website:
the pace of reform in Lowell, state with low academic performance. In celebrate huge gains on the MCAS www.aftma.net/member-
education officials, gave the green tests by students there.This week benefits/
Lowell, the public schools could lose
light to a for-profit charter school in administration officials gave the
as much as $24 million in the coming
nod to a for-profit charter school in
that city. If the Board of Education years, undermining the progress Lowell that will compete with the
approves the proposed Collegiate they’ve made, says Georges. Murkland for scarce resources.
Charter School of Lowell as expected, Continued on page 3

2. BOLD
elements because of their potential to
enhance the teaching profession and to
increase learning opportunities for the
students. PRINT
Thomas J. Gosnell One can only wonder why Stand
for Children is proposing its initiative
President, AFT Massachusetts when Massachusetts is installing Gold standard
a complicated and comprehensive Eight Boston-area teachers have
evaluation system which needs the earned the highest credential in the
The Threat is Severe goodwill and participation of so many teaching profession: National Board
certification. Sixty eight teachers in
in order to be successful. The initiative
the Boston Public Schools have achieved
I t is now a routine experience to have best teachers will be in every classroom. is a combustible element which can
National Board Certification to date.
on the ballot in Massachusetts an One wonders why anyone would only serve to undermine the evaluation Congratulations to Gregory Banks,
initiative petition which will harm advocate such procedures that are so system and to create incredible science teacher, Urban Science
public education and the teachers who hostile to the democratic values we animosity in the school districts. Academy, West Roxbury; Erik Berg,
work in the public schools. This year cherish. Employee rights and excellent Is it any surprise that teachers feel second grade teacher, Philbrick
appears to be no exception. teaching are not mutually exclusive. devalued even though they work so Elementary School, Roslindale;
Stand for Children is proposing a ballot In fact, currently all teachers in the diligently and their students achieve so Patricia Dervan, special education
well? teacher, Brighton High School,
initiative which would require school public schools work under collective
Stand for Children maintains that Brighton; Caitlin Hollister, third grade
systems to use the new evaluation bargaining agreements and state laws
its agenda is an increase in the quality teacher, Murphy K-8, Dorchester;
system for all assignment decisions, which provide due process rights in Matthew Kazlauskas, history teacher,
including layoffs and dismissals. accordance with long standing tradition of teaching. Unfortunately, its funding
John D. O’Bryant School of Math
For example, a teacher who in Massachusetts. The exercise of comes from organizations, like the
and Science, Roxbury; Ellen Latham,
has taught for thirty years with an these rights does not interfere with the Walton Family Foundation, which have
Mario Umana Academy, East Boston;
unblemished record could be laid off achievement of our students. long despised unions. Is there another Kristi Lucks, Boston Community
while the school system retained a Massachusetts students are number agenda? Is it reasonable to suspect that Leadership Academy, Brighton; and
first-year teacher without professional one in the nation on the National the weakening of unions will reduce the Noah Patel, Roosevelt K-8, Hyde Park.
status. How could this be? If the first- Assessment of Educational Progress power of their voices as advocates for Congratulations to all on this amazing
year teacher has a better evaluation (NAEP) test, the most prestigious quality public schools? accomplishment!
mark, he can be the one to continue his national test. Our students are number Even though Stand says that its
employment. one in the entire western world in the initiative petition is meant to increase
Another frightening experience can Trends in International Mathematics the quality of teaching in the public Top chef
occur when a school closes. None of and Science Study (TIMSS). One can schools, why does it go after teachers Hotel and restaurant management
the teachers, however well experienced only wonder why Stand for Children who have long taught well? Stand instructor Steve Whiting, a chef-
would do far better to advocate for instructor at Nashoba Valley Technical
they may be, will have a right to another does not rejoice in our students’
more resources, smaller classes, better High School for 29 years, has been
position. The initiative petition achievements and in our teachers’ skills.
professional development, and to unite named the employee of the month at that
provides that the building administrator Massachusetts has a new evaluation school.Though Steve has led the Culinary
can determine who will teach in her system adopted last year. It is rigorous with teacher unions to accomplish these
Arts program for years, this year he is
building. Her authority is absolute. and comprehensive, and if implemented goals.
