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There are many reasons public educators choose to join EAW, but one thing they all have in common is a commitment to ensuring the best possible education for all students.

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News & Updates

EAW STATEMENT

By Maureen Miller • February 26, 2026
The Educational Association of Worcester (EAW) upholds the constitutional and human right to education for every child living in the United States, regardless of immigration status. As a union of educators, it is our duty to speak out against injustice when any child’s fundamental right to learn is disrupted or inhibited. Across the country, this right has come under threat at the hands of ICE. Students and educators have been tear-gassed, assaulted, and detained. Here in Massachusetts, we have seen children used as bait and community members deported. We know students are carrying this anxiety into the classroom. We see students leaving our schools when their families face detainment. We hear students expressing fear for their friends and family.  As educators, we know a student’s learning environment should be defined by care and belonging rather than fear and intimidation. The EAW will continue to uphold the rights of our community members to live, work, and advocate for themselves without the threat of federal interference. In Worcester, the Heart of the Commonwealth, we stand together with our immigrant students, families, and neighbors. In our commitment to protecting our students and their right to an education, we call on the redirection of federal resources towards the needs of our communities, especially our public schools.

Through MTA Benefits, MTA members have access to programs and services that can help you save substantially on many of your daily, monthly and annual expenditures.  Learn more.

Member Benefits

Negotiations. Your local union negotiates contracts that cover all employees in the bargaining unit. Therefore, everyone receives the salary increases, benefits and other rights in the bargaining agreement. 


Grievance representation. Your local union represents all members of the bargaining unit when grievances under the contract arise. 


Termination and non-renewal cases. MTA's Division of Legal Services will assist you in understanding and defending your due process rights if you lose your job. Assistance to members includes enforcement of contractual and statutory rights. Assistance to non-members is limited solely to contractual matters. 


Contract enforcement. If the grievance process fails to resolve the dispute, your local union enforces the contract through arbitration and court proceedings.


$1 million legal liability coverage. The Educators Employment Liability policy protects educators from personal liability if sued by a parent or student. Most schools do not carry such coverage. 


Professional licensing disciplinary hearings. 


Unemployment compensation hearings. 


Statutory wage and hour complaints. 


Employment discrimination claims (age, gender, race, religion, sexual preference, national origin, disability, etc.).


Teacher and ESP retirement consultation and representation. The MTA will represent you in legal disputes with state and local retirement boards. In addition, the MTA offers retirement workshops and individual retirement counseling to members. 


Participation in union governance. You have a right to hold local, MTA or NEA office and to elect your union representatives. Rights include serving on executive boards, negotiating teams or committees, and participating in the MTA's and NEA's annual meetings. 


Professional development on special education, DESE and DCF rules and regulations, etc. Many school districts cannot afford to or do not offer meaningful professional development opportunities, especially for ESPs. The MTA fills this void with annual statewide conferences as well as local and regional trainings to help teachers and ESPs become more valued professionals. 


Criminal charges related to employment. 


Assistance in obtaining National Board certification. 


Voting on local, state and national union matters. You have a right to have a voice in and vote on union priorities and budgets. 


Attending union conferences and trainings at the local, regional, state and national levels.


This insurance provides critical income protection when you are unable to work for an extended period of time and you don't have sick time to cover the absence. 


Home and auto insurance discounts. Significant discounts are provided by Educators Insurance Agency. EIA was formed solely to meet the unique needs of education professionals who belong to the MTA. 



Mortgage and banking. Berkshire Bank provides programs specially designed for MTA members including mortgage, home equity and vehicle loans and a checking account. 


Discounts on products, services and attractions both locally and nationally. The MTAB Benefits & Discount Directory and members' use of Access Nationwide Discounts can provide thousands of dollars in savings annually. 


Student loan debt assistance. Free loan counseling and in-school loans and refinancing options are offered. 


Your family can benefit, too. Most programs available to members are also open to family members. Family membership is FREE and an easy way to reduce your household expenses. 

EAW Scholarship

The Educational Association of Worcester (EAW) awards one-time scholarships to selected good standing EAW members’ children and grandchildren who are presently seniors in high school. Please click the link below for the application.


EAW Scholarship Application