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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 Massachusettswhen Massachusetts is installingGold standard a complicated and comprehensive Eight Boston-area teachers have evaluation system which needs the earned the highest credential in theThe Threat is Severe goodwill and participation of so many teaching profession: National Board certication. Sixty eight teachers in in order to be successful. The initiative the Boston Public Schools have achievedI t is now a routine experience to havebest teachers will be in every classroom. is a combustible element which can National Board Certication to date.on the ballot in Massachusetts anOne wonders why anyone wouldonly serve to undermine the evaluationCongratulations to Gregory Banks,initiative petition which will harmadvocate such procedures that are sosystem and to create incredible science teacher, Urban Sciencepublic education and the teachers whohostile to the democratic values we animosity in the school districts.Academy, West Roxbury; Erik Berg,work in the public schools. This yearcherish. Employee rights and excellentIs it any surprise that teachers feel second grade teacher, Philbrickappears to be no exception.teaching are not mutually exclusive.devalued even though they work so Elementary School, Roslindale;Stand for Children is proposing a ballotIn fact, currently all teachers in the diligently and their students achieve soPatricia Dervan, special education well? teacher, Brighton High School,initiative which would require schoolpublic schools work under collective Stand for Children maintains that Brighton; Caitlin Hollister, third gradesystems to use the new evaluationbargaining agreements and state laws its agenda is an increase in the qualityteacher, 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. OBryant School of Math For example, a teacher whoin Massachusetts. The exercise of comes from organizations, like the and Science, Roxbury; Ellen Latham,has taught for thirty years with anthese rights does not interfere with theWalton Family Foundation, which have Mario Umana Academy, East Boston;unblemished record could be laid off achievement of our students.long despised unions. Is there anotherKristi Lucks, Boston Communitywhile the school system retained aMassachusetts students are numberagenda? Is it reasonable to suspect thatLeadership Academy, Brighton; andrst-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 rst-Assessment of Educational Progresspower of their voices as advocates forCongratulations to all on this amazingyear teacher has a better evaluation (NAEP) test, the most prestigious quality public schools? accomplishment!mark, he can be the one to continue hisnational test. Our students are numberEven though Stand says that itsemployment.one in the entire western world in theinitiative petition is meant to increase Another frightening experience canTrends in International Mathematics the quality of teaching in the public Top chefoccur when a school closes. None ofand Science Study (TIMSS). One canschools, why does it go after teachersHotel and restaurant managementthe teachers, however well experienced only wonder why Stand for Childrenwho have long taught well? Standinstructor Steve Whiting, a chef- would do far better to advocate for instructor at Nashoba Valley Technicalthey may be, will have a right to anotherdoes not rejoice in our students more resources, smaller classes, better High School for 29 years, has beenposition. The initiative petitionachievements and in our teachers skills. professional development, and to unitenamed the employee of the month at thatprovides that the building administratorMassachusetts has a new evaluation school.Though Steve has led the Culinarycan determine who will teach in hersystem adopted last year. It is rigorouswith teacher unions to accomplish these Arts program for years, this year he isbuilding. Her authority is absolute. and comprehensive, and if implemented goals. teaching Hotel & Restaurant ManagementIf the teacher is unable to obtain a properly, will provide the supports The ght is here. We shall not and brought the largest group of freshmenposition, 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. Heno due process protections. Is this fair?teachers. Even though the Americaninvolved. was nominated by Chef-Instructor FranIs this professional? Is this life in aFederation of Teachers MassachusettsIf you have any questions orZentgraf, who wrote: Chef Whiting is very comments on this column, email me atdemocracy? (AFT MA) opposed the use of MCASkind and helpful to all students. He gives Stand for Children maintains that scores as one component to evaluate [email protected]. each individual one-on-one help along withthese 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 WarrenGrammy, GrammyThe ofcial publication of AFT Massachusetts, whichrepresents over 22,000 teachers, librarians, nurses, custodians and Congratulations to Berklee College of Musics 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, PresidentWarren, the Democratic candidate forand Berklee Faculty Union memberMark Allred, Sr., Secretary-TreasurerU.S. Senate. Elizabeth Warren vows towas nominated for a Grammy for her advocate for our concerns and the manynew album The Mosaic Project This wasVICE PRESIDENTSCarringtons rst Grammy nomination issues facing Massachusetts families, Patricia Armstrongbut it almost certainly wont 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 touredKathryn