teaching Hotel & Restaurant Management
If the teacher is unable to obtain a properly, will provide the supports The fight is here. We shall not
and brought the largest group of freshmen
position, she has no recourse. She has teachers need to become even better shrink from it. All of us must be into the program in many years. He
no due process protections. Is this fair? teachers. Even though the American involved. was nominated by Chef-Instructor Fran
Is this professional? Is this life in a Federation of Teachers Massachusetts If you have any questions or Zentgraf, who wrote: “Chef Whiting is very
comments on this column, email me at
▪
democracy? (AFT MA) opposed the use of MCAS kind and helpful to all students. He gives
Stand for Children maintains that scores as one component to evaluate tgosnell@aftma.net. each individual one-on-one help along with
these procedures will guarantee that the teachers, we did support many other keeping a very successful and amazingly
run technical program and restaurant.” File
under: recipe for success...
AFT MA Endorses Warren Grammy, Grammy
The official publication of A FT Massachusetts, which
represents over 22,000 teachers,
librarians, nurses, custodians and
Congratulations to Berklee College
of Music’s Terry Lyne Carrington. The
percussion professor, artistic director
AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO
college faculty, has endorsed Elizabeth for the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival,
Thomas J. Gosnell, President Warren, the Democratic candidate for and Berklee Faculty Union member
Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer U.S. Senate. “Elizabeth Warren vows to was nominated for a Grammy for her
advocate for our concerns and the many new album The Mosaic Project This was
VICE PRESIDENTS Carrington’s first Grammy nomination
issues facing Massachusetts families,”
Patricia Armstrong but it almost certainly won’t be her last.
Deborah Blinder said Tom Gosnell, president of AFT
Carrington has been playing the drums
Sean Bowker Massachusetts. “She is committed
since the age of seven and has toured
Kathryn Chamberlain to preparing students with the best with such musical luminaries as Herbie
Brenda Chaney possible education and supporting the Hancock. Congratulations!
Kathy Delaney
dedicated teachers and professionals of
Catherine Deveney
Patricia Driscoll Massachusetts.”
Marianne Dumont Warren is running for the Distinguished service
J. Michael Earle Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate It’s time once again for nominations for
Margaret Farrell against immigration attorney Marisa the AFT Massachusetts Distinguished
Mary Ferriter
DeFranco and Boston attorney Jim A STRONG VOICE Elizabeth Warren Service Awards. Each year AFT MA
Jenna Fitzgerald
Richard Flaherty King. The primary winner will meet is challenging freshman Senator Scott recognizes members who have
Paul Georges freshman Senator Scott Brown in Brown in what is shaping up to be demonstrated an outstanding level of
Alice M. Gunning November in a race that’s attracting one of the hottest political campaigns service and commitment to their union
Daniel Haacker attention for the impact it could have on in the country. locals. The awards are given to a teacher,
Joyce Harrington a paraprofessional, a retired member
control of the U.S. Senate in 2013. morally objectionable.
Susan Leahy and a member under the age of 35. The
Francis McLaughlin The contest between Brown and Warren harshly criticized Brown’s 2011 recipients were Medway Middle
Bruce Nelson Warren promises to be one of the position. “This is an extreme attack School teacher Temma Downing,
Catherine Patten hottest races in the country. The two on every one of us,” Warren told the
James Philip
Medway paraprofessional Susan Lynch,
candidates have already raised millions Washington Post. “It opens the door Barbara Ferreira, a paraprofessional at
Bruce Sparfven
and, with the election just nine months to outright discrimination. It would let Carney Academy in New Bedford, and
Richard Stutman
Gale Thomas away, the race is sure to dominate insurance companies and corporations retired member Alice Gunning, Lynn
headlines for the rest of the year. In cut off pregnant women, overweight Teachers Union. If you have someone
Jennifer C. Berkshire, Editor recent weeks the candidates have been you’d like to nominate, contact your local
38 Chauncy St., Suite 402 guys, older Americans, or anyone —
sparring over the issue of birth control. because some executive claims it’s part president. The awards will be presented
▪
Boston, Mass. 02111
Senator Brown has signed onto an at the 2012 AFT MA convention in
Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523 of his moral code.”
