Members Support

As the election for Secondary Field Rep. draws near, my brother and I would like to thank Caren Carew for her support, before, during and after the unfortunate breakup of West Roxbury High School. Caren has been a constant and independent voice who is not afraid to speak up when others are silent, and to act when others are inactive.
There are many issues effecting Boston Public School Teachers and BTU members. Caren is on the front lines with us, defending us, saying what needs to be said to unprofessional administrators, or ineffective school department bureaucrats. We want to thank Caren for being a strong supporter of all teachers relating to the Humanities grievance, Open Postings, and other real problems facing teachers today by supporting her in her reelection to the position of Secondary Field Rep.

Bill & Rich Webber

The Boston Teachers Union needs strong, experienced and principled leadership to promote faith in our new membership and to restore credibility with our senior disenfranchised members. Caren Carew is just such a leader. Her public record indicates a long history of teacher support and empowerment.
Caren has been there for English High School; she has, repeatedly, given us her expertise and time. In meetings with the DOE and BPS about the EHS "Commonwealth Pilot School", Caren has eloquently articulated the need for economic fairness for EHS teachers and paraprofessionals and has advocated tirelessly on our behalf. Caren is fair, tenacious, and motivated. There isn't a better or more qualified individual to hold the office of BTU Secondary Field Representative.

Regina Temple

Caren Carew is the best BTU Secondary Field Representative you can elect. She is knowledgeable, reliable, honest, and will be there for you every step of the way whenever she is needed. Caren is an excellent problem solver, mediating between union members and school administration effectively using a professional concise and no non-sense approach in every situation. My professional personal experience working with her has been pleasant, positive, and she has carried herself with the utmost professionalism. I thank you Caren for all you did for me and for what you do for other teachers as well.

Filberto Santiago-Lizardi

I have known Caren Carew for at least 10 years when we worked together on the third floor of the King Middle School in Grove Hall, Dorchester. Since then she has been a passionate and tireless advocate for students and teachers in the Boston Public Schools. I remember when I first heard her speaking during a news report on my car radio back in Õ99 when she was still a Building Rep., articulating what had to be said with force and clarity. I can always count on Caren for clear analysis and ability to synthesize and communicate in a direct and useful way.
Since we voted her in as Secondary Field Rep., Caren has consistently responded to ALL concerns at my building, by email, phone call and in person whenever I, or any of the other staff, reach out to her. She can see through whatever the "politics" are and gives sound advice for strategy. It's a good feeling to know that our needs are being attended to by such a responsible and caring person as Caren Carew.

Andrea Doremus-Cuetara

As Secondary Field Representative, Caren Carew has been a true advocate for the best interests of our membership. As a participant in contract negotiations, in all of the points that Caren made, she was precise, concise, and eloquent. She always demanded data from the School Department to back up their positions, while Caren provided clear examples for her point of view in favor of the BTU membership or in areas of contractual disagreement. Caren's participation in contract negotiations was invaluable to BTU members and is greatly appreciated.

Nancy Thompson

I am writing in support of Caren Carew for Secondary Field Representative. Since the very start of her term she has tirelessly worked to find prompt resolutions to any of our problems or concerns, no matter how seemingly big or small, here at Josiah Quincy Upper School. Her excellent communication skills, combined with her sense of humor, and overall good nature make her an ideal 'Go-To Gal' when potentially sticky problems arise at our Pilot school. I believe her service to the Boston Teacher's Union truly proves why you can always find the word "CARE" twice in her name!

Mark Knapp

I would like to write on behalf of Caren Carew as a witness to her success in the position of Secondary Field Representative in our Boston Teacher's Union. I am a BTU Rep. in a Horace Mann Charter School. We are part of the Union and we follow BPS guidelines. Though we are a small school in size, our staff's issues are equal to that of any other school in BPS. Often times when my fellow teachers come to me with a potential issue, I call on Caren or email her for assistance. She always responds within a twenty-four hour time period. I have received responses from her late Friday afternoons, evenings, and even on weekends. She always provides me with a clear explanation for things that make up the laws around my or a co-workers job. There have been times that I have forwarded a message to Caren on behalf of a co-worker and she takes the time to get back in touch directly with that person to insure the clarity of a potential issue.
Caren's expertise and knowledge of the position as well as her thorough commitment to keeping teachers armed with correct information is where my strong support for her as Secondary Field Rep. comes from. Her efforts and consistency have helped me and many of my co-workers and in turn have helped our students.

