Please note that this will be the last regular bulletin sent before the new year. However, we will be sending out a special bulletin tomorrow to fully address a purposefully misleading mailer and communication from the anti-labor, union-busting “Freedom Fund” Foundation that many of our members received yesterday. Please DO NOT FILL OUT the “Christmas Bonus” postcard or reply to their email or other communications. Please DO shred or recycle it! Although it suggests it was sent out by the BTU and BTU President, this is a nefarious ploy they have used in several states to trick union members into weakening their own benefits by spreading confusion and misinformation.
As we shared at the membership meeting last week, we are keenly aware that our weekly eBulletins still have not been reaching our usual list of recipients due to “bot” attack issue from early November. We understand your frustration and value the importance this weekly mailing holds in informing and connecting with our members.
Especially in light of the latest attack from union-busting groups, we are asking our Building Reps to please print a copy of the bulletin, post it on your BTU bulletin board, forward the bulletin to your staff lists and/or leave a copy in the teacher’s lounge while we continue to address the email list issue. You can also find our past eBulletins posted on our website. We encourage you to check your spam or “promotions” folders, sign-up to our subscription list again, and/or share this sign-up link with your colleagues.
Over the holiday break we will be testing a new distribution model for our bulletin. Once we switch services it will take some time to transfer over our existing mailing lists, so we appreciate your patience as we continue to work on fixing the problem. We apologize again for the inconvenience, but please know we now have a path forward in resolving the issue.
Our union is member-driven, and a large number of our events hosted at the BTU Hall are organized by our members and volunteer committees who take the time and initiative to plan them. We commend our members who put in the effort outside of their usual work schedules to organize events that educate, advocate and celebrate the cultures and causes close to their hearts, and are always open to new ideas and initiatives. We are proud to be a union comprised of members from different races, ethnicities, nationalities, gender and sexual identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe in creating a union where everyone is welcome here and everyone feels welcome to embrace and celebrate their respective cultures. We also strongly believe that our historically marginalized and oppressed members deserve to have their