Fax: 617-423-0174 amendment that would allow employers Quincy on April 27-28.
www.aftma.net and insurers to deny coverage for birth For more information visit www.
advocate@aftma.net Send your good news to advocate@aftma.net
2 control and other services they find elizabethwarren.com

3. For-Profit Charter in Lowell
Continued from cover profit entities created to tap into
the country’s $500 billion public
education system. These “corporate”
Education officials in or “franchise” schools compete
Lowell say that the with traditional public schools for
increasingly scarce resources.
approval of a third Today, one-third of the charter
charter school could schools in the U.S. are operated by
for-profit entities, a proportion that
jeopardize big gains is growing rapidly each year. In states
made in student including Michigan, nearly eight out
of ten charter schools are operated by
achievement in the private for-profit companies.
city’s public schools. Powerful allies, questionable
numbers
“This raises an obvious question: In Massachusetts, SABIS has PUBLIC PRIDE Staff at the Murkland Elementary School in Lowell, where
is the state’s policy to help strengthen powerful allies, including the Boston student achievement has soared.The state is recommending a new for-profit
public schools or is it to expand the Globe, which ran an editorial just charter school in Lowell that will compete with the Murkland for resources.
number of charter schools, whatever last month urging state education several times in the Springfield Indeed, the recent history of
the cost?” asks Georges. officials to approve the company’s school’s early history in an effort charter schools in Lowell should
expansion into Lowell. The Globe
For profit education™ to get SABIS to comply with the provide a strong cautionary tale.
editorial writers praised SABIS for special education mandates in Just two years ago, state officials
Massachusetts is no stranger
above average MCAS scores among Massachusetts, including translating threatened to yank the charter of the
to charter schools. If, as expected,
10th graders at its Springfield school, basic communications into Spanish. Lowell Community Charter Public
the Board of Education votes to
arguing that SABIS is closing the Secretary of Education Paul Reville School due to management problems
approve the proposed Lowell school,
achievement gap between its mostly cited the company’s continued and persistently low test scores. The
along with three others in Holyoke,
minority student body and white problems with special education school ultimately remained open
Springfield, and Boston, the number
counterparts in the suburbs. students in his decision to oppose but was forced to contract with a
of charter schools in Massachusetts
But a recent report conducted by SABIS’ expansion into Brockton in professional management team
will reach 83. The Collegiate Charter
the Department of Education found 2008. and eliminate grades seven and
School of Lowell will be one of just
that far more students leave the SABIS eight, sending hundreds of students
a handful of schools in the state,
school in Springfield than graduate. Troubled history back to the Lowell Public School.
however, that is operated for a profit.
According to the report, “significant For Lowell education officials, Several individuals involved with the
The school will be run by SABIS
numbers of students do transfer the troubled track record of SABIS struggling charter will also serve in
Educational Systems, Inc., a private,
out of the school at the secondary Education Systems on special the leadership of the new for-profit
for-profit company with headquarters
level because their academic or education issues is anything but venture.
in Minnesota and Beirut, Lebanon.
programmatic needs were not being reassuring. At a recent public Says Paul Georges: “If this debate
SABIS runs schools in 15 countries
met.” Of the 160 students who were hearing in Lowell, Superintendent were truly about the best way to
and manages 11 charter schools in the
part of the grade nine cohort, just 73 Jean Franco warned that Lowell’s improve student achievement and
U.S., including schools in Holyoke
remained in grade ten. existing charter schools fail to provide outcomes, the state would be looking
and Springfield. The company is
SABIS also has a questionable adequate services to special education at how to replicate our success at
part of a rapidly expanding network
history when it comes to educating students in the city, noting that many the Murkland. That’s not what’s
▪
of so-called education management
special education students in its such students are forced to transfer happening here.”
organizations or EMOs, for-
schools. State officials intervened back to the Lowell Public Schools.
Lesley University School of Education
3
March 2012

4. Diary I
have evaluations on the mind.
From a round of peer observations
with colleagues to the roll out of
new state regulations getting rolled
out, to the barrage of “excellent
of a New Teacher teacher” articles in the mainstream
press, to the question of how an
observer of my 7th grade class might
By Riana Good judge me.