Kelly Corrigan

As Secondary Field Rep., I have found Caren to be both supportive and approachable with questions about topics that concern BTU members. As a BTU member and Building Representative, I appreciate Caren always making herself available and responsive in support of our BTU members.

Judy Woo

Caren Carew has always been there for us and is doing a great job. I am supporting her in the upcoming BTU election for Secondary Field Representative.

Tim Casey

Caren and I were Lead Teacher Standards Facilitators together several years ago, where I appreciated her ability to stand up for teacher's and student's needs in that role. When Caren became Secondary Field Representative, I found myself seeking her out to clarify work conditions and Union issues as a Math Coach, then as a teacher at the Umana Barnes and now as a teacher at Mildred Ave. Middle School. Caren listens well and then assists in strategizing constructive action plans to address the issues or concerns I brought to her concerning myself or on behalf of co-workers.
Caren is always there for us speaking out in a leadership role within the Union and to BPS administration, sitting down with individual teachers facing tough situations, helping with evaluation feedback based on her own extensive experience teaching, as well as being a motivator & cheerleader for us while fighting for respect for us all. Caren gets the job done with passion, knowledge and a sense of humor. Support Caren so she can continue to support us as Secondary Field Representative!

James Early

CAREN CAREW STEPS UP TO THE PLATE!!!!
Since her election as Secondary Field Representative in 2003, Caren Carew has challenged the status quo of union leadership. A union "activist", Caren is not afraid to ask the hard questions and she often pushes the envelope to secure a fair and just resolution. By definition, an activist is one who seeks change by action. Caren exemplifies this definition. Caren is a strong and steady voice for teachers, children and families in the BPS.
A little over a year ago, I was ready to walk away from a career that I love because I had lost faith in the bureaucracy that is our educational system. After an accident that left me physically and emotionally broken, Caren Carew stood beside me and offered the support and leadership that our union representatives are elected and paid to do.
One thing I can promise you about Caren. She is not afraid to advocate for fairness and strives to maintain respect and dignity for teachers in Boston. Her integrity, insight and belief in justice is welcomed and needed in the Boston Teachers Union today. Caren is your representative to the powers that be at the Boston Public Schools. Remember, to vote for Caren Carew for Secondary Field Rep.

Judy Lyons



It is with great pleasure that I tickle these keys to praise Caren Carew. I have known Caren for almost two decades. She is smart and determined to succeed in any endeavor she pursues. In her first term as Secondary Field Representative Caren has been proactive and fought for some of the causes that were considered as being dead. She brought School Site Council under the guidance that supports unions. Expectations have risen since her term began and still will raise the level even further in the future. We cannot afford to not have Caren Carew back in the position of Secondary Field Representative.

Gary Fisher



It would be impossible to retell all of the times Caren has stood up to bully principals while standing up for the rights of the Membership. Sometimes she's had to motivate some of our own members and challenge them to step out of their classrooms and stand together as Union Brothers and Sisters.

During our last contract showdown in 2003-2004, Caren participated in contract negotiations and was out every Friday morning to picket at schools all over the city. At the New Boston Pilot Middle School where administrators and Board members were actually discouraging new teachers to be a part of the demonstrations, Caren confronted the problem and helped get our members out of the building and onto the picket line before the start of school. No one is better at getting people to listen and to act on their own behalf.

After 18 years in Bilingual Education I had to go into the excess pools twice to find a new job in a new school. Caren has been there for me and other teachers to facilitate that process and make sure we were placed according to our contractual rights.

"BTUnity" is a call for all Union members to stand together for our jobs, our working conditions and a suitable environment where we can carry out our primary purpose: to give BPS students the best possible education. That "call to arms" first fell from the lips of Caren Carew and was ultimately hoisted up by union members all over the city in demand for a new contract in 2003-2004; a contract that, like in the past, we had to take to the streets and fight for. Yet "BTUnity" is more than a Union slogan that Caren created. It's a Vision!; a symbolic construct from all the years of her union and educational leadership at the school level as a Building Rep and as an outstanding teacher who understands that our students are best served when teachers are respected and our working conditions support our work.

Caren has brought the heart and spirit of "BTUnity" to the Secondary Field Representative position. Since she was elected in 2003 she has been tirelessly representing the best interests of all of us. Union work is not just her job, it's her life. No one, in my opinion, "Walks the Talk" like Caren. Those of us who worked so hard to see her elected as our Field Representative did it for one reason. We knew she was the best person for the job and we still do.

