The MTA is holding an election for two seats on the NEA Board of Directors. The Massachusetts seats will be filled by a vote of the active membership in March and April, in tandem with NEA Representative Assembly state and regional delegate elections. All seats are for three-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2022, and expiring Aug. 31, 2025, in accordance with the NEA’s fiscal year.
Ballots will be provided to all MTA/NEA active members who are eligible to vote.
Candidates were given the opportunity to submit biographical statements and photos. Submissions received in compliance with the MTA’s deadlines are printed on this page.
For more information, contact John Connelly of the Division of Governance and Administration at 617.878.8305 or jconnelly@massteacher.org.
John Bracey — Belmont Education Association
I come from a long line of educators, union members, and activists, who have instilled in me a respect for union work, solidarity, and fighting the hard fights for justice. My work as a unionist is heavily informed by this upbringing.
As a public school educator in Massachusetts, I’ve spent the past decade teaching Latin to middle and high school students. During this time, I have served as a union building representative, a delegate to multiple MTA Annual Meetings, and a member of several union committees and action teams.
I am a proud member of the progressive group Educators for a Democratic Union. I also present workshops on racial justice and equity for educators around the country.
Here in Massachusetts, I first came to understand the power of our unions through the No on 2 campaign.
Through phone banking, testifying at the State House, and marching in the streets, I came to know the strength and passion of our rank and file. That level of solidarity won us decisive victories against powerful opponents and is the key to winning the battles that lie ahead.
I advocate for social justice and equity in education. I promote policies that will lead to substantive, systemic, and material improvements in the lives of educators, students, families, and communities. I fight against the authoritarian forces who place profits ahead of our health and safety.
It would truly be an honor to serve on the NEA’s Board of Directors. I humbly request your vote.
Betsy Preval — Cambridge Education Association
As an NEA Director, I have had the honor of lobbying our national representatives in the House and Senate to support a more socially just education system and to improve working and learning conditions for educators and students, immigrant rights, voting rights, and access to health care.
I am currently serving on our Board Legislative Committee.
I am deeply passionate about using our legislative platform to make transformational change. I am also a member of the Executive Board of the NEA Black Caucus, where we organize within and challenge the NEA to ensure racial justice is at the center of our collective work.
Outside of my role as a director, I am serving on the NEA Task Force on Assessment, as Eastern Regional Director for the NEA Black Caucus, as Chair of the MTA’s Government Relations Committee, and as an active member of my local’s Educators of Color Coalition, Political Action Committee, and collective bargaining team.
Thank you for your consideration, and I hope I’ve earned your support.
Janelle Quarles — Classified Staff Union, UMass Boston
As a member and leader for the past 15 years, my heart has been with the Massachusetts Teachers Association. In my position as an Enrollment Specialist at the University of Massachusetts Boston, I have had the opportunity to work with students, staff, faculty, and families as we strengthen the learning experience for all.
I have served as President of the Classified Staff Union for the last eight years. In this capacity, I have had many chances to represent our ESP members in higher education. Whether it be contract negotiations, workplace conditions, grievances, or expanding membership within our local association, I have been committed to amplifying the voices of my members.
At the state level, I was elected as your At-Large Ethnic Minority Director and served on the MTA Board of Directors for two terms. I participated with the MTA ESP Committee, Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, Equal Opportunity Council, and MTA Higher Education Leadership Council, and I have represented Massachusetts as a member of the NEA Resolutions Committee for the last five years.
In each role, I applied my knowledge and skills to improve our state affiliate. I am proud to have been a member of these teams.
At this point in my leadership journey, I am ready to represent you at the national level as your next NEA Director. As an MTA member, I am convinced that we need to engage in dialogue — not demands. Historically, I have built a reputation as someone who is unafraid to speak up; I am confident that I am prepared for this new challenge to represent you.
Respectfully, I ask for your support and vote as your next NEA Director. Thank you for your commitment to our students and learning communities.