K1-8 Spanish teacher I’m having a rough go of it with
Boston Teachers Union Pilot School,
these seventh graders, three quarters
Jamaica Plain, MA
of whom are male. It is little solace
that others teachers at my school
Meet the 2011-2012 are struggling with this grade as
New Teacher Diarists well, because these young people
Bill Madden-Fuoco are missing out. If all my teaching
A humanities teacher at the Urban Science looked like it does in the 7th grade,
Academy in West Roxbury, Bill was a 2012 I probably shouldn’t be teaching,
Teacher of the Year semifinalist. and an evaluator would be right in
saying so. But I’m not just a 7th grade LESSON LEARNED Riana Good, a Spanish teacher at the Boston Teachers
Robert Tobio Spanish teacher—I teach kindergarten Union Pilot School, says that to be effective, the state’s new evaluation
Robert teaches math and special education
through 8th grade. That’s why it’s regulations must allow for multiple observations—by multiple observers.
at the Mary Lyon Pilot School in Brighton
so important that an observer would
and previously taught at Monument High in typical practice, and that only when • Observations from coaches
see my teaching at every grade level:
South Boston, which closed last spring. averaging four observations by four who have expertise in teachers’
kindergartners reading the daily
Melissa McDonald message in Spanish; the 3rd graders different raters did variation in scores grade level and subject matter
A fifth grade teacher at the Parthum interviewing each other and reporting based on teaching practice outweigh can be conducted more
Elementary School in Lawrence, Melissa the results in Spanish; the 6th graders variation due to other, unexplained frequently.
is returning to teaching after a year of competing to identify cognates to factors. In other words, a single score • The partnership between
maternity leave. write on our cognate wall, or the 8th is just as likely to be a fluke as it is the union and the district
“
graders debating the merits of
Joyce Melker
categorizing Hispanic/Latino
A paraprofessional at the Watson Elemen-
as a race for the sake of census
If all my teaching looked like it does in the 7th grade,
tary School in Fall River, Joyce is a student
in the JET teacher training program at
data and political unity. I probably shouldn’t be teaching, and an evaluator
UMass Dartmouth. In fact, all teachers would be right in saying so. But I’m not just a 7th
should be evaluated based
Matthew Robinson on multiple measures and grade Spanish teacher—I teach kindergarten through
Matthew teaches English and journalism at multiple observations, even 8th grade. That’s why it’s so important that an
the Burke High School in Dorchester. when they don’t span K1-8th
grade. According to recent
observer see my teaching at every grade level.
Riana Good
article about the Measures of
While Riana is technically no longer a new
Effective Teaching Project,
teacher, this Spanish teacher at the Boston to be based on accurate indicators is strengthened, with the
a single observation score is largely
Teachers Union School in Jamaica Plain says teachers union president
driven by factors other than consistent of quality teaching. To be reliable,
that she still feels like a ‘newby.’
aspects of a teacher’s practice. The results require multiple observations and the director of human
Amanda Perez article’s findings demonstrated that of a teacher, ideally by multiple resources generally serving as
Amanda is a special education teacher at a single observation by a single rater observers. This makes good sense, panel co-chairs for the PAR
the Sarah Greenwood School in Boston. was a poor indicator of a teacher’s and comes as a relief to me as I think review board.
about an evaluator judging me on a • PAR results in the
single 7th grade class out of the twelve development of more teacher/
classes I teach. leaders.
Would you like to travel abroad on For the state’s new evaluation
regulations to reliably measure
• PAR helps to create a
professional culture committed
an inexpensive trip designed teacher quality will require a
significant increase in the overall
to collaborating, reflecting and
instructional improvement.
specifically for educators? number of observations. Since
administrators, many of whom are
If you’re not yet sold on PAR and
the need more observations of your
already overworked, can’t be expected teaching, think back to your own
GEEO is a non-profit organization that runs travel
to increase their load, the number of recent evaluations (or lack thereof).
programs for educators. Detailed information including
people who are trained and qualified I would certainly want someone to
itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more can be found at
to observe must increase. see the range of my teaching from
www.geeo.org or call toll free 1-877-600-0105.