Chamberlainto preparing students with the best with such musical luminaries as HerbieBrenda Chaneypossible education and supporting the Hancock. Congratulations!Kathy Delaney dedicated teachers and professionals of Catherine Deveney Patricia Driscoll Massachusetts.Marianne DumontWarren is running for the Distinguished service J. Michael EarleDemocratic nomination for U.S. Senate Its time once again for nominations for Margaret Farrellagainst immigration attorney Marisa the AFT Massachusetts Distinguished Mary Ferriter DeFranco and Boston attorney JimA STRONG VOICE Elizabeth Warren Service Awards. Each year AFT MA Jenna Fitzgerald Richard FlahertyKing. The primary winner will meetis challenging freshman Senator Scott recognizes members who have Paul Georgesfreshman Senator Scott Brown in Brown in what is shaping up to be demonstrated an outstanding level ofAlice M. Gunning November in a race thats attractingone of the hottest political campaignsservice and commitment to their unionDaniel 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 McLaughlinThe contest between Brown and Warren harshly criticized Browns 2011 recipients were Medway Middle Bruce NelsonWarren promises to be one of theposition. This is an extreme attackSchool 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 atBruce Sparfven and, with the election just nine months to outright discrimination. It would letCarney Academy in New Bedford, andRichard Stutman Gale Thomas away, the race is sure to dominateinsurance companies and corporationsretired member Alice Gunning, Lynn headlines for the rest of the year. Incut off pregnant women, overweightTeachers Union. If you have someoneJennifer C. Berkshire, Editorrecent weeks the candidates have been youd like to nominate, contact your local38 Chauncy St., Suite 402guys, older Americans, or anyone sparring over the issue of birth control. because some executive claims its part president. The awards will be presentedBoston, Mass. 02111 Senator Brown has signed onto anat the 2012 AFT MA convention inTel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523of his moral code. Fax: 617-423-0174 amendment that would allow employersQuincy on April 27-28. www.aftma.net and insurers to deny coverage for birth For more information visit [email protected] Send your good news to [email protected] and other services they nd elizabethwarren.com 3. For-Prot Charter in LowellContinued from cover prot entities created to tap into the countrys $500 billion public education system. These corporate Education ofcials 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 couldschools in the U.S. are operated by for-prot entities, a proportion that jeopardize big gainsis growing rapidly each year. In states made in student including Michigan, nearly eight out of ten charter schools are operated by achievement in theprivate for-prot companies. citys public schools.Powerful allies, questionable numbersThis raises an obvious question:In Massachusetts, SABIS has PUBLIC PRIDE Staff at the Murkland Elementary School in Lowell, whereis the states policy to help strengthen powerful allies, including the Boston student achievement has soared.The state is recommending a new for-protpublic schools or is it to expand theGlobe, which ran an editorial justcharter school in Lowell that will compete with the Murkland for resources.number of charter schools, whateverlast month urging state education several times in the SpringeldIndeed, the recent history ofthe cost? asks Georges. ofcials to approve the companys schools early history in an effortcharter schools in Lowell should expansion into Lowell. The GlobeFor prot education to get SABIS to comply with theprovide a strong cautionary tale. editorial writers praised SABIS for special education mandates inJust two years ago, state ofcialsMassachusetts is no stranger above average MCAS scores among Massachusetts, including translating threatened to yank the charter of theto charter schools. If, as expected, 10th graders at its Springeld school,basic communications into Spanish. Lowell Community Charter Publicthe Board of Education votes to arguing that SABIS is closing the Secretary of Education Paul RevilleSchool due to management problemsapprove the proposed Lowell school, achievement gap between its mostlycited the companys continuedand persistently low test scores. Thealong with three others in Holyoke, minority student body and white problems with special educationschool ultimately remained openSpringeld, and Boston, the number counterparts in the suburbs.students in his decision to oppose but was forced to contract with aof charter schools in Massachusetts But a recent report conducted bySABIS expansion into Brockton inprofessional management teamwill reach 83. The Collegiate Charter the Department of Education found 2008.and eliminate grades seven andSchool of Lowell will be one of just that far more students leave the SABIS eight, sending hundreds of studentsa handful of schools in the state, school in Springeld than graduate. Troubled history back to the Lowell Public School.however, that is operated for a prot. According to the report, signicant For Lowell education ofcials,Several individuals involved with theThe school will be run by SABIS numbers of students do transfer the troubled track record of SABIS struggling charter will also serve inEducational Systems, Inc., a private, out of the school at the secondaryEducation Systems on special the leadership of the new for-protfor-prot 