Important Information:
Please review the New Teachers Handbook for valuable information to help you in your first year.
MTA Trainings for New Members
Fall 2023
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CREDIT COUNSELING AND LOAN FORGIVENESS: New members often have student debt. This up to 75-minute training provides guidance on how to handle debt while qualifying for loan forgiveness.
Various dates and times August-December, sign up here: Student Loan Webinars | MTA Benefits
https://www.mtabenefits.com/student-loan-webinars
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EVALUATION TRAINING for First Year Licensed Educators: This 90-minute training covers the basics of the Evaluation Process for licensed educators in PreK-12 locals. Dates TBD.
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PROFESSIONAL TEACHER STATUS (PTS): 45-minute training on how teachers acquire PTS, and what their rights are before they get PTS. Various dates and times in September and October, sign up here: MTA PTS Trainings https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/568789/
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ESPs: RIGHTS ON THE JOB: This is a 30-45 minute training on the rights of ESPs both before and after they may pass a probationary period. It covers anti-discrimination laws, union rights, contractual rights, the evaluation process, and whistle-blower protections.
Various dates and times in September and October, sign up here: MTA ESP Rights Trainings https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/568793/
OTHER WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS:
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CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE: 90-minute training explaining the sometimes labyrinthian process of getting a teaching license in Massachusetts. Dates TBD.
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RETIREMENT 101: This 1 hour seminar is a primer on retirement in Massachusetts. It’s never too early to learn about your pension.
Wed Oct 11, 6:00 PM and Wed Nov 8, 6:00 PM, sign up here: Retirement 101 https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/568839/ -
403(b)Wise: Monthly seminar on the dos and don’ts of 403(b) plans, and self paced learning modules. https://403bwise.org/events
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The MTA sponsors a few all-day sessions of Professional Development such as the Summer Conference in August and the Early Career Educator Conference on November 4th. Other PD may be available in your local area by request.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Our Instagram: @watertowneducators
Facebook Page: @ watertownEducators
You are now a member of the National Education Association (NEA). At over 3 million members, it is the largest independent union in the country. Go to https://www.nea.org/. It’s loaded with information about the services of the NEA as well as information on topics to inform your teaching.
You are now also a member of Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA). Membership comes with extensive benefits ranging from teaching/professional development, money-saving benefits, and legal assistance. Please go to the MTA website to check out all it has to offer including Good Reasons to belong to MTA
And, finally–the WEA. You are now a member of Watertown Educators Association, 450 strong, with participation of 100% of our teachers. ⧫ The WEA negotiates the contract that governs your day to day activities and responsibilities. It also outlines your benefits and salary amounts.
⧫ The WEA steps up when our Association and its members need protection and clear guidelines/expectations in uncertain times. ⧫ The WEA is there for you if a problem arises and you feel it may result in disciplinary action (Weingarten Rights)
⧫ The WEA consists of your friends and colleagues, the people beside you through the good and bad and will be there for you when you need help.
2023 – 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
President: Janelle Lacy watertowneducatorsassociation@gmail.com
First Vice President: Anthony Spano antspano@gmail.com
Second Vice President: Christine Fletcher ckennedy6211@gmail.com
Secretary: Amy Kirsch akirs713@mail.endicott.edu
Treasurer: Eddie Cafua ecafua@gmail.com
Membership Chair: Melissa Reohr mreohr@gmail.com
BUILDING REPRESENTATIVES
Unit A
High School: (2 Reps): Siran Tamakian, John Rimas
Middle School: (2 Reps): Brian Donato, Elissa Willoughby
Hosmer: (2 Reps): Susan Monfette, Marilynn O’Connor
Lowell: (2 Reps): Stephen MacLellan, Rachel Levine
Cunniff: (1 Rep): Christine Rono
Early Steps: (1 Rep): Cheryl Pelletier
Unit B:
(1 Rep): Kraig Gustafson
Unit D
High School: Mike Boyd
Middle School: Stephanie Barker
Elementary Level: Stephanie Poirier
(PR&R ) PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES COMMITTEE
Unit A
Chair: Anthony Spano
High School: Matt Rose
Middle School: James Duffy
Cunniff: Barbara Barry
Lowell: Ann Cox
Hosmer: Carol Blackwood
Early Steps: Caroline LaBella
Unit B:
Marykate Fitzpatrick
Unit D
High School: Lisa Monacienglert
Middle School: Ron Meehan
Cunniff: Flora Lee Riley
Hosmer: Linda Flori
Lowell: Christina Catanzaro
Early Steps: Nancy Alberico
Important Information:
Please review the New Teachers Handbook for valuable information to help you in your first year.