SOUTHBRIDGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
About Us
The Southbridge Education Association of Southbridge, Massachusetts has just under 200 members in the following bargaining units:
- Unit A/B: Teachers, Guidance Counselors, SACs, Nurses
- Unit C: Educational Assistants
Our mission is the following:
- To work for the welfare of school children, the advancement of education, and the improvement of instructional opportunities for all.
- To promote professional interests and establish a fraternal feeling.
- To promote and protect the rights and responsibilities of the professional staff.
- To represent the bargaining unit members for the purpose of collective bargaining and the improvement of working conditions.
Leadership:
Executive Board
Elementary Co-President
Maria Murray
pres.southbridge@gmail.com
Secondary Co-President
Katherine Stoica
pres.southbridge@gmail.com
Grievance Representative
unfilled
Treasurer
Maria Hebert
treasurer.southbridge@gmail.com
Secretary
Aaron Milgram
secretary.southbridge@gmail.com
Leadership:
Board
The rest of the Board is comprised of Building Representatives from Units A/B and C.
Eastford Road School
Anthony Aucoin, ERS Gym
Juli Robb, ERS 126
erssea.southbridge@gmail.com
West Street School
Shawna Henry, WSS 206
Becky Hulyk, WSS 112
wssea.southbridge@gmail.com
Charlton Street School
Southbridge Middle School
Laura Teczar, SMS 301
smsea.southbridge@gmail.com
Southbridge High School
Rob Siciliano, SHS 355
shsea.southbridge@gmail.com
Types of Membership
Active Membership
- Members pay local, MTA, and NEA dues.
- Members receive full benefits.
- Members can run for Board positions.
Retired Membership
- Members pay an annual MTA due of $30 until age 80.
- Members pay an adjusted NEA due.
Honorary Membership
- Must be conferred by a 2/3 vote of the Board or of a general meeting of the membership
Get involved
Show up to go up!
Benefits of Membership
A full comparison of what benefits MTA members versus non-members receive is here.
Voice & Choice. You set priorities and interests in for contract bargaining and get to vote whether to adopt proposed contracts. You vote for your representatives and officers (Executive Board).
Connections. Members of the local have access to our members-only social events, meetings, and newsletters. Meetings and newsletters provide immediate access to information.
Advocacy. Union leadership and representatives have regular meetings with building and district administrators to communicate your concerns.
Legal Counsel. You have access to expert attorneys at no additional cost for issues that may arise from your employment. They also have an insurance policy that provides up to $1 million in civil liability coverage for claims made against you in your role as an educator.
Termination and non-renewal cases. MTA's Division of Legal Services will assist you in understanding and defending your due process rights if you lose your job. Assistance to members includes enforcement of contractual and statutory rights. Assistance to non-members is limited solely to contractual matters.
Teacher and ESP retirement consultation and representation. The MTA will represent you in legal disputes with state and local retirement boards. In addition, the MTA offers retirement workshops and individual retirement counseling to members.
Participation in union governance. You have a right to hold local, MTA or NEA office and to elect your union representatives. Rights include serving on executive boards, negotiating teams or committees, and participating in the MTA's and NEA's annual meetings.
Professional development on special education, DESE and DCF rules and regulations, etc. Many school districts cannot afford to or do not offer meaningful professional development opportunities, especially for ESPs. The MTA fills this void with annual statewide conferences as well as local and regional trainings to help teachers and ESPs become more valued professionals.
Legal assistance with criminal charges related to employment.
Assistance in obtaining National Board certification.
Voting on local, state and national union matters.
Attending union conferences and trainings at the local, regional, state and national levels.
Disability insurance discounts and packages. This insurance provides critical income protection when you are unable to work for an extended period of time and you don't have sick time to cover the absence.
Home and auto insurance discounts. Significant discounts are provided by Educators Insurance Agency. EIA was formed solely to meet the unique needs of education professionals who belong to the MTA.
Mortgage and banking. Berkshire Bank provides programs specially designed for MTA members including mortgage, home equity and vehicle loans and a checking account.
Discounts on products, services and attractions both locally and nationally. The MTAB Benefits & Discount Directory and members' use of Access Nationwide Discounts can provide thousands of dollars in savings annually.
Student loan debt assistance. Free loan counseling and in-school loans and refinancing options are offered.
Your family can benefit, too. Most programs available to members are also open to family members. Family membership is FREE and an easy way to reduce your household expenses.
Thanks to the EAW for this list.
Dues
Unit A/B | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
Southbridge Education Association (SEA) | $80 | $85 |
Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) | $523 | $556 |
National Education Association (NEA) | $208 | $213 |
Total per year | $811 | $854 |
per paycheck (12 paychecks starting in October) | $67.59 | $71.17 |
Unit C | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
Southbridge Education Association (SEA) | $40 | $42.50 |
Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) | $157 | $167 |
National Education Association (NEA) | $124.50 | $126.50 |
Total per year | $321.50 | $336.00 |
per paycheck (12 paychecks starting in October) | $26.79 | $28.00 |
Join Us
Active Membership (SEA, MTA, NEA)
Download and fill in everything except the 2 black boxes and sign. Give it to your building representative or email it to organizesouthbridge@gmail.com.
Committee on
Public Relations
This vitally important committee is responsible for the following:
- creating and maintaining our website
- drafting our monthly newsletter
- maintaining our social media, including Facebook and Instagram
- drafting or revising statements to the press
Committee on
Negotiations
Also called “Bargaining,” this essential committee is responsible for the following:
- gathering and analyzing data, including but not limited to, members’ interests, priorities, and grievances, that could be turned into contract proposals
- researching and drafting contract proposals
- negotiating contracts with the Receiver/School Committee
Committee on
Grassroots
This committee is responsible for the following:
- gathering and analyzing data about candidates for local offices, including Town Council and School Committee
- outreach to increase voter turnout among registered MTA members in the district
- galvanizing members when urgent action is needed, such as around the school budget
Contract Action Team
This team is active when we are in contract negotiations. That means now! This team is responsible for the following:
- organizing members and community stakeholders to generate enthusiasm and support
- organizing events in the community to generate awareness and support
- helping us get the best contract possible through activism, engagement, and solidarity
Read more about why CATs are vital, including a case study from Northampton, MA.
Email to join. Our CAT meets every Wednesday at 7 pm on Zoom.