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 debateSABIS runs schools in 15 countries met. Of the 160 students who werehearing in Lowell, Superintendentwere truly about the best way toand manages 11 charter schools in the part of the grade nine cohort, just 73Jean Franco warned that Lowells improve student achievement andU.S., including schools in Holyoke remained in grade ten.existing charter schools fail to provide outcomes, the state would be lookingand Springeld. The company is SABIS also has a questionable adequate services to special education at how to replicate our success atpart of a rapidly expanding network history when it comes to educatingstudents in the city, noting that many the Murkland. Thats not whatsof so-called education management special education students in its such students are forced to transfer happening here.organizations or EMOs, for- schools. State ofcials intervenedback to the Lowell Public Schools.Lesley University School of Education 3March 2012 4. Diary I have evaluations on the mind. From a round of peer observations with colleagues to the roll out ofnew state regulations getting rolledout, to the barrage of excellentof a New Teacherteacher articles in the mainstreampress, to the question of how anobserver of my 7th grade class mightBy Riana Good judge me. K1-8 Spanish teacher Im having a rough go of it withBoston Teachers Union Pilot School,these seventh graders, three quarters Jamaica Plain, MAof whom are male. It is little solacethat others teachers at my school Meet the 2011-2012 are struggling with this grade as New Teacher Diarists well, because these young peopleBill Madden-Fuoco are missing out. If all my teachingA humanities teacher at the Urban Science looked like it does in the 7th grade,Academy in West Roxbury, Bill was a 2012I probably shouldnt be teaching,Teacher of the Year seminalist.and an evaluator would be right insaying so. But Im not just a 7th gradeLESSON LEARNED Riana Good, a Spanish teacher at the Boston TeachersRobert TobioSpanish teacherI teach kindergarten Union Pilot School, says that to be effective, the states new evaluationRobert teaches math and special educationthrough 8th grade. Thats why its regulations must allow for multiple observationsby multiple observers.at the Mary Lyon Pilot School in Brightonso important that an observer wouldand previously taught at Monument High in typical practice, and that only when Observations from coachessee my teaching at every grade level:South Boston, which closed last spring. averaging four observations by fourwho have expertise in teacherskindergartners reading the dailyMelissa McDonaldmessage in Spanish; the 3rd graders different raters did variation in scores grade level and subject matterA fth grade teacher at the Parthum interviewing each other and reporting based on teaching practice outweighcan be conducted moreElementary School in Lawrence, Melissathe results in Spanish; the 6th graders variation due to other, unexplainedfrequently.is returning to teaching after a year ofcompeting to identify cognates to factors. In other words, a single score The partnership betweenmaternity leave.write on our cognate wall, or the 8th is just as likely to be a uke as it isthe union and the district graders debating the merits ofJoyce Melkercategorizing Hispanic/LatinoA 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 studentin the JET teacher training program atdata and political unity.I probably shouldnt be teaching, and an evaluatorUMass Dartmouth.In fact, all teacherswould be right in saying so. But Im not just a 7thshould be evaluated basedMatthew Robinsonon multiple measures and grade Spanish teacherI teach kindergarten throughMatthew teaches English and journalism at multiple observations, even8th grade. Thats why its so important that anthe Burke High School in Dorchester.when they dont span K1-8thgrade. According to recent observer see my teaching at every grade level.Riana Goodarticle about the Measures ofWhile Riana is technically no longer a newEffective Teaching Project,teacher, this Spanish teacher at the Boston to be based on accurate indicators is strengthened, with thea single observation score is largelyTeachers Union School in Jamaica Plain saysteachers union presidentdriven by factors other than consistent of quality teaching. To be reliable,that she still feels like a newby.aspects of a teachers practice. Theresults require multiple observationsand the director of humanAmanda Perezarticles ndings demonstrated that of a teacher, ideally by multipleresources generally serving asAmanda is a special education teacher ata single observation by a single raterobservers. This makes good sense,panel co-chairs for the PARthe Sarah Greenwood School in Boston. was a poor indicator of a teachers and comes as a relief to me as I think review board.about an evaluator judging me on a PAR results in thesingle 7th grade class out of the twelve development of more teacher/classes I teach. leaders. Would you like to travel abroad on For the states new evaluationregulations to reliably measure PAR helps to create a professional culture committed an inexpensive trip designed teacher quality will require asignicant increase in the overall to collaborating, reecting and instructional improvement.specically for educators?number of observations. Sinceadministrators, many of whom areIf youre not yet sold on PAR andthe need more observations of youralready overworked, cant be expected teaching, think back to your own GEEO is a non-profit organization that runs travelto