Chronic understaffing is posing a major threat to the success of MassEducate, the state’s free community college initiative, according to educators. The Massachusetts Community College Council, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, has launched a campaign featuring billboards across the state, advocating for fair pay for community college educators to ensure the program’s success. The billboards, with the message “Fulfill the promise of free college; fair pay for community college educators,” are strategically placed along highways from Cape Cod to the Berkshires, warning about the consequences of low wages and understaffing.
Claudine Barnes, president of the MCCC, highlighted the long-standing issue of underpayment and overwork among community college faculty and staff. Job openings often remain vacant for extended periods due to the inability to attract qualified candidates, leading to increased workloads for existing employees. The average pay for community college faculty in Massachusetts falls significantly below the living wage, creating financial hardships for educators. Despite efforts from multiple governors to address the issue, wages remain far below the national average, with faculty members struggling to make ends meet.
The reliance on adjunct faculty and part-time staff to fill staffing gaps has further exacerbated the problem, limiting students’ access to academic resources and support. The state Department of Higher Education acknowledges the challenges faced by community college educators and is actively working on solutions to improve recruitment and retention. A commission has been established to assess the needs of public campuses and address the issue of faculty compensation. The MCCC is advocating for a classification study to research the problem further and secure funding for necessary changes.
The billboard campaign aims to raise awareness among students, parents, and community members about the critical situation facing community college educators. By calling on legislators to prioritize fair pay for faculty and staff, the hope is to address the silent crisis that has persisted for too long. The MCCC and other stakeholders are pushing for a living wage for educators to ensure the success of MassEducate and provide much-needed support to those who dedicate their careers to shaping the future generation.
Beth Treffeisen, a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, covers local news, crime, and business in the New England region. Subscribe to the Today newsletter for daily updates on important news stories delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
So, yeah, chronic understaffing is seriously messing with the whole MassEducate thing, according to educators. The Massachusetts Community College Council and the Massachusetts Teachers Association are putting up billboards all over the state, screaming about fair pay for community college educators to keep the free college program afloat. Claudine Barnes, the MCCC president, is fed up with educators being underpaid and overworked for ages, leading to a major staffing crisis. It’s a mess, really.
The state Department of Higher Education is trying to figure out a fix for this disaster, acknowledging the struggles faced by community college faculty. They’re forming commissions, negotiating contracts, and doing all sorts of bureaucratic stuff to address the issue. The MCCC is hoping to secure funding for a study to dig deeper into the problem and hopefully get some much-needed support for the educators who are just trying to make a living. The billboard campaign is all about spreading the word and rallying support from the community to push for fair pay for these hardworking folks.
In a nutshell, it’s a tough situation for community college educators, and they’re fighting for a fair shake. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing battle for better pay and support for those who dedicate their lives to educating the next generation.
