Richard Reid, 2006

Richard Reid, an MTA member who teaches history at Newton North High School, is the winner of the MTA Retired Members Committee's 2005-2006 "Looking to Honor One of Our Own" contest.

The annual contest provides the opportunity for an active or retired member to be recognized for his or her influence on behalf of students, beginning educators and association members.

Reid was nominated by MTA Board member Burton Weiner, director of student teaching at Newton North, who shared the following thoughts:

Richard Reid, a history teacher at Newton North High School, will be retiring this year after 34 years of outstanding service. Richard is a modest man, but he has made a powerful and positive impact on our school community. During times of change and instability, Richard has been a steady, solid force within this large and diverse high school. He believes deeply in the centrality of the classroom, never forgetting his responsibility to educate the "whole child."

Richard is a knowledgeable and engaging teacher who works equally well with honors and "at risk" students. Richard has fully embraced the concept of inclusion. He has the ability to help all of his students recognize they can succeed. Each day as he teaches his history lessons, he also teaches the more important lessons of self-respect and personal responsibility.

Through the years, Richard has been involved in a variety of important initiatives and activities. Richard has been a consistently strong union supporter, fighting for the dignity of the profession and for improved learning and teaching conditions. Richard is an intelligent advocate for excellence and equity in public education.

Richard's professional life is a vivid example of actions speaking louder than words. Richard doesn't seek recognition, but there is no doubt that he deserves to be honored for his dedication, his contributions and for his accomplishments. He has been a role model for both faculty and students.