increase their load, the number of recent evaluations (or lack thereof). programs for educators. Detailed information includingpeople who are trained and qualied I would certainly want someone to itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more can be found atto 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 demandK1-8 before evaluating me. Still,for more observers is Peer Assistance the 7th grade outlier should not beand Review (PAR), where coaches overlooked despite the quality ofchosen on the basis of their excellentmy overall teaching. And so, I amteaching and mentoring support aseeking ways to hone my practicecombination of 10-15 new teachers so that the 7th grade class has theand veterans who need support.productivity, content understandingBecause all educators, not just new and instructional dialogue of the otherand struggling teachers, benet fromgrades, because all of my studentscollaborative analysis of their practice, need and deserve an excellentPAR would work well alongside apeer observation program such aseducation.Collaborative Coaching and Learning Share your comments or questions(CCL), which we are using at the BTUwith Riana at [email protected] School this year.PAR is a marked improvement onWanted: New Teachersthe current observation and evaluationThe Advocate is seeking newmodel in the following ways: More intensive mentoringteachers and paraprofessionalsincreases retention long- to contribute to the 2012-2013term, but also ensures that all New Teacher Diary. Contributorsteachers receiving professional receive $300 per column. If yourestatus are in fact procient or interested, contact [email protected]. 4 The AFT Massachusetts Advocate 5. BEHIND THE SCENES Ballot Question Would Silence Teachers equity rm, 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 forschool 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, thisTeacher Activist of dollars from The Walton Familyfuture, agree on anything at all. School initiative silences the voices of teachers Group BostonFoundation, the philanthropic arm of the wealthy owners of Wal-Mart.districts can ask the state to make allnal, 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 underminesprotections for teachers and will leavewww.tagboston.organd inuence to lobby legislators allcollective bargaining, which in turn ismany of them too scared to speak out over America and convince them thatan attack on teachers and the youngagainst the injustices their students cheaper, younger, unprotected teachers people that teachers care about most.face. Without protection, teachersStand for Children is at it again,are good for corporations and good for Whats worse is that even if the may be afraid to stand up for an but this time in the state ofour children.Massachusetts. The self- Massachusetts is noproclaimed independent social justice different. SFC has already Without protection, teachers may be afraid toorganization has been organizing to started using their cash and stand up for an English language learner or a specialcurtail the rights of teacher unions clout to collect more thanacross the country. In Massachusetts,100,000 signatures in a matter education student who isnt receiving the supportstheir recent and extremely complex of months. They believe ourhe or she deserves. Instead of standing for children,ballot initiative, Great Teachers Great teachers need to be evaluatedSchools, is focused on stripping dueaggressively. SFC believes moreteachers will be forced to stand for silence, regardlessprocess rights, silencing the voices ofexpensive, veteran teachersof where the children fall.child advocates, and forcing yet-to- who are historically the leadersbe-tested evaluation rules onto school of our schools shouldnt bedistricts. The ballot initiative doesnt valued for their experience. initiative does pass, it is hard to seeEnglish language learner or a specialmention children once and it is likely No teacher would disagree that how it can improve our public schools. education student who isnt receivingto divide parents and teachers instead theres a need to better our current As Mary Ann Stewart, president ofthe supports they deserve. Instead ofof bringing them together. Why would evaluation system in order to improvethe Massachusetts Parent Teacher standing for children, teachers will beany organization want to do this? Afterteacher quality. In fact, MassachusettsAssociation, explained: This is a hugeforced to stand for silence, regardlesstaking a closer look at who is on Standis already implementing a rigorous new distraction from what teachers and of where the children fall.For Childrens (SFC) advisory boardteacher evaluation program that hasparents believe is most needed to help If you believe that veteran,these apparent contradictions make a been supported by AFT Massachusettsstudents succeed. We need small classexperienced teachers that advocatelittle 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 ghtof advisors is composed of members to weigh-in on implementing anotherhigh-quality professional developmentagainst this ballot initiative, contactwho have more experience withsystem before the new one is rolledfor teachers. Instead, this ballot Teacher Activist Group (TAG) Bostonrunning a business than a classroom.Members include the Managing out? Good question. It appears thatquestion gives us more top-downmandates and red tape. In addition, at [email protected]. Director at Spectrum Equity, a private the bill is really about weakening both associations of Massachusetts Enrich Your Career at Northeastern UniversityGain the knowledge, skills, and perspective you need to move ahead in your career.MAT and Licensure ProgramsMaster of Education (MEd)Doctor of EducationApply today. 