About the Safe Schools for All Task Force
As outlined in a New Business Item passed by the Annual Meeting of Delegates, MTA is providing financial and staff support and lobbying for policy change at the statewide level, including but not limited to funding for safe staffing levels, behavioral support, para support and smaller class sizes. One of the goals of the task force is for all current and future member resources be accessible in one place. Ultimately any trainings and/or a summit will be available to all members. The task force will report each December to the MTA Board of Directors and conclude its work and make final recommendations at the December 2027 meeting.
Mission Statement
The Safe Schools for All Task Force of the Massachusetts Teachers Association is committed to transforming the narrative that educators must accept exposure to physical and mental harm as a condition of their profession. We are committed to fostering both learning environments for students and working environments for educators where all feel safe, supported and valued. We advocate for systemic change through policy reform, increased funding for training and support staff, accountable incident documentation, robust mental health resources and staff and comprehensive protections for students and staff. Our mission is to empower educators, families, and communities to build inclusive schools that prioritize emotional well-being, equity and justice.
Committee Members
- Donna Grady, Franklin Education Association, Co-Chair
- Eric Simard, Pathfinder Education Association, Co-Chair
- Melissa Alvarez, Revere Teachers Association
- Janet Anderson, Taunton Education Association/Retired
- Gayle Carvalho, Quincy Education Association
- Rosemarie "Tina" Conte, Weymouth Educators Association
- Patty Donahue, Education Association of Plymouth & Carver
- Pat Plucinski, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional Secretaries and Assistants Association
- Victor Rosado, Staff Consultant
- Scott Fulmer, Staff Consultant
- Anastasiya McWilliams, Staff Consultant
Safe Schools for All Task Force
This survey was created by the Safe Schools for All Task Force in response to widespread demand in the absence of reliable information about educators’ experience. The survey, which is open to all MTA members, has received 1,550 responses from more than 120 MTA locals over a three-week period.
Addressing workplace violence and the need for stronger protections for public school educators
The members of the MTA Safe Schools for All Task Force have drafted nine recommendations to address workplace violence in our public schools. These recommendations include addressing staffing needs, reduced class sizes, legislation to improve student mental health, health and safety contract provisions and more.
Excerpt from April 16, 2025 letter to Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler
Educators and Education Support Professionals throughout the Commonwealth are committed to fostering safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments for every student. Yet increasingly, they are finding their own safety and well-being jeopardized by rising incidents of verbal abuse, harassment and physical violence in the workplace. These conditions are unacceptable and preventable. As members of the Safe Schools for All Task Force, we believe that meaningful change starts with acknowledgment, accountability and action. We respectfully call for the following steps:
