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.
Nominations for the 2026 award have opened and will be accepted through midnight, July 1, 2026. Please fill out the online nomination form. 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.
Honor Our Own Award Winners
Chandler Creedon Jr., a former president of the Franklin Education Association and a 32-year school psychologist, is the recipient of the 2025 Honor Our Own Award.
Previous recipients include:
- 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