5March 2012 6. On CampusDan Georgianna, Political DirectorUMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895In an Internet Age, New Role Needed for UnionsT he recent one-day strike byWikipedia and other internetsites showed that union strategiesSTRIKE 2.0The recent one-that mostly paid creators of thatknowledge. The Faculty Federationhas a subscription to the Chronicle,developed over the past 75 yearsday strike by and I subscribed to the NYT until thestill work; withdrawing labor can beinternet sitesweight of paper wore me down.an effective tactic. Unlike the usual showed that What is the unions role in thisreaction blaming public employeeunion strategiesdisruption of higher education? Theunions for withholding essentialdeveloped oversimple answer is that I dont know.services, users of internet services sent the past 75 years Im not quite fossilized yet, but Imhundreds of thousands of phone calls, still work. far from the cutting edge of socialtexts, emails and other electronicnetworking as education. As youmessages to Congress that stopped the can see, I still prefer face-to-faceStop OnLine Piracy Act (SOPA) bill in Nothing in the business world internet sites, some with excellent communication between teachersits tracks. is free, of course. Internet sites hadcredentials, such as MITx, now offerand students. Plenty of students dontAside from proving that strikes their own way of extracting payments. free instruction for college courses. and cant afford to, especially non-work, the power of the internet toApple, for example, probably losesThe Federal Governmentstraditional students. One thing thataffect government policy sends amoney selling songs and albums forrequirements 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 standsespecially negotiating committee,the nancial lens of intellectual but more than makes up for the loss between certied college diplomas need younger faculty and staff, whoproperty. by selling more expensive productsand much cheaper, even free internetunderstand these changes and canCutting through the self-servinglike iPods. versions. Selingo argues that Facebookforge new roles for unions in thisideology of both sides, SOPA is anancial and political battle betweenCreators of these products:musicians, actors, artists, writers, etc.and other internet companies haveshown that they can nd a way aroundinternet-driven worldtwo major sectors of the modern (and their unions), were left eeced on government regulations, especiallyDan Georgianna is the Chancelloreconomy: the media industry and the sidelines, unless they could gurewith millions of customers on theirProfessor of Economics at UMassthe internet. The media industryout some way to cash in, for example, side.Dartmouth. His column appearssold creative work: music, movies,through their own websites. This is not as far-fetched as itmonthly in the Advocate. Shareart, books, newspapers etc. in some Large internet companies are nowseems. A likely result would becomments with him at dgeorgianna@physical form. Internet sites now looking to disrupt higher education,traditional higher education withumassd.eduprovide these media products forthe stodgiest of media industries.face-to-face contact between highlymuch lower prices or for free.Jeff Selingo wrote in The Chronicle paid faculty and students who canof Higher Education (1/26/2012) afford to pay at high-end colleges andMarch 8th is Public HigherInternet downloads cut sharplyinto sales of media companies. Jeffreythat internet companies have moveduniversities and cheaper internet-Education Lobby DayRosen wrote in the New York Times inbeyond cheap textbooks, a welcome based education for non-traditionala review of Free Ride by Robert Levin respite from exorbitant prices, tostudents, who Selingo wrote, are nowPlease join students, faculty,(11/25/2011), recorded music in thecompanies like StraighterLine thatthe majority with neither the timestaff, parents, and alumni for aUnited States was worth $6.3 billiongives students free access to skillsnor the funds to pay for classroomgiant day of advocacy for ourcertication such as Collegiate education.in sales in 2009, less than half itspublic colleges and universities.value a decade earlier.Learning Assessment. Plenty ofGood classroom teaching, quality library services, andBuses and vans will be com- education-oriented ing from around the state so student services,we can talk to our legislators within a wellabout the importance of public designed curriculumhigher education to students deliver opportunitiesand the states economy, and for a good education about what we need to im- to students willingprove affordability, quality and to use thoseaccess. opportunities. But I wouldnt bet against the internet The day will start at 10:30 a.m. offering higherin Gardner Auditorium at the education, rebuiltState House with Registration with people at the and a short informative Pro- center as envisionedgram, after which groups will by Sheryl Sandberg,visit their own State Senators chief operatingand State Representatives. ofcer of Facebook,Lunch will then be served, to as quoted in Selingosbe followed by visits to other Chronicle article. The internetkey legislators. also provides opportunitiesFor more information contact similar to classroom [email