Newton Teachers Association
46 Austin Street, Newtonville, MA. 02460
Phone: 617-244-9562/ Fax: 617-244-2332
Website: newton.massteacher.org
Cheryl B. Turgel, PresidentPRESS RELEASE
FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD
2007The Executive Committee of the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) takes great pride in announcing the selection of Congressman, Barney Frank, as the Association’s Friend of Education for 2007.
Barney Frank has been the Congressman representing the fourth Massachusetts district, including Newton for 26 years. Previous to this, he served as a Massachusetts State Representative for ten years, and prior to that served as an assistant to Mayor Kevin White of Boston. Barney Frank is an eloquent spokesman, a powerful voice in Congress. One of his most important qualities is his courage in speaking his mind and not hesitating to give his opinion on important issues.
He has been steadfast throughout the years in his fervent support of public education. He has supported reducing class size to 18 children in the early grades. He has been opposed to prayer in the public schools, and he has opposed vouchers for private and parochial schools. Most importantly, he did not support the No Child Left Behind legislation. Regardless of his work on a national level, Barney Frank works hard to assure better education not only for the students in Newton and Brookline, but also for those in Fall River, New Bedford and throughout his district.
Each year in March, during the high schools’ Close-Up program in D.C., Barney hosts the group of students and entertains questions from all of the Newton North and Newton South students who wish to speak with him. His responses are always very direct and honest.
The Newton Teachers Association looks forward to having the opportunity to present this award to Congressman Frank in the fall, following their Teacher for a Day Program.