A natural solution to the demand K1-8 before evaluating me. Still,
for more observers is Peer Assistance the 7th grade outlier should not be
and Review (PAR), where coaches overlooked despite the quality of
chosen on the basis of their excellent my overall teaching. And so, I am
teaching and mentoring support a seeking ways to hone my practice
combination of 10-15 new teachers so that the 7th grade class has the
and veterans who need support. productivity, content understanding
Because all educators, not just new and instructional dialogue of the other
and struggling teachers, benefit from grades, because all of my students
collaborative analysis of their practice, need and deserve an excellent
PAR would work well alongside a
peer observation program such as
education.
▪
Collaborative Coaching and Learning Share your comments or questions
(CCL), which we are using at the BTU with Riana at rianagood@gmail.com
Pilot School this year.
PAR is a marked improvement on
Wanted: New Teachers
the current observation and evaluation
The Advocate is seeking new
model in the following ways:
• More intensive mentoring teachers and paraprofessionals
increases retention long- to contribute to the 2012-2013
term, but also ensures that all New Teacher Diary. Contributors
teachers receiving professional receive $300 per column. If you’re
status are in fact proficient or interested, contact jberkshire@
exemplary. aftma.net.
4
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

5. BEHIND THE SCENES
Ballot Question Would Silence Teachers
equity firm, and a Vice President of
Client Services at KGA who formerly
worked for Fidelity Investments.
unions and local control. If passed,
there will be little motivation for
school districts and unions to agree on
principals and the Secretary of
Education Paul Reville are opposed to
the initiative.
Nationally SFC has received millions issues of evaluation or possibly, in the Lastly, and most importantly, this
Teacher Activist of dollars from The Walton Family future, agree on anything at all. School initiative silences the voices of teachers
Group Boston Foundation, the philanthropic arm
of the wealthy owners of Wal-Mart.
districts can ask the state to make all
final, binding decisions. The result is
and makes it harder for them to
advocate for their students. It weakens
They have been using their money an attack on unions that undermines protections for teachers and will leave
www.tagboston.org and influence to lobby legislators all collective bargaining, which in turn is many of them too scared to speak out
over America and convince them that an attack on teachers and the young against the injustices their students
cheaper, younger, unprotected teachers people that teachers care about most. face. Without protection, teachers
S
tand for Children is at it again, are good for corporations and good for What’s worse is that even if the may be afraid to stand up for an
”
but this time in the state of our children.
Massachusetts. The self- Massachusetts is no
proclaimed “independent social justice different. SFC has already Without protection, teachers may be afraid to
organization” has been organizing to started using their cash and stand up for an English language learner or a special
curtail the rights of teacher unions clout to collect more than
across the country. In Massachusetts, 100,000 signatures in a matter education student who isn’t receiving the supports
their recent and extremely complex of months. They believe our he or she deserves. Instead of standing for children,
ballot initiative, “Great Teachers Great teachers need to be evaluated
Schools,” is focused on stripping due aggressively. SFC believes more
teachers will be forced to stand for silence, regardless
process rights, silencing the voices of expensive, veteran teachers of where the children fall.
child advocates, and forcing yet-to- who are historically the leaders
be-tested evaluation rules onto school of our schools shouldn’t be
districts. The ballot initiative doesn’t valued for their experience. initiative does pass, it is hard to see English language learner or a special
mention children once and it is likely No teacher would disagree that how it can improve our public schools. education student who isn’t receiving
to divide parents and teachers instead there’s a need to better our current As Mary Ann Stewart, president of the supports they deserve. Instead of
of bringing them together. Why would evaluation system in order to improve the Massachusetts Parent Teacher standing for children, teachers will be
any organization want to do this? After teacher quality. In fact, Massachusetts Association, explained: “This is a huge forced to stand for silence, regardless
taking a closer look at who is on Stand is already implementing a rigorous new distraction from what teachers and of where the children fall.