protected] instruction, or visit www.phenomonline. especially to self-org motivated students. And its hard to beatRegister now at bit.ly/MALob- the speed of access tobyDay2012 knowledge provided by the internet. This article, for example,Stand up and be counted! was written from internet sources6The AFT Massachusetts Advocate 7. Retiree Corner SENIOR SEMINARSMove or Stay Put? Marie Ardito, Co-founderA comprehensive 2 hour seminar on Massachusetts Retirees United retiree housing choices. www.retireesunited.orgWhen: 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 asan Informed RetireeA ll of us must beware of a numberof things when it comes tomoney, 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 lateI asked such an establishmentwhy they required the signature ofa guarantor. They had already done Medicare, Social Security, tax shelters, 403b and more. When: Saturday April 14 10 - Noonsomething. As the old adage goes: buyerpayments or misses payments. a thorough check of the prospective Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214beware.Some people co-sign for a studentresidents nances and knew that Main Street (Rt. 38), WilmingtonI have learned a lot about issues in who is in college so they can have a she couldnt live long enough for herthis area from attending the Protectingcredit card for necessities, Be awareassets to run out. The answer was that Protecting Your Nest EggYour Nest Egg seminars presented bythough that if the person keeps thebecause there is no guarantee that the Two hour seminar, presented by Elderelder law attorney, Mary Howie, whichaccount open beyond his or her 21stperson would not divest sometime after Law Attorney Mary HowieMassachusetts Retirees United offers birthday, there is no federal law saying entering the facility they had to protect When: Saturday April 28, 10 - Noonfree of charge. She cautions clients toyou must be notied about any credit the institution. When you agree to Where: Presidential Park, Unit 105, 214beware of setting up joint accounts with line increases. Unlike a lease on an sign such a document make sure the Main Street (Rt. 38), Wilmingtontheir children, grandchildren or anyoneapartment in which the co-signed individual understands that dispersingother than a spouse. Many people doobligation ceases when the lease their money could result in their beingPreparing for Retirementthis to avoid having funds become part becomes due for renewal, there is no put out of the facility. A comprehensive 2 hour seminar forof their probatable estate, but it can beautomatic exit of a co-signed credit These are just a few areas inthose within 10 years of retiring. Note:dangerous. card. Often the only way you can exitwhich you should beware that you doseminar is offered on multiple dates.By putting a persons name on thethe co-signing of a credit card is bynot put in jeopardy your own good Holliston: Robert Adams Middleaccount as co-owner, one is literallyclosing the account, which in many credit rating. Beware of possibleSchool, 323 Woodland St.saying they own half of the amount oninstances requires the cardholdersconsequences to co-signing on theWhen: Tuesday, March 20, 3:30-5:30 PMthe account. If the person you place approval. It is surprising but true that dotted line.on your account runs into nancial 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., Suitegoes into bankruptcy, gets divorcedresponsibility until they are paid, even The current retirement application 1-204.for the Massachusetts Teachers When: Thursday, March 22, 2:15-4:15or is involved in an accident for whichafter the account is closed.Retirement System (MTRS) has noand 3:45-5:45 PM.they are at fault, half of the funds their If you are responsible for a seniorname is on will be used in the resulting who elects to go into assisted living, the insurance deduction authorization. Lawrence: Reliefs In, 1 Market St.settlements. establishment may require a guarantorThere is no change, however, inWhen: Tuesday, April 3, 3:30-5:30 PM.Another area to be circumspect to sign. The establishment is not willingMTRS practice of withholding Lynn: Lynn Teachers Union, 679 West-about is co-signing a credit cardto put a person out of the place and insurance premiums from retirees ern Ave.application for another person. Therethe guarantor becomes responsible to monthly benets. 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 insurancebut the major one is that that creditthe person. Your signing for this maypremiums is basically a bookkeepingUpton: Blackstone Valley Vocationalcard bill is ultimately yours. As oneactually appear in your credit rating as one, between them and the GIC andRegional School, 65 Pleasant Street.municipalities. They rely on the GIC When: Tuesday, May 1, 2:30-4:30 PMnancial person put it, when you co- if you had a mortgage as it could resultsign for a credit card, youre saying: in your making monthly payments. and the municipalities that administer For details or to register for any of theIf anything goes wrong, Ill pay theThere is no problem in doing this if you insurance benets to inform retirees above seminars, contact Marie Ardito atabout this payment method and obtainbalance. All of it. Plus interest andare not planning on making a major1-617-482-1568 or e-mailpenalty fees. Lenders will count this purchase of property or extending thethe necessary authorization. [email protected] as yours which can result in your mortgage on property you already own.TheGolden B rian LaPierre recalls exactly when it was that he was rst