Each year, the MTA Retired Members Committee sponsors the Honor Our Own Award. The award honors a member or members of MTA Retired for their outstanding influence on students, beginning educators and association members, as well as their work supporting union goals, both as an active and a retired member. All of the honorees are nominated by fellow educators.
People who are nominating an individual must provide a written statement explaining why they believe the candidate meets the guidelines for the award.
Candidates for the Honor Our Own award demonstrate:
- Professional responsibility and achievement in one’s field;
- Displays of leadership, creativity or innovation;
- Evidence of the nominee’s impact on the school community, students and association; and
- Examples of how the nominee has improved the image of public education.
Nominees must be retired members of the MTA. Retired preK-12, Education Support Professionals and higher education members are eligible.
Andrei Joseph, former president of the Concord-Carlisle Teachers Association and a longtime member of the Retired Members Committee, is the 2026 recipient of the award. He will be recognized at a celebration on April 12, 2027. Registration information will be announced in early 2027.
Honor Our Own Award Winners
- Chandler Creedon Jr., a former president of the Franklin Education Association and a 32-year school psychologist, 2025
- Kenneth Kalen and Elaine Koury, 2024
- Beverly Saccocia and Mary Cowhey, 2022
- Richard Liston and Craig Slatin, 2021
- Judy Babb, 2020
- Louise Gaskins, 2019
- Dr. Charles Levenstein, professor emeritus, UMass Lowell, 2018
- Springfield Education Association Committee of Retirees, 2017
- Gladys Durant, 2016
- Susan Cogliano, 2015
- Neil Clarke, 2014
- Richard Lyons, 2013
- Judy Rutelonis, 2012
- Holly Schjolden, 2011
- Gladys Durant and Patricia Haras, 2010
- Paula Verrier, 2009
- Marry Parry, 2008
- Janet Tyson, 2007
- Richard Reid, 2006
- May Futrell, 2005