For Children’s (SFC) advisory board teacher evaluation program that has parents believe is most needed to help If you believe that veteran,
these apparent contradictions make a been supported by AFT Massachusetts students succeed. We need small class experienced teachers that advocate
little more sense. and the Massachusetts Teachers sizes, excellent preschools, support for their students are valuable to our
In Massachusetts, the current board Association. Why then do voters need services for at-risk students, and schools and would like to join the fight
of advisors is composed of members to weigh-in on implementing another high-quality professional development against this ballot initiative, contact
who have more experience with system before the new one is rolled for teachers. Instead, this ballot Teacher Activist Group (TAG) Boston
running a business than a classroom.
Members include the Managing
out?
Good question. It appears that
question gives us more top-down
mandates and red tape.” In addition,
at info@tagboston.org.
▪
Director at Spectrum Equity, a private the bill is really about weakening both associations of Massachusetts
Enrich Your Career at Northeastern University
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5
March 2012

6. On Campus
Dan Georgianna, Political Director
UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895
In an Internet Age, New Role Needed for Unions
T he recent one-day strike by
Wikipedia and other internet
sites showed that union strategies
STRIKE 2.0
The recent one-
that mostly paid creators of that
knowledge. The Faculty Federation
has a subscription to the Chronicle,
developed over the past 75 years day strike by and I subscribed to the NYT until the
still work; withdrawing labor can be internet sites weight of paper wore me down.
an effective tactic. Unlike the usual showed that What is the union’s role in this
reaction blaming public employee union strategies disruption of higher education? The
unions for withholding essential developed over simple answer is that I don’t know.
services, users of internet services sent the past 75 years I’m not quite fossilized yet, but I’m
hundreds of thousands of phone calls, still work. far from the cutting edge of social
texts, emails and other electronic networking as education. As you
messages to Congress that stopped the can see, I still prefer face-to-face
Stop OnLine Piracy Act (SOPA) bill in Nothing in the business world internet sites, some with excellent communication between teachers
its tracks. is free, of course. Internet sites had credentials, such as MITx, now offer and students. Plenty of students don’t
Aside from proving that strikes their own way of extracting payments. free instruction for college courses. and can’t afford to, especially non-
work, the power of the internet to Apple, for example, probably loses The Federal Government’s traditional students. One thing that
affect government policy sends a money selling songs and albums for requirements for student aid from I do know is that union leadership,
message for higher education through $1 that media companies sold for $15, accredited colleges is all that stands especially negotiating committee,
the financial lens of intellectual but more than makes up for the loss between certified college diplomas need younger faculty and staff, who
property. by selling more expensive products and much cheaper, even free internet understand these changes and can
Cutting through the self-serving like iPods. versions. Selingo argues that Facebook forge new roles for unions in this
ideology of both sides, SOPA is a
financial and political battle between
Creators of these products:
musicians, actors, artists, writers, etc.
and other internet companies have
shown that they can find a way around
internet-driven world
▪
two major sectors of the modern (and their unions), were left fleeced on government regulations, especially
Dan Georgianna is the Chancellor
economy: the media industry and the sidelines, unless they could figure with millions of customers on their
Professor of Economics at UMass
the internet. The media industry out some way to cash in, for example, side.
Dartmouth. His column appears
sold creative work: music, movies, through their own websites. This is not as far-fetched as it
monthly in the Advocate. Share
art, books, newspapers etc. in some Large internet companies are now seems. A likely result would be
comments with him at dgeorgianna@
physical form. Internet sites now looking to “disrupt” higher education, traditional higher education with
umassd.edu
provide these media products for the stodgiest of media industries. face-to-face contact between highly
much lower prices or for free. Jeff Selingo wrote in The Chronicle paid faculty and students who can
of Higher Education (1/26/2012) afford to pay at high-end colleges and March 8th is Public Higher
Internet downloads cut sharply
into sales of media companies. Jeffrey that internet companies have moved universities and cheaper internet- Education Lobby Day
Rosen wrote in the New York Times in beyond cheap textbooks, a welcome based education for non-traditional
a review of Free Ride by Robert Levin respite from exorbitant prices, to students, who Selingo wrote, are now Please join students, faculty,
(11/25/2011), “recorded music in the companies like StraighterLine that the majority with neither the time staff, parents, and alumni for a
United States was worth $6.3 billion gives students free access to skills nor the funds to pay for classroom giant day of advocacy for our
certification such as Collegiate education.
in sales in 2009, less than half its public colleges and universities.
value a decade earlier.” Learning Assessment. Plenty of Good classroom teaching, quality
library services, and
Buses and vans will be com-
education-oriented ing from around the state so
student services, we can talk to our legislators
within a well about the importance of public
designed curriculum higher education to students
deliver opportunities and the state’s economy, and
for a good education about what we need to im-
to students willing prove affordability, quality and
to use those
access.
opportunities.
