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Courses are offered at Summer Conference
Summer Conference is July 26-29 at UMass Amherst
July 26, 2026
Contract Language Lab
1-4 p.m.
This workshop will teach the canons of contract interpretation so negotiating team members are prepared to apply the principles used by arbitrators to interpret existing language when drafting contract proposals and language. Using established interpretation principles and best practices for legal writing, participants will analyze a variety of language provisions, noting strengths and weaknesses, and apply that understanding to contract language examples. This session counts
July 27, 2026
Bargaining Foundations
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop will cover the foundations of collective bargaining in public PreK-12 and Higher Education in Massachusetts. Discussion topics will include an overview of the collective Bargaining process and the Massachusetts law that governs it, the roles and functions of bargaining and contract action teams, best practices for preparing and planning for negotiations, platform development and proposal writing, tactics and techniques at the bargaining table, and strategies for member engagement that build bargaining power and win strong contracts. This session counts as a core requirement of MTA's Bargaining Certificate Program.
Building a Contract Action Team
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Do you know what a Contract Action Team is and does for your union? In this workshop, you’ll learn how a CAT supports your bargaining team, engages members, and builds the collective power needed to win a strong contract. We’ll focus on practical ways to ensure every educator has a voice in the bargaining process while deepening solidarity across your local.
Resources to Support Negotiations for PreK-12
10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
MTA’s Bargaining Campaign and Strategy Team has developed a robust set of resources and tools to support bargaining in PreK-12 locals. These tools include a Municipal Finance database, a salary comparison database, a Contract Language and Benefits database, Cost of Living and Consumer Price Index tools, costing templates, and more. This workshop will provide an overview of what these tools do, and will also give participants an opportunity to practice using them. This workshop counts as one elective in the Bargaining Certificate Program.
Advanced Negotiations Theory and Practice
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Economics of Bargaining I
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Navigating Municipal Health Insurance
1:30-4:30 p.m.
July 28, 2026
Bargaining Leave Provisions
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bargaining the Future: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Educator Contracts
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Communication Strategies that Build Power
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Democratized Bargaining
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Grievance Training
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Changes in Working Conditions and Impact Bargainin
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Creative Tactics and Strategic Actions: Going Beyond Petitions & Standouts
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Economics of Bargaining II: Understanding and Restructuring Salary Schedules
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Municipal and School Finance
1:30-4:30 p.m.
July 29, 2026
Good Information = Good Strategy: Strategic Research for Negotiations
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Negotiations for a Safe Work Environment
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Union Rights 101
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Winning Strong Contracts in Challenging Times
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
