The Newton Teachers Association (NTA) voted to strike on Thursday, January 18. In response, hundreds of their members, Newton high school students, parents, and city residents responded to an NTA rally – in 30-degree weather – at 1PM on Friday, January 19 (see press release). Supporters flooded the Newton War Memorial steps and lawn area in a display of solidarity. Carrying signs and chanting “Enough is Enough,” demonstrators cheered as speakers representing local and state teachers unions spoke to the crowd.
Kelly Henderson, an English teacher from Newton South High School and a member of the NTA’s Contract Action Committee, said that offers of help “have been pouring in” from members of other unions and residents from all over the city. She refuted the argument that meeting NTA demands would require an infusion of “one-time cash,” noting that Newton always has a budget surplus.
Dayshawn Simmons, head of the Somerville Education Union, assured the striking teachers that they are going to win. Similarly, Jessie Tang, President of the Boston Teachers Union, said her membership had “full solidarity with NTA ” because they are standing up for students and teachers. “You are an
inspiration for the labor movement everywhere,” she told them. To the union leader’s call, “When we fight,” members shouted, “We win!”
Ashley Raven, NTA representative for the Newton Early Childhood Program, spoke of the challenges and dedication of trained staff who work with young children presenting a range of challenges. One of the NTA’s issues has been the low wages for NECP professionals. “How much is the education of children worth?,” she asked.
Emma Neufeld, a sixth grader at the Oak Hill Middle School, stood with her mother, Erica, because they both believe “teachers need better pay.” Erica Neufeld wants more educational support for teachers. Shawn Fitzgibbons, who ran for the Ward 6 School Committee seat in 2021, and his wife, Kate Wissel, said they were there to support Newton teachers because “teachers are not paid enough.” Their fourteen-year-old daughter makes more money babysitting than staff providing special services to students. The pandemic, they said, had a negative impact on many of Newton’s students, and the schools were not meeting the need for mental health services.
Below are photos from the rally held by striking Newton educators at Newton City Hall on Thursday, January 19. (See full screen version.) Based on these photos, Fig City News estimates that more than 700 people attended the rally.