But I wouldn’t bet
against the internet The day will start at 10:30 a.m.
offering higher in Gardner Auditorium at the
education, “rebuilt State House with Registration
with people at the and a short informative Pro-
center” as envisioned gram, after which groups will
by Sheryl Sandberg, visit their own State Senators
chief operating and State Representatives.
officer of Facebook,
Lunch will then be served, to
as quoted in Selingo’s
be followed by visits to other
Chronicle article.
The internet
key legislators.
also provides
opportunities For more information contact
similar to classroom phenom@phenomonline.org
instruction, or visit www.phenomonline.
especially to self- org
motivated students.
And it’s hard to beat Register now at bit.ly/MALob-
the speed of access to
byDay2012
knowledge provided
by the internet. This
article, for example, Stand up and be counted!
was written from
internet sources
6
The AFT Massachusetts Advocate

7. Retiree Corner •
SENIOR SEMINARS
Move or Stay Put?
Marie Ardito, Co-founder A comprehensive 2 hour seminar on
Massachusetts Retirees United retiree housing choices.
www.retireesunited.org When: Saturday March 24,10 - noon
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington.
The Hidden Costs of Co-Signing • Living in Retirement as
an Informed Retiree
A ll of us must beware of a number
of things when it comes to
money, and not just when we purchase
being denied certain lines of credit, etc.
Your credit rating will also be impacted
negatively if the individual makes late
I asked such an establishment
why they required the signature of
a guarantor. They had already done
Medicare, Social Security, tax shelters,
403b and more.
When: Saturday April 14 10 - Noon
something. As the old adage goes: buyer payments or misses payments. a thorough check of the prospective
Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
beware. Some people co-sign for a student resident’s finances and knew that Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
I have learned a lot about issues in who is in college so they can have a she couldn’t live long enough for her
this area from attending the Protecting credit card for necessities, Be aware assets to run out. The answer was that • Protecting Your Nest Egg
Your Nest Egg seminars presented by though that if the person keeps the because there is no guarantee that the Two hour seminar, presented by Elder
elder law attorney, Mary Howie, which account open beyond his or her 21st person would not divest sometime after Law Attorney Mary Howie
Massachusetts Retirees United offers birthday, there is no federal law saying entering the facility they had to protect
When: Saturday April 28, 10 - Noon
free of charge. She cautions clients to you must be notified about any credit the institution. When you agree to Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214
beware of setting up joint accounts with line increases. Unlike a lease on an sign such a document make sure the Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmington
their children, grandchildren or anyone apartment in which the co-signed individual understands that dispersing
other than a spouse. Many people do obligation ceases when the lease their money could result in their being • Preparing for Retirement
this to avoid having funds become part becomes due for renewal, there is no put out of the facility. A comprehensive 2 hour seminar for
of their probatable estate, but it can be automatic exit of a co-signed credit These are just a few areas in those within 10 years of retiring. Note:
dangerous. card. Often the only way you can exit which you should beware that you do seminar is offered on multiple dates.
By putting a person’s name on the the co-signing of a credit card is by not put in jeopardy your own good
Holliston: Robert Adams Middle
account as co-owner, one is literally closing the account, which in many credit rating. Beware of possible School, 323 Woodland St.
saying they own half of the amount on instances requires the cardholder’s consequences to co-signing on the When: Tuesday, March 20, 3:30-5:30 PM
the account. If the person you place approval. It is surprising but true that dotted line.
on your account runs into financial amounts accumulated while the co- Methuen: Methuen Educational As-
problems with credit card companies, signed account was open are still your Are You About to Retire? sociation, 184 Pleasant Valley St., Suite
goes into bankruptcy, gets divorced responsibility until they are paid, even The current retirement application 1-204.
for the Massachusetts Teachers When: Thursday, March 22, 2:15-4:15
or is involved in an accident for which after the account is closed.
