In an unusual twist, Michael Maguire, a devoted educator at Boston Latin Academy, is running for the presidency of the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) while expressing a strong desire to remain in the classroom.
Maguire’s candidacy emerges from growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions educators face today, including stagnant wages, increasing workloads, and the loss of talented teachers from the profession.
After dedicating over three decades to teaching Latin and Ancient Greek, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges that lead many instructors to reconsider their commitment to education.
His initial aspiration was to pursue a law career, perhaps even venturing into politics as a governor. Majoring in political science and the Classics, he seemed destined for law school.
However, a substitute teaching opportunity in 1994 changed his path irrevocably. Maguire recalls being called by a former teacher, asking if he would fill in during a maternity leave.
His experience mirrors the sentiments expressed in the film “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” resonating with many educators who feel called to make a difference in students’ lives.
Despite his love for teaching, financial realities pose significant challenges. Rising costs of living—such as rent, mortgages, and student debt—are squeezing teachers, resulting in burnout and attrition.
Maguire notes that the recent annual cost of living adjustments for teachers have averaged only 2.5%, insufficient to provide a decent living wage.
He also addresses the contentious issue of the district’s inclusion model, which, while well-intentioned, has placed unsustainable demands on educators without providing the necessary resources and time to meet students’ needs.
He argued against the rushed adoption of the model, warning that it would lead to overworked teachers and underserved students, a warning that unfortunately proved true.
Moreover, many schools have implemented extended learning time (ELT) that prioritizes added academic instruction over enriching activities, which Maguire believes is detrimental to the well-being of young students.
He envisions a future where teaching conditions improve, allowing educators to thrive rather than merely survive, thus making it unnecessary for them to leave the profession.
A core tenet of Maguire’s campaign is that teachers deserve to be fairly compensated for their labor, contrary to the common misconception that teachers are adequately paid.
He highlights the issue of underappreciation in a profession predominantly occupied by women, emphasizing the need for a system that recognizes their contributions and ensures they receive equitable pay.
Maguire discusses the current crisis of substitute teacher shortages, noting that students often experience substantial disruption when they lack qualified substitutes in their classrooms.
He proposes leveraging the resources of local graduate education programs, suggesting that these students could serve as substitutes while gaining valuable experience.
Maguire’s vision extends to enhancing students’ educational experiences through field trips, recognizing that learning must extend beyond textbooks and screens.
However, to make this possible, increased funding and more substitutes are essential.
As Maguire considers the future, he emphasizes the importance of adequate retirement plans for retiring educators, particularly given the demographic composition of the teaching profession.
He asserts that the district’s educators fund their own retirement, making it crucial that these plans are dignified and sustainable.
A pivotal issue for Maguire is the need for teachers to have sufficient time for their responsibilities. With only 47 minutes allocated daily for planning and preparation, he likens it to a scene from “I Love Lucy,” where the pace becomes unmanageable.
He argues that conditions need to improve significantly for educators to be effective in their roles.
As he wraps up his candidacy, Maguire reflects on his journey as a teacher and reaffirms his dedication to returning to the classroom after his term, should he be elected.
Believing in the importance of leaders sharing the same experiences as those they serve, he draws parallels with past victories like securing air conditioning for schools, illustrating a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing educators’ concerns.
Maguire’s message is clear: he is stepping forward not just for himself, but on behalf of all teachers who deserve respect, support, and the resources necessary for quality education.
The upcoming election will determine whether his vision for a revitalized and well-supported teaching profession in Boston will come to fruition.
image source from：https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/27/maguire-why-boston-latin-teacher-ready-to-leave-job-for-btu/
