Newton educators want nothing more than to be in our buildings teaching our students.

But we can no longer tolerate the Mayor and School Committee’s inaction on important issues that threaten to undermine the quality of Newton Public Schools and our ability to meet the needs of our students.  

The Newton Teachers Association and the Newton School Committee have been bargaining for 16 months prior to our job action. In that time, the Mayor and School Committee refused to meaningfully address the pressing issues raised by educators. Some of those items include:

• A living wage for special education aids, classroom aids, and behavioral technicians
• Increased mental health supports for students
• Increase preparation and planning time for elementary educators
• Humane family care policies and parental leave
• Increased student learning supports
• A cost of living adjustment for educators that (at least) keeps up with inflation

Newton Public Schools is among the premier public school districts in the Commonwealth and country. Many people move to our community specifically for that world-class education provided in the public schools. Newton educators take pride in their work and are now taking a stand to protect the quality of education that the community has come to expect and has long supported. Shamefully, the current Mayor and School Committee are not fulfilling their responsibility to also protect the quality of education provided in our public schools.

Newton is at a crossroads with its priorities. Let’s make sure that educators are respected, compensated and treated like the professionals they are. Let’s make sure that the community is positioned to attract and retain excellent educators. Let’s make sure the working conditions, compensation and benefits for Newton educators align with those of educators working in comparable districts – the ones competing for the same educators as Newton. And let’s make sure Newton is a place that one is proud to live and work in.

The NTA is committed to being fully transparent. The NTA proposals are reasonable and affordable. All of our proposals and their costs can be found at Newton Teachers Association (newteach.org)

Please help us return to the classrooms by sending a message to the Mayor, the School Committee, and other elected officials representing Newton, insisting that they end the delays in settling a fair contract that reflects a commitment to educators and students.

Let the Mayor, School Committee and other elected officials know your connection to this issue: parent, voter, community member, supporter of public education – whatever it is that makes you care! You can use the prepared message or write your own. The entire membership of the NTA is grateful for your support.