bitten by the political bug. The year POLITICAL BUG Brian LaPierreApple with son Owen was 1985 and Lynn, MA, LaPierres and Hillary hometown, was in the midst of a Clinton in New heated mayoral contest. His motherHampshire during Caroline, a secretary at Hood the presidential Elementary School in Lynn, was an campaign in 2008.Brian LaPierre active supporter of candidate AlbertLaPierre, who isPolitical OrganizerDiVirgilio and would often take her AFT MAs newAFT Massachusettsson along to campaign headquarterspolitical organizer, to stuff envelopes, or to events wherecredits some key mentors with young LaPierre might hold a sign on showing him the behalf of the candidate. DiVirgilio won political ropes. the electionhed go on to serve three terms as mayorand LaPierre was hooked. I liked the idea of helping LaPierre says that his earlyvoters. (See cover story.) peoplebeing the peoples localexperiences on the campaign trail Says LaPierre: Weve got a tough representative and helping them on have prepared him for what is certain ght before us but there is nothing issues that affect their quality of life, to be a busy political season ahead.Id rather be doing. He has already he recalls. I liked the responsibility.The rst lesson I learned is that to begun visiting AFT MA locals and LaPierre was recently namedbe an effective politician you have tomeeting with as many teachers, the political organizer for AFTwork hard and you have to be able toparaprofessionals, librarians and Massachusetts, a position for whichcommunicate with all sorts of people.other public sector employees as he his early political trainingand the While he has been on the job for just can. And no matter what the group, inuence of some key mentorsover a monthLaPierre was formerlyLaPierre says that his message to prepared him well. As politicalan AFT MA eld representativehemembers is the same. You are organizer, LaPierre is charged withhas hit the ground running. Not powerful and your voice matters. This educating, activating and engaging the only is 2012 an election year, but ais the time to stand up and advocatecontroversial ballot question thatfor your craft. No one else is going to members of AFT Massachusetts about the issues facing teachers and other would gut collective bargaining rightsdo it. public sector employees today. for teachers will likely go before theMarch 2012 7 8. Standing Up for Children Every DayStand Up Today!Continued from cover to hire and who to let go can easily the support of a single teacher that he Get the factsExperienced teachers are less be clouded by self interest, prejudice knows. Says Liou: And I know quite The basic facts about Stand for Childrensfearful than those who are just starting against older workers, and economica few excellent and dedicated teachersballot question, including a fact sheet andout. Theyre not afraid to speak up aboutfactors which make less experiencedwho are active in their classrooms, the text of the initiative, are available onwhats happening in our schools even ifteachers cheaper to employ than more school communities and professional our website: www.aftma.net. Note: checkthey have to be a thorn in the side of anexperienced teachers. organizations. back frequently as were adding newinformation all the time.administrator, says OHalloran, who Morris argues that by minimizingnow works with the advocacy groupthe role of relevant experience in goodOccupy the classroomCitizens for Public Schools. teaching, the teaching profession as At a recent gathering of a teachers,Dig deepera middle school math teacher said thatIn state after state, Stand for Children hasAnd with nearly two thirds of newa whole is being diminished. Arehed heard that Stand for Children is aggressively pushed a corporate visionteachers leaving the profession within lawyers and doctors with less relevantfunded by Bain Capital and Wal-Mart.of education reform: expanding charterthe rst ve years of their careers, experience more valuable than thoseschools, tying teacher evaluations toOHalloran argues that the mentoring with years of practice to draw upon? Could this possibly be true? A half astudent test scores and weakening work-role of experienced teachers is more In what other profession does relevant dozen heads nodded, and a high schoolplace protections for teachers. Learnessential than ever. If I hadnt been experience make one a less valuableEnglish teacher provided a quickmore about the corporate educationguided by veteran teachers early on in professional? overview of Stands funding, using theagendaand how you can oppose it atmy own career I would have been out organizations own annual report to www.parentsacrossamerica.org.the door, says OHalloran.Opposition is growingsubstantiate his claims.A growing body of education leaders In recent years, funding hasSpread the wordNo experience necessaryand organizations has come out insurged into the coffers of groups likeTalk to your colleagues, friends, neighborsThe Stand for Children initiativeopposition to the ballot initiative. Stand for Children that are pushing and relatives about whats really behindreects a distortedbut increasingly Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul corporate education reform. Stand inStands ballot question. Explain to them inwidespread viewthat in teaching,Reville has publicly criticized StandsMassachusetts has received millions no uncertain terms how youand yourexperience is a detriment rather than an effort, warning that the ballot initiative of dollars from the Gates