"There is no question that the challenges facing our schools and public education in general will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable students and those with the highest needs -- and those are the students we serve,” said NECEF President and Recovery High School teacher Jake Zeigler. “Across all six schools, our educators work to ensure these students have access to the services and support they need to achieve social and educational success. We are all dedicated to safeguarding the rights and needs of our students and remain steadfast in our commitment to making sure the voices and concerns of our students, their families, and our educators are heard and prioritized in the decision making process."

"Each and every day, our paraprofessionals go above and beyond for their students, but most of us don't make a living wage. We're forced to choose between a job we love where we can support students in need and making ends meet. Paras shouldn't be forced to work multiple jobs just to put food on the table,” said Ketty Thebaud, Vice President of the NEC Paraprofessionals and an Instructional Assistant at the Kevin O’Grady School. “We truly care for these kids and are invested in providing them the support to reach their full potential. We wouldn't want it any other way. We hope that, moving forward, we will be seen and recognized for our value and provided with a living wage and benefits that accurately reflect the role we play in the success of our students."

AFT Leading the Charge for Access to R+ (Teachers Alternative Retirement Plan)

For decades, AFT Massachusetts and member locals - including the Boston Teachers Union – have helped members navigate their benefits systems, which can be complex.  Whether it be through advocacy, education, or resources, the AFT Massachusetts has been on the frontline of an issue impacting thousands of teachers across the Commonwealth – the Massachusetts Teachers Alternative Retirement Plan, or Retirement Plus.

After working on this for years, we were thrilled when the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation we had been advocating for at the end of last session. Unfortunately, it was not taken up by the Senate in time.