11/16/2016

TrumpHateWithLove,MakeSafeSpaces,OptOutNovember15,2016
ABOUT MTA

NEWS & EVENTS

MEMBER SERVICES

CONTACT US

ACCESSIBILITY

EnterSearchTerm

ISSUES & ACTION

EDUCATORS

LOGIN

Search

FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Home News & Events President's E-mails Trump Hate With Love, Make Safe Spaces, Opt Out

News Archive
MTA Today
MTA Social Networks
Conferences & Workshops
MTA Calendar
President's E-mails
MTA Reporter
Subscribe to MTA News

Trump Hate With Love, Make Safe

Spaces, Opt Out
Greetings,
We have entered a dangerous and frightening time for this country. Our
students and their families - beautiful in their diversity - need our love and
protection now more than ever. We must use our power as educators to
let all of our students and their families - but especially those who were
targeted by the president-elect in his campaign - know that we will
provide safe spaces, defend them from attack and be more focused and
vigilant in our struggle for justice.

MTA President Barbara Madeloni

Tell Your Students and Their Families: Love Trumps Hate

As a first step, I am inviting locals to organize standouts across the state
next Tuesday, November 22, to let students and parents know that love
trumps hate, that we welcome all students and their families, and that we
will provide places of safety in our classrooms, schools and colleges.
Next Tuesday, please welcome your students to school with signs of love
and support that speak to how we cherish their differences and how we
will protect their right to be themselves, to feel safe and in charge of their
bodies and identities, and to tell their stories. Thank you to Medford ELL
teacher Sara Dion for originating this idea.
Declare Your Schools and Colleges Safe Spaces
From college campuses to elementary schools, organize to declare your
buildings and campuses safe spaces. We have already seen this on some
campuses, such as atUMass Amherst. There is no reason that a school
faculty cannot meet and vote to do the same. We cannot be shy or
cautious in our defense of our students and their families. This is a time to
push past rules and bureaucracies that limit our ability to show and live
our compassion.
Teach Toward Empathy, Hope and Democracy
Beyond statements of support and safety, we need to act on our duty as
educators in public schools and colleges to educate for democracy. Our
students need to be given the tools and opportunities to name the world,
develop and articulate their ideas, and act with courage, empathy and a
sense of justice. We need to talk about racism, sexism and the ways in
which power can be used to abuse and oppress. Now more than ever,
we cannot let mandates, hyperaccountability and narrow conceptions of
teaching and learning limit our ability to engage in pedagogies of
freedom and hope.
Join the Opt-Out Movement
One way to begin the work against the testing machine is to opt out of
high-stakes testing. Last month, the MTA Board voted to support an
educator opt-out statement in which educators can indicate that they plan
to opt their own children out of MCAS/PARCC/MCAS 2.0 or have done
so in the past. Once we collect 100 signatures, and after contacting each
person who signed to confirm, we will announce the movement to the
media. Parents from New Bedford to the Berkshires are ready to opt out.

http://www.massteacher.org/news/presidents_emails/barbara_email_111516.aspx

1/2

11/16/2016

TrumpHateWithLove,MakeSafeSpaces,OptOutNovember15,2016

Let's lead the way. Goherefor more information and to add your name
to the list.
In the weeks ahead, we will be fighting to fully fund our public schools
and colleges; to end the testing and standardization machine; and to
create the schools our students and their communities deserve. Our
victory against Question 2 was possible because we used our voices and
allied with students, parents and the community.
This is the time to build from that strength and to take courage from and
with each other. Speak up. Stand out. Join arms.
In solidarity,
Barbara
0

19

Subscribe to MTA News Headlines by Email

About MTA

News and Events

Member Services

Connect with Us:

Leadership
What We Do
Who We Are
Locals
Jobs at the MTA

I-Clips
Media Contacts
MTA Today
MTA Reporter
Conferences
Archive

Benefits
Retirement Planning
Know Your Legal Rights
Help Students Who Need A Hand
Leaders Area
Members Area
Login Help
Recover Password

Massachusetts Teachers Association

2 Heritage Drive, 8th Floor
Quincy, MA 02171-2119

Issues and Action

Ongoing Issues
Legislation
Adequacy
Evaluation
Legal
Higher Ed
Take Action

Educators
Be An Educator
Licensure
Conferences and Workshops
Jobs in Education
Training
Resources

Family and Community

Reading Resources
Mass Child
Community Partners
Family Involvement

Toll-free: 800-392-6175
Phone: 617-878-8000
Fax: 617-742-7046
Send Email
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube
Flickr

Massachusetts Teachers Association. All rights reserved

http://www.massteacher.org/news/presidents_emails/barbara_email_111516.aspx

2/2