Johnny McInnis for BTU Political Director
@jmacins
My name is Johnny McInnis, the current Political Director for the BTU. Prior to being elected I taught music at the BTU Pilot School. My teaching experience began at the Mattahunt Elementary, before I moved on to Orchard Gardens and the Wilson Middle schools.
For me, public education advocacy is personal. As a parent of a former BPS student at Excel High, I know first hand how policies impact students, parents and educators. I have experienced how students and licensed teachers are treated in turnaround schools and schools slated for closure. I watched my daughter face the disruption of school closure at the Rogers middle school then Dorchester Academy. As a Building Rep at Orchard Gardens I spoke to staff who were in tears as we were confronted with many obstacles. I learned that these types of unjust and disruptive policies are what we as a union must fight against.
This is the work I have been leading for decades. I have stood with our Union to rally for public education throughout Boston.
As a Vice-President for AFT-MA and long-time delegate representing the BTU at our state and national conventions I have closely followed local, state and national policy. I am current on the political challenges we face as well as the opportunities for us to win.
As former President of the Black Educators’ Alliance of Massachusetts, I have pushed district policies related to inclusiveness and questioned recruitment and retention of educators of color. My work for education equity for all students has been highlighted in the Boston Globe, the Herald, Bay State Banner, and BTU paper. As BEAM president I have pressed the issue of data not only showing a disproportionate number of African American teachers evaluated out of the district or forced into early retirement, but also similar practices affecting veteran teachers. Getting the legislation right on teacher evaluations for all of our members is a priority for me. Throughout this time, my advocacy has enabled me to build relationships with elected officials across the state as well as our own Boston delegation. I have organized “No on 2” forums, testified at Town Halls, School Committee meetings and City Council hearings, and advocated with representatives and senators at the State House. Often, I have seen teacher voice cut out of the decision-making process.
As Political Director, I will continue my pledge to amplify educator perspectives and solutions. When we are under attack I will continue to be there.
As an activist teacher, I am not afraid to show up, and put myself at risk to speak the truth and advocate for educators, students, and their parents affected by policy changes. We need to defend each other as teachers. I get excited when I see teachers who love teaching creating a tremendous impact on their students. This is why I am so committed to pursuing this position.
As Political Director I have defended our union, building our legislative and political power with active and retired educators by leading a member informed endorsement process where we build power to elect officials who support public education in Boston, empower our members to stay engaged in our political fights, and lobby our elected officials for more support for our educators, students and schools.