Retirement System (MTRS) has no and 3:45-5:45 PM.
they are at fault, half of the funds their If you are responsible for a senior
name is on will be used in the resulting who elects to go into assisted living, the insurance deduction authorization. Lawrence: Relief’s In, 1 Market St.
settlements. establishment may require a guarantor There is no change, however, in When: Tuesday, April 3, 3:30-5:30 PM.
Another area to be circumspect to sign. The establishment is not willing MTRS’ practice of withholding
Lynn: Lynn Teachers Union, 679 West-
about is co-signing a credit card to put a person out of the place and insurance premiums from retirees’
ern Ave.
application for another person. There the guarantor becomes responsible to monthly benefits. Their role in
When: Saturday, April 25, 3-5 PM.
are a number of reasons not to do this either continue the payments or remove deducting and forwarding insurance
but the major one is that that credit the person. Your signing for this may premiums is basically a bookkeeping Upton: Blackstone Valley Vocational
card bill is ultimately yours. As one actually appear in your credit rating as one, between them and the GIC and Regional School, 65 Pleasant Street.
municipalities. They rely on the GIC When: Tuesday, May 1, 2:30-4:30 PM
financial person put it, when you co- if you had a mortgage as it could result
sign for a credit card, you’re saying: in your making monthly payments. and the municipalities that administer For details or to register for any of the
“If anything goes wrong, I’ll pay the There is no problem in doing this if you insurance benefits to inform retirees above seminars, contact Marie Ardito at
about this payment method and obtain
▪
balance. All of it. Plus interest and are not planning on making a major 1-617-482-1568 or e-mail
penalty fees.” Lenders will count this purchase of property or extending the the necessary authorization. mardito@retireesunited.org.
debt as yours which can result in your mortgage on property you already own.
The
Golden B rian LaPierre recalls exactly
when it was that he was first
bitten by the political bug. The year
POLITICAL BUG
Brian LaPierre
Apple
with son Owen
was 1985 and Lynn, MA, LaPierre’s and Hillary
hometown, was in the midst of a Clinton in New
heated mayoral contest. His mother Hampshire during
Caroline, a secretary at Hood the presidential
Elementary School in Lynn, was an campaign in 2008.
Brian LaPierre active supporter of candidate Albert LaPierre, who is
Political Organizer DiVirgilio and would often take her AFT MA’s new
AFT Massachusetts son along to campaign headquarters political organizer,
to stuff envelopes, or to events where credits some key
mentors with
young LaPierre might hold a sign on
showing him the
behalf of the candidate. DiVirgilio won
political ropes.
the election—he’d go on to serve three
terms as mayor—and LaPierre was
hooked. “I liked the idea of helping LaPierre says that his early voters. (See cover story.)
people—being the people’s local experiences on the campaign trail Says LaPierre: “We’ve got a tough
representative and helping them on have prepared him for what is certain fight before us but there is nothing
issues that affect their quality of life,” to be a busy political season ahead. I’d rather be doing.” He has already
he recalls. “I liked the responsibility.” “The first lesson I learned is that to begun visiting AFT MA locals and
LaPierre was recently named be an effective politician you have to meeting with as many teachers,
the political organizer for AFT work hard and you have to be able to paraprofessionals, librarians and
Massachusetts, a position for which communicate with all sorts of people.” other public sector employees as he
his early political training—and the While he has been on the job for just can. And no matter what the group,
influence of some key mentors— over a month—LaPierre was formerly LaPierre says that his message to
prepared him well. As political an AFT MA field representative—he members is the same. “You are
organizer, LaPierre is charged with has hit the ground running. Not powerful and your voice matters. This
educating, activating and engaging the only is 2012 an election year, but a is the time to stand up and advocate
controversial ballot question that for your craft. No one else is going to
▪
members of AFT Massachusetts about
the issues facing teachers and other would gut collective bargaining rights do it.”
public sector employees today. for teachers will likely go before the
March 2012 7