Teachers
From districts large and small, teachers are on the front lines of the education debate and AFT MA is here to offer information, advice and support so that they can all do their jobs with courage and confidence.
#AFTVoices Member Spotlight Series
We kicked off our #AFTVoices member spotlight series!
This series aims to uplift the voices, members and educators that make up AFT Massachusetts. Our first member highlight is on Gary Torres, a Paraprofessional and Member Organizer coming from the Lynn Teachers Union! Ever since Gary attended his first AFT meeting, after being encouraged by a friend, he is devoted to the people and place he represents. "As a member organizer, I’ve been focusing on getting others involved, especially paraprofessionals. I am here to listen. It’s personal for me."
Sen. Warren’s Office Seeking Feedback on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: Please Complete a Brief Survey
Established in 2007 by the U.S. Congress, the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a critical student loan forgiveness program for public school educators and employees, municipal librarians, other public sector workers, and individuals employed by certain non-profit organizations. The program provides eligible borrowers with student loan debt relief in exchange for a decade of service in their communities.
AFT Massachusetts and its parent organization, the national AFT, are committed to fixing these problems, and we are working with allies, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, to ensure the program is implemented as intended.
Senator Warren’s office is conducting a survey to learn more about Massachusetts public servants’ experience with student debt and the PSLF program. All responses are anonymous. The survey results will help to inform future policy.
Summer Leadership Institute 2021
Join us for our Summer Leadership Institute, a series of virtual workshops for local leaders and members to refine their leadership skills as well as to promote participation and initiative in our union! We have a range of different classes and with this institute we aim to come together across the state for conversation and learning.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen clearly just how important unions are for working people. By joining together through our union, we can win safer working conditions, earn better pay and benefits, and advocate together for public policy changes that we would never get on our own,” says AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “Our success as a union depends on individual members joining together to win changes in their communities. We’re excited to bring our Summer Leadership Institute back this year to train and engage union members and leaders across the state.”
“The Summer Leadership Institute helped make me a stronger and more engaged union activist,” says Kim Luz, Fall River Federation of Paraprofessionals. “It’s a terrific opportunity to connect with union members and leaders from across the state, learn new skills, and develop strategies to bring back to my union.”
Follow the link and complete the form to register for the workshop. Sign up for one or as many as you'd like!