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FRAMINGHAM – I would like to take this opportunity to address the many personal attacks on FTA (Framingham Teachers Association) President, Christine Mulroney. Chris is the president of a 1,200 member union. In this very difficult role it is her responsibility to represent 1200 teachers and education employees. She is also a middle school special education teacher who cares deeply about her students! She has spent her career advocating for educators and students. Chris has served on many boards including being the chair of Mass Child which gives emergency funds to students and families in need.
On Monday, January 25th, there was an all member FTA meeting. Over 450 members attended this meeting. Many motions were made and lively debate followed. Chris’ calm demeanor and voice of reason diffused some extreme motions that were made. In the end, Chris’ responsibility as union president is to make sure that all of the motions that passed were followed through on whether she agreed with them or not.
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This has been said many times but I feel it needs to be repeated … the FTA has NO say on WHEN teachers and students return to in building teaching and learning.
What we do have a say on is making sure that what was agreed upon in the MOA is followed as promised.
I have also read on many Facebook posts that teachers want to go back but it’s the union that’s preventing it. I’ve never really understood that statement because the teachers are the union! If this statement is instead referring to union leadership, the same applies.
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The FTA Executive Board is made up of full time elementary TEACHERS, middle school TEACHERS, high school TEACHERS, special education TEACHERS, special education assistant TEACHERS, and a Secretary. All of these members are teachers who work full-time with students and help Chris lead.
In the end, we all want the same thing. We want to return to safe buildings and see our students in our classrooms.
In the meantime, Chris will continue to be a strong advocate for the educators and the children of Framingham. I am proud to serve beside her!
In solidarity,
Lisa Zanella
3rd grade teacher and proud FTA Union member
Saint Bridget School 
MassBay Community College