MTA Today Winter 2021

"At first it was a nightmare — a nightmare. But we’re getting the hang of it. It’s getting better. We have a routine now." Jennifer Hedrington, a member

We achieved a major victory for the common good on Election Day. Together, we held our breath in the weeks that followed as then-President Donald Trump and his co-conspirators sought to overturn the results — and as we witnessed the shocking insurrection at the Capitol on the day the results were to be certified.

The Statewide ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) Network and the MTA Environmental Health and Safety Committee have undertaken a collaborative effort to better understand the impact of race-related stress on educators of color.

Anew COVID-19 testing program that MTA members have been advocating for since July is finally being put in place, but members are advised to not let their guard down.

Frustration has been mounting over the slow pace and lack of information about the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plans for educators, so the MTA, AFT Massachusetts and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts are taking the reins by proposing a public-sector collaboration to administer the vaccines locally.

The MTA’s higher education members have been fighting hard against draconian staff and program cuts at public colleges and universities since the start of the coronavirus pandemic — and they aren’t letting up now.

Renowned antiracism scholar Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and NEA President Becky Pringle challenged MTA members to keep up the fight for racial and social justice during the recent Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Conference.

The MTA celebrated its 175th anniversary in November. The past three issues of MTA Today have featured stories from our history between 1845 and 1965, the year that the MTA won collective bargaining rights for teachers.

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.

The shock of what happened on Jan. 6 " will linger — and it should," MTA President Merrie Najimy wrote to members two days after the insurrection in Washington, D.C.

MTA Retired activist Neil Clarke has learned that nothing in politics is a slam dunk.

Advancing the MTA PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights and higher education bargaining goals will both be major subjects at this year’s MTA Education Support Professionals Conference.

The connection between Education Support Professionals and teachers must be stronger than ever to help everyone attain better contracts and working conditions.

In so-called "normal times," new educators face countless challenges. This school year — with COVID-19 upending teaching practices at every level and concerted efforts being made across the country to address the impact of systemic racism — educators just embarking on their careers have even more on their plates.

Let your voice be heard! Join your colleagues, representatives of the MTA Retired Members Committee and guest presenters for the 2021 MTA Retired Spring Brunch.

Is there an MTA Retired Member who you'd like to recognize?

Any changes to student loan repayment being considered by the Biden-Harris administration were far from concrete as this edition of MTA Today went to press.

The MTA provides individual retirement consultations to assist members. Proof of membership must be submitted when requesting retirement services.

WINNIPESAUKEE in manicured Samoset Resort at the Broads, with a view guaranteed to take your breath away in quaint Gilford!

Nominations are open for the 2022 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. All current members of an NEA local affiliate or bargaining unit are eligible, including teachers, Education Support Professionals, and higher education faculty and staff.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a preconvention meeting or meetings will be held virtually this year in advance of the MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates.

The MTA has an ambitious 2021 campaign agenda that includes both legislative and non-legislative goals — all of which depend on member organizing for their success.

VOLUME 33 / NUMBER 2 / WINTER 2021, The MTA Advantage is a publication of MTA Benefits, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

When you make your next hotel reservation, you’ll want to use the Access hotel booking engine to earn cash back. That’s right. Not only will you find the lowest price available, you’ll also get a credit on your credit or debit card after booking!

All discounts listed in the Tip Sheet can be found at mtabenefits.com.

When was the last time you used a password? Was it four or five minutes ago? That sounds about right. In the digital world, consumers are bombarded by demands for passwords.

NEW TRAVEL BENEFIT When you’re ready to travel, why not get more and save more with MTA Benefits Travel Rewards? This exclusive MTA benefit rewards members with $50, $100, or even $150 at more than 800,000 popular hotels.