Resolutions Committee, Bylaws and Rules Committee Accepting Proposals

Resolutions Committee

Proposed revisions to MTA Resolutions are now being accepted. Resolutions are the organization's statements of principle on issues relating to members, public education, the welfare of students, and human and civil rights.

A proposal for a new resolution or revision of an existing one may be submitted by any member. The deadline for submissions to the Resolutions Committee is 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2027.

Submissions must be made in writing and signed by the proposer. Please submit them to Mary MacDonald, the committee staff consultant, at [email protected].

The committee may also propose resolutions. All resolutions submitted by the January deadline are considered by the Resolutions Committee. Any resolution that receives a majority vote in favor from the committee is brought before the Board of Directors at its meeting in March. To become the official position of the MTA, a resolution must be adopted by the delegates to the Annual Meeting.

For a copy of the current MTA Resolutions, please visit massteacher.org/resolutions.

Bylaws and Rules Committee

The MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee will soon begin reviewing proposed amendments. A proposal to amend the Bylaws addresses the governance of the association or the primary characteristics and functions of the MTA. A proposal to amend the Standing Rules addresses the procedures of the Annual Meeting of Delegates, nominations and elections or governance documents.

Filing process and deadline

Proposed changes to the Bylaws must be received in writing by the MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee by 5 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2027.

Proposed changes to the Standing Rules only may be submitted in writing to the MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee up to the opening of the first business session of the Annual Meeting, which will be held May 14-15, 2027, in Boston. However, early submissions by the Jan. 8 deadline will provide an opportunity for a full hearing by the committee, consideration by the MTA Board of Directors and presentation at the April preconvention meetings.

Early submission also allows publication in the spring issue of MTA Today.

Submitters will be informed of hearing dates and will be expected to meet with the committee to discuss the language and intent of their proposals.

Proper format

Please use the following format for each proposed amendment. A template is available from the MTA Division of Governance and Administration upon request.

1. Specifically cite all articles, sections and lines of the Bylaws or Standing Rules that are to be changed or affected.
2. Set forth your proposal in two columns, comparing the proposed text opposite the present text. In the proposed language, underline amended or added language. Enclose in parentheses language to be deleted. Indicate the location of completely new language.
3. Accompany each proposed amendment with a written rationale on its purpose, impact and intent.
4. Include at the end of all proposals the submitter's name and local association information.
5. Provide your full name, address, telephone number(s), email address and your MTA membership ID number, which can be found on your MTA membership card.

Who may submit proposals

Individual MTA members, groups of members and local associations are eligible to submit proposed amendments to the MTA Bylaws and Standing Rules. Members wishing to use an official title representing an MTA affiliate or committee are required to submit evidence that a vote was taken by authorized representatives of the affiliate or the committee.

Current document

A copy of the current MTA Bylaws, Standing Rules and Resolutions is available to any member upon request and at massteacher.org/bylaws.

Assistance

The Bylaws and Rules Committee and members of the MTA staff are available to discuss ideas for potential amendments and to provide technical assistance. Inquiries and proposals submitted to the committee should be channeled through the MTA governance division by mailing:

MTA, 2 Heritage Drive, 8th Floor, Quincy, Mass. 02171-2119; calling 617-878-8213; or emailing [email protected].