UTL495 Straight Talk Podcast

We are delighted to post this, our latest podcast, as our opener for Season 3 of the United Teachers of Lowell’s Straight Talk podcasts.

In this episode, Mickie and Amy, AKA the Podcast Twins, sat d…

Our podcast has been on a hiatus for a number of reasons over the last weeks; however, today we were able to sit down albeit remotely, with Tom Raiche, AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, Merrimack V…

In our advocacy role, we’ve met some tremendous public school advocates from, across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Working together in collaboration is essential to raising awareness of the iss…

We had the pleasure of speaking with Lowell’s Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, Latifah Phillips, about School Site Councils. The Councils, which are required by Massachusetts Education Law, are e…

Lowell High School has a great academic program, but the school also has outstanding opportunities for students to excel in extra-curricular interests. Our spotlight today is on Lowell High’s Indoor …

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc. (MVFB) has been transporting, storing and distributing food to disadvantaged members of the community since 1991. Founded as a program of the Middlesex Shelter in…

We love the opportunity to learn more about Members working at every level in the Lowell Public Schools, and so, when we spotted a shout-out to Lowell High School AP Teacher, Patrick Smulligan, we re…

We had a chance to sit down with AFTMA Secretary-Treasurer Brant Duncan this past week to learn about the upcoming Member Benefits Workshop for members living and working on the 495-North beltway. W…

Recently, we were with United Teachers of Lowell colleagues when President Paul Georges was speaking to the group about the Health Insurance Mitigation and Trust funds, and the history behind how usi…

One of the ways United Teachers of Lowell keeps in touch with members is through email. Basically, the UTL sends out two types of email: a GetActive Message with time-sensitive and critical informat…

Twice a year, the United Teachers of Lowell’s retirees gather to share a meal and socialize with each other. This past Tuesday, October 29, we met for our annual Fall Brunch. We look back at our time…

Regular listeners to Teacher Voice Labor Matters* may be familiar with Tom Raiche’s voice, but do you know how Tom’s work connects to all of us at the United Teachers of Lowell?

Tom, whose official ti…

FACT: The Student Opportunity Act as approved by the Massachusetts Senate would add $1.4 Billion to Chapter 70 Funding by 2027.

FACT: The Student Opportunity Act as approved by the Massachusetts Senat…

Raise you hand if you have not yet heard about the National Park’s Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program? The Podcast Twins had not either and we are more than delighted to shine a spotlight not only on th…

Whether it’s through the local radio program, Teacher Voice, Labor Matters, or our weekly podcasts on UTL495-StraightTalk, or Five for Friday email blasts, we strive to keep you updated with informat…

UTL’s Chief of Operations Marianne “Mickie” Dumont is one of the United Teachers of Lowell’s greatest assets and a wealth of information. She has been a strong Union advocate and involved in much of…

What are Weingarten rights and why are those rights important to all unionized employees?

When a member is called to a supervisor’s office for an interview, that meeting request alone can be somewhat…

Last Wednesday, September 4, the Joint Committee on Education held a hearing and invited testimony on about 40 pieces of Legislation referred to the Committee for their recommendation. Among the bil…