MEA Benefits - Methuen Education Association

Methuen Education Association
2015-2016
MEA Officers
Carl Fowler
Donna Gogas
Kelly Shaffer
Liz Conroy
Lisa Feole-Pickett
Jean D’Orsi
Diane Ferraro
Karen Lawlor
Liz Bistany
Co-President- CGS
Co-President- Marsh Grammar School
1st Vice President-Marsh Grammar School
2nd Vice President & Grievance Chair- CGS
Secretary- Tenney Grammar School
Treasurer- Methuen High School
Unit C Chair- Tenney Grammar School
Unit D Co-Chair- Methuen High School
Unit D Co-Chair- Central Office
Dues 2015 – 2016
Units A
Unit C
Unit D
NEA
MTA
MEA
$
$
$
185.00
489.00
100.00
$ 111.50
$ 147.00
$ 34.00
$ 111.50
$ 294.00
$ 67.00
Total
$
774.00
$ 292.50
$ 472.50
We Need Building Representatives!
We need building representatives in each building. The Building Reps are members of the
Executive Board and meet monthly to discuss the issues, set policies, make by-law
changes, and other decisions regarding the operation of the Association. They attend
investigatory meetings and discipline meetings to assist members who may be in trouble.
Whether you are a past building rep or a new, we need to confirm your membership on the
E-Board. If you attend 80% of the meetings, we will reimburse your local dues.
Contact Kelly Shaffer by Sept. 15, 2015 at [email protected]
http://methuen.massteacher.org
MEA office: 978-258-7766
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Methuen-EducationAssociation/268620913164035?sk=info
MTA Benefits
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Auto Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Dental Plan
MTA Platinum Credit Card
Auto Rental Discounts
Hotel Discounts
Travel Accident Insurance
Tax Sheltered Annuities
Free Insurance to All MTA Active
Members
 $1 million Educators Professional
Liability Insurance Coverage
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Income Tax Preparation
Home Heating Oil Co-op
Magic Kingdom Club
NEA Magazine Services
Hospital Income Protection
Home Mortgage Program
Long Term Care
California & Florida Discounts
MTA Discount Directory
Travel Program
MTA Services in Accordance
with Current MTA Policies, Rules,
and Bylaws
Read your contract and know your rights! Always ask for advice from your Faculty
Representatives. We are here to help and support all members in any way we can.
Know Your Weingarten Rights!
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or
affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union
representative or officer be present at the meeting. Without representation, I
choose not to answer any questions.” (See your MTA pocket calendar)
MEA Benefits
 15 sick days
o Use up to 5 sick days per
year for family illness
(FMLA)
 Personal days
o Request made 72 hours in
advance whenever possible
o May not be granted
immediately before or after
any regular vacation period
or long weekend except in
emergency situations
 Sick Leave Pool Accumulation to
220 days
 Sick Leave Pool (see sick leave
policy)
 Maternity leave
 Payroll deductions
 Health Insurance (City of
Methuen-62%, Employee-38%
 Sick leave buy-back
 Longevity
 Seniority
 Job protection-“Just Cause”
 Children of Employees able to
attend Methuen Public Schools
without any cost to the teacher
subject to conditions
 Professional, legal, funeral, and
other leaves available
State Government References
Name
Telephone
E-mail
Addresses
Gov. Charlie Baker
617.725.4005
888.870.7770
(in state)
Phone: 617.725.4005
888.870.7770 (in state)
360 State House
Rep. Linda Dean-Campbell
617-722-2040
[email protected]
Sen. Kathleen O’Connor
Ives
617-722-1604
[email protected]
513 State House
all in Boston, MA 02133
Room 215 Boston, MA
02133
Main Telephone Number for State House- 617-727-2121
MEA Organization
MEA (Methuen Education Association)
NEA (National Education Association)
MTA (MA Teachers Association)
DESE (Department of Elementary &
Secondary Education)
MTRS (MA Teachers’ Retirement System)
Insurance Information Page
Websites
http://methuen.massteacher.org
www.nea.org
www.massteacher.org
www.doe.mass.edu
www.state.ma.us/mtrb
www.borislow.com
Username: MethuenBen
Password: Methuenempl1
Important Liability Information!!
Question: Am I liable if a child accidentally gets hurt?
Answer: In Massachusetts, teachers, as public employees, generally will not be held liable if a
student is accidentally injured during school activities. The key words are “during school
activities.” Make sure that ANY activity-- whether on school grounds or not--has been cleared
with your supervisor or principal. Teachers could be personally liable for “gross negligence” or
reckless or intentional conduct that causes injuries at school, but fortunately these are rare cases.
Question: What if I am accused of criminal action?
Answer: DO NOT EXPLAIN ANY specifics of the incident to ANYONE including your
administrator, fellow employee, MEA rep. or even your MEA president or MTA Representative!!
They can be asked to testify as witnesses and do not speak to the school department lawyer. You
may incriminate yourself even if you are innocent! Exercise your Weingarten rights and ONLY tell
what you are accused of and what disciplinary action has been taken. The MEA President will
contact MTA and they will immediately provide you with legal representation. Then you will be
protected by attorney/client privileges.
Word to the Wise
Methuen Education Association is YOUR association. We need active support from our
members no matter how small a contribution of your time. We are as strong as we are
united. We have a responsibility to our profession and can make an impact on our students.
Important MEA Dates
September
 Check your paycheck for the correct amount.
 9/15 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
 9/30 Horizontal move documentation due
October
 10/13 MEA General meeting @ Tenney lunchroom (All MEA members
welcome)
 10/29 MTA Retirement Sem. w/ Mary Parry @ MEA Office. 3:30 PM
November
 11/17 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
December
 12/15 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
January
 1/12 MEA Executive Board meeting@ MEA Office
February
 2/1-2/5 Self-nomination for MTA & NEA-RA delegates
 2/8-2/12 Candidate postings for MTA & NEA-RA delegates
 2/9 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
 2/24 Vote for MTA/ NEA delegates
March
 3/15 MEA General meeting @Tenney lunchroom (All MEA members
welcome)
 Retirement Seminar- Marie Ardito March 31 @ MEA Office
April
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May
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June
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July
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3/31-4/7 Officers' Self-Nominations submit to Kathy Borden
4/7-4/13 Posting of Officer' Nominations in Buildings/iContact
4/12 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
4/14 Officers' Election in Buildings secret ballot
MTA Annual Meeting 5/13 & 5/14@ Hynes Center Boston
5/17 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
5/12 MEA Retirement Party
6/7 MEA Executive Board meeting @ MEA Office
July 2-July 7 NEA Convention - Washington DC