Spotlight

Massachusetts public school students have some of the highest test scores in the world when it comes to math and science. Pictured here: students at the Bradley Elementary School in East Boston. (Photo by David L. Ryan, Boston Globe)

Notes from the President's Desk
June 10, 2009

Members

Collective Bargaining Rights Still Under Challenge

The legislature is considering changes which will attempt to bring the cost of health insurance coverage offered by cities and towns into line with the costs of those offered by the Group Insurance Commission. AFT Massachusetts, allied with other unions, is working to keep health insurance coverage as a subject of collective bargaining. We encourage all our members to begin letting our legislators know that we oppose eliminating collective bargaining about health insurance issues. Click here to read more.

AFT MA shall be working diligently to protect collective bargaining, health insurance coverage, and pensions, and to increase revenues.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LEGISLATOR

Please remember to contact your local senator and representative to let them know that you want your health care coverage to remain a benefit subject to collective bargaining. You may contact your local legislator by calling the State House at 617-722-2000. If you are not sure who your elected officials are go to www.wheredoivotema.com for more information.

Listening to Experts:

What Massachusetts Teachers are Saying about Time and Learning and the Expanded Learning Time Initiative. Click here to read the report.

AFT MA and AFT Partner Organizing Early Childhood Care Workers:

We believe the way to improve young children's education is to improve the working conditions for Early Educators. AFT Massachusetts along with our national organization, American Federation of Teachers, to assist early educators to work together to bring together the professionals who educate our youngest students. Click here to read more about this campaign.

Education

AFTMA SPED Taskforce

We represent general and special education professionals whose mission is to provide our members with updated information about teaching students with disabilities (SWD) in all educational settings. The taskforce members will be available for trainings and to assist AFTMA locals in solving issues related to teaching SWD. Read more for updated information and useful wesites that will provide our members with user-friendly information and links that will enhance instruction for all.

AFT Massachusetts Advocate now online

You may read the current issue of the AFT Massachusetts newspaper The Advocate online.

The Advocate won a first prize in the AFT newspaper contest for the editor's story about the devastating impact the repeal fo the income tax would have had on public education. Congratulations