Newton vs. Teachers
In January of 2024, the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) announced they would be going on strike until their demands were met. While many students celebrated the chance to miss school for a few days, most of these teachers were fighting for a livable wage. The strike was a culmination of months of failed attempts from the teachers to receive a fairer pay for their work, as well as additional special education teachers in each classroom, and a lack of support from the city government. My family moved us to Newton due to its reputation as a safe community with the highest level of education, so you can imagine my confusion when I realized how unfair some teachers were really treated. While education is considered to be one of the backbones of society, funding for said education has become quite lackluster in many communities across the country. Failed demands, unfair wages, and lack of support led to a teacher strike finally happening in Newton, where after 2 weeks of pushback their demands were finally met (somewhat). This strike not only showed the public the lack of funding that Newton's education was receiving, but also shined a light on the backlash from Newton's parents and government alike, showing that this city that prides itself on a superior education may not be as “pro-education” as they paint themselves as. Select Newton parents, after just a few days without school, began demanding, on list-serves and in town meetings, that teacher’s go back to teaching. Most read the articles about the strike and thought “I hope they get what they deserved” but a faction of us took to public forums to demonize teachers for “taking school away from their children”. This response clearly comes from the most privileged and least empathetic among us. However, it represents what has been highlighted in other articles: a real attitude problem.
Newton's education budget problems stem beyond just salaries. There has been a recent rise in problems regarding Newton public school facilities, such as mold in the ceilings, lack of chairs and tables, and ceilings leaking, all hindering students ability to learn and focus. Newton's lack of investment back into the future of the city’s education system has become a major concern.
A month ago it was announced that the Trump administration was withholding 6 billion dollars worth of grants to public schools. Our education system is under attack. Newton must rally around our institutions, creating an environment in which teachers want to work and students want to learn. If we fail to support teachers and facilities, Newton will become a school system with less teachers, overfilled classes, and reduced resources. This administration is trying to reduce funds for our country's greatest asset. In Newton, a town that is best known for its schools, a response is needed. One that shows our prioritization to our teachers and institutions. Hopefully a new mayor will do this – maybe one who’s kids are actually in our public education system.