Foundationstudentswill be affected by the passageasset. A recent Boston Globe editorial is likely to lead to a distracting andand the Walton Family Foundation, the of this ballot question.lamented that, in an age of layoffs, divisive battle, engendering an over-philanthropy of Wal-Mart.young, talented teachers could losesimplied public dialogue that would But while Stand may haveGet involvedtheir positions to veteran teachers. Inalienate educators. amassed an estimated $23 million to Public school teachers just like you arefact, in the hotly-charged debate overIn recent weeks, the list ofinuence Massachusetts voters, theorganizing in their communities and tell-the best way to turn struggling schoolsopponents has continued to expandgroup will also have to contend withing the real story about Stand for Chil-around, experienced teachers are and now includes all of the majorgrowing public concern about the ever dren and corporate education reform.routinely characterized as burnt out,education organizations in the state:expanding role of corporations in publicIf youd like to be part of this campaignwrite to [email protected] and out of touch, as compared the Massachusetts Parent Teacher education at both the elementary andto their young colleagues, who are Association, AFT Massachusetts, thesecondary levels. Says Teach Plus policydepicted as eager, tireless and selesslyMassachusetts Teachers Association,fellow Good: Outside interests haveTell your storydedicated to closing the achievement the Massachusetts Secondarytheir eyes on the $850 billion spent each Teachers speak up every day to get theirgap. According to this argument, School Administrators Association,year on public education. Its no secretstudents the help, resources or servicesthey need. If you have a story that yourethe best way to improve the public the Massachusetts Elementary that stamping out union protectionswilling to share, write to advocate@education system is to eliminate the School Principals Association, the and collective bargaining, as the Standaftma.net or call Jennifer Berkshire atrights of its teachers.Massachusetts Reading Association, the initiative tries to do, is a move to put781.572.1168.Haidee Morris, who serves as Massachusetts Association of College more money and power into the handsgeneral counsel for AFT Massachusetts,warns that the language of the Stand and University Reading Educators, the Massachusetts School Libraryof the one percent.Who is Stand for Children?for Children initiative provides subtleAssociation, and the Massachusettsencouragement for administrators toAdministrators for Special Education.replace more experienced teachers James Liou, a peer assistant in thewith younger, cheaper educators. SaysBoston Public Schools and a nationallyMorris: If experience is no longerconsidered a measure of merit and board certied teacher, says that he judges opposition to the ballot question A decade ago the nonprot groupStand for Children emerged asa leading voice for more funding forwith a civil rights cast to it about closingachievement gaps, says Garberg. Theproblem is, the rhetoric and reality areability, then decisions regarding whoby another measure: its failure to winpublic schools in Massachusetts.completely at odds. Today, formerCoalitions of teachers, parents and local Stand activists like Garberg and Tracyleaders in Worcester, Medford and Novick, a member of the WorcesterGloucester began to press Beacon Hill School Committee, have emerged as theto fund the Commonwealths schoolsforemost critics of the group they oncemore equitably. In 2008 the group helped to lead. Novick in particularbrought more than 2,000 parents,has tried to call attention to the vastteachers and advocates to the steps amounts of corporate money owingof the Statehouse for a major rally into Stands Massachusetts coffers fromsupported by both AFT Massachusetts Microsoft and Bain Capital.and the Massachusetts TeachersThat story, of one time passionateAssociation.Stand members, speaking out But in 2009 Stand sharply shiftedagainst the organizations embraceits focus. Among the groups new topof corporate education reform, ispriorities: expanding the number of being repeated across the country. Incharter schools in the state, despite Portland, Oregon, Stand membersthe opposition of many of Stands whod joined the group to advocateown members. Since then, Stand in for strengthening public schools, wereMassachusetts has rushed to embrace appalled when Stand hosted screeningsany number of corporate-backedof the controversial lm Waiting forreforms, including restricting theSuperman last year and even pushedability of teachers and other publicto lower the capital gains tax in thatsector employees to bargain over health state.benets.The organization totally changed Roger Garberg, a former leader from a true grass-roots volunteerof Stands chapter in Gloucester, was decision making group to one thatone of a number of activists who brokenow pushes a national reform agendaaway from the group to protest its newfunded by corporate and Wall Streetdirection. In an interview with the millionaires, educator Tom Olson toldjournal Rethinking Schools, Garberg the Portland Tribune. The centralsaid that by embracing a corporateplan now is communicating that publicvision of education reform, Stand was schools dont need additional moneyable to attract major new funding,to help kids succeed only moreincluding from corporate foundations. reforms that are thinly veiled unionThat made it easy to adopt a rhetoricbashing.