Ron Bennett



Caren Carew has done an excellent job in her first term as Secondary Field Rep. She works tirelessly, 24-7, to not only do the job at hand, but also to learn the many facets of what this position entails. Caren’s job is to represent the middle and high school BTU members and there are probably almost as many different situations as there are members whom she represents. To these situations she brings many years of experience as a Building Rep and Executive Board member, however if she has to research the answer to a question, she will go to the appropriate sources to get clarification and get back to you ASAP. Her dealings with the people in my "Complex"- and yes, we are very complex at "The Complex"- have always been honest, respectful, and very helpful. She has a pulse on what goes on "in the classroom" and can relate well to situations that are brought to her attention. I wish Caren well in her next term and look forward to continuing to work with her. Thank you, Caren, for all your hard work on behalf of the BTU and its members; you are a true unionist!

Denise Henderson



Those of us who teach at the Secondary level should feel safe and secure with Caren Carew as our Field Representative! Few people work as tirelessly and with such fervor as Caren does. She is running unopposed this election for good reason. Caren’s talents are innumerable. When presented with difficult situations, as her position demands, Caren remains focused and diplomatic. She can assess and address a situation with acuity and accuracy. Caren WILL find a way to resolve issues without caving in to external pressure. She rises to the occasions that are presented to her, never daunted or intimidated. As her honest and upfront demeanor indicates, Caren is without guile. Caren gives far more than 100% within her position as Secondary Field Rep. You can find her at the Union Hall well past 9 -10 pm. many days a week. The BTU and its constituents are all fortunate to be represented by such a talented dynamo.

Jeanine Constantine



Caren, I have known you since I began my teaching career with the BPS in 1998. Caren, you are always there for me. You have helped to mold and shape me into the educator I am today. You served as my union mentor and taught me the ins and outs of being a Building Rep here at the King Middle School. I admire you for your dedication to advocate for students and co-workers. While here at the King, you launched the BTUnity initiative. You made it a point to always reach out to staff members at the King and bring us all together united. You continue to support us by your endless dedication in the position of Secondary Field Rep. I may not reach you by phone when I call the union office because I am told you are out at various schools or advocating for teachers during meetings at Court Street, but I always received a return call that evening. I would ask you why you are still in the office so late in the evening, but I know the unspoken answer is your dedication to your fellow union members. You work very hard to "do the right thing". Caren your endless days at work to support us may go unnoticed at times, but in the end we all know your commitment to BTUNITY will help us all through the good and bad times. Thank you!

Thomas M. Rose



I have known Caren Carew from the early 90’s, when we worked together at the King Middle School in Dorchester. That was a difficult time for teachers given the administrative staff we had to deal with. Caren was there for us as a BTU Building Rep. as we strived to work through with the myriad of problems we had with the challenging administration at that school.

Since then, I have found Caren as Secondary Field Rep, to be very supportive in dealing with problems at my present school, the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science. This school has many of the air quality problems present at the Madison Park/HORC complex. Trying to get the building tested and getting those results available to staff was an impossible ordeal. Caren was there for us to get the results from Court St. and make them available to staff and to get the situation addressed.

More recently my school had a serious problem with parking after the blizzard. Caren, once again was there for us to get Court St. engage in a ‘Focus on Parking’ solution that we have been supporting at my school. I know that as the Secondary Field Rep she will continue to support the struggles we face as teachers. I therefore urge you to support her in her reelection campaign!

Eduardo del Solar



I have known Caren Carew since 1983. Back then she was an exemplary teacher and colleague at the M. E. Curley Middle School. Caren worked in a tireless and caring fashion for all her students at the same time she was always there as a friend and mentor for her fellow teachers. Caren brought those same qualities to the King School and then to the BTU.

As Secondary Field Rep, Caren always responds to a phone call answering any question and will travel to any school in support of teachers and their students. Caren devotes as much time as may be needed for any problem or concern. She always follows through. Caren’s knowledge of contractual issues and the profession of teaching is a valuable resource for us all. Her advice is well thought out, researched and heart felt.

In this year of Boston sports victories, I can say that Caren is a selfless player who takes her team family of teachers to their goal of enhancing education and protecting the rights of teachers. Caren is always there for us, let’s take the opportunity to be there for her. I urge everyone to re-elect Caren Carew as Secondary Field Rep!

John DeNapoli