Press

Establishing alternative pathways to support those interested in becoming educators - a long-standing priority of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts to strengthen and diversify the Commonwealth’s pipeline of educators – is now a reality.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to establish alternative assessments to the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), creating a broader range of pathways for those aspiring to be teachers.

"This is a critical step forward to address the current teacher shortage we're facing and, more importantly, increase the diversity of our pipeline of teachers,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Research has shown time and time again that all students benefit from a diverse educator workforce – one that accurately reflects the wonderful diversity of our communities. As we build a stronger, more diverse pipeline, more students will be able to identify with their teachers and will be more likely to consider becoming teachers themselves. We look forward to working with the state and Legislature to continue to identify ways to make stronger, more supportive schools for all."

“Teaching students to read is one of the most important things we do as educators. Literacy skills are foundational skills - ones that are crucial to supporting student development and long-term success.

“The needs of our students vary from district to district, from school to school, even from desk to desk. Strong literacy instruction is responsive to the unique learning needs of individual students and can be complex.

“As passed today, this bill establishes a limited, blanket curriculum that is concerning, particularly to veteran educators who have developed rich and effective evidence based literacy curriculum over the years. Even more concerning is that it bans important, proven tools our educators currently use and use successfully, particularly with our English language learners and students with special needs."

“My colleagues and I love being a part of the Lynnfield community and want to be able to provide the same level of support and service to the community that we’re providing now,” said Katherine Decker, a Lynnfield resident and Head of Circulation at Lynnfield Public Library (LPL). “We are asking our neighbors and friends to vote yes to safeguard the programs and resources thousands in our community can access when they walk through our doors.”

The LPL provides programs for all ages, story-times and promotion of literacy, print and electronic materials, research assistance, technology help, book groups, as well as a place for locals to connect and engage with their community. Last year, LPL hosted nearly 400 programs with over 7,460 participants.

“Each day, the Lynnfield Public Library welcomes nearly 400 residents who can rely on us to provide their entire community with the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational opportunities they’ve come to enjoy and, in some cases, rely on,” said Patricia Kelly, who has worked at LPL for nearly three decades and is currently serving as LPL’s Head of Reference and the President of the Massachusetts Library Staff Association. “Whether it be through creating community spaces to bring people together, connecting residents with outside cultures and histories, or helping people navigate critical services through our ever-expanding digital world, we’ve worked hard to ensure the library serves as a cornerstone of the Lynnfield community.”  

“We thank the Legislature for preventing what could have been catastrophic cuts to our public schools as they face immense financial insecurity after losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding,”  said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “The cost for many local school districts to ensure every child has a free and equal public education outpaces the investment and reimbursements they receive from the state, particularly as the federal government continues to decrease its contributions. Coupled with a funding system that does not keep up with inflation, the money lost to charter schools is pushing many districts to a breaking point, especially those disproportionately serving the Commonwealth’s neediest students.”

“We remain committed to working with our allies in the Legislature and the Healey Administration to ensure all students have access to a high-quality public education and the services they need to thrive. With public education under assault at the federal level, it is even more critical that our state leaders answer this call so that Massachusetts can continue to lead,” continued Tang.

AFT Massachusetts along with a broad coalition of educators, school districts, nonprofits, and labor unions won a preliminary injunction today that will halt the Trump Administration’s unlawful effort to dismantle the Department of Education.

In March, the AFT Massachusetts, along with coalition members, was the first to challenge Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s massive reduction-in-force at the U.S. Department of Education. This not only gutted the department of the staff levels necessary to operate, but greatly decimated the crucial services and protections millions of students, teachers, and communities across the country rely on.

“While today’s decision will provide some relief, the damage is already being felt in our schools – by our students, especially the most vulnerable, and our educators,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “We have the utmost confidence in the virtue and facts of our case. The White House is not above the law and we will never stop fighting on behalf of our students and our public schools and the protections, services, and resources they need to thrive.”

“When the federal government shuts down, everyone loses. Congressional Republicans and the White House have made a deliberate choice to prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over the well-being of working families. Instead of facing questions about protecting access to healthcare for millions of Americans, including their own constituents, they chose to hold the government hostage.  

“This is beyond partisan disagreements or political dysfunction. We call on the president and Republicans in Congress to get back to work and do what is right for the hardworking Americans who elected them. It’s time they work with Democrats and find a solution that all Americans deserve — one that protects healthcare, lowers costs, and keeps the government open."

“While we would have preferred a candidate with more statewide experience and have concerns about how this search process was conducted, we hope that Pedro Martinez will live up to the ideals of the Commonwealth and be the type of Commissioner our educators and students deserve.  

“If we are going to truly meet the needs of our students and communities during this tumultuous time in public education, it’s imperative that the incoming Commissioner builds consensus and elevates the voices of educators, students, and families most impacted. Our next Commissioner – especially one unfamiliar with the Massachusetts education landscape – must put in the work to do this and earn the trust of the union educators who dedicate their lives to providing for our students and advocating for the services they need and the exceptional education they deserve.”

“The Peabody Public Schools and Peabody Federation of Teachers are deeply committed to the wellbeing, safety, and education of all students of Peabody. After a thorough review of the details related to the alleged social media policy violation, the school department and the teacher’s union are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that will allow the Peabody educator to return to the classroom on October 1, 2025.

“It is important that our community work together to foster greater understanding and respect opinions that differ from our own. We hope that the same things students are learning in the classroom, including how to engage in debate thoughtfully, the importance of empathy, and how to be a critical thinker, can find their way back into our public discourse.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and working together to prevent any further disruptions in our schools.”

"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."

"Freedom of speech is also a hallmark of our country. It is alarming that we're seeing a widespread increase in efforts to silence and penalize Americans for speaking on a matter of public concern in a private capacity. The First Amendment should apply to all, not the few. When an educator is put on leave, the impacts are felt in the classroom, with our students losing out on valuable instruction time. It is important that all who are targeted receive due process rights, another hallmark of our democracy and country, and we will vigorously defend their rights.    

"It is regrettable that the Peabody School District chose to disrupt their students’ education over allegations with no bearing on its schools or its learning environment.  Educators are allowed to have opinions on public concerns, just like everyone else.

"Instead of protecting that right, Peabody and other school districts have created conditions where educators and their family members are facing harassment and threats, even as many accusations have proven to be unfounded.

"The AFT Massachusetts will continue to protect the right to free speech for all educators and make sure anyone facing harassment or retaliation has their right to due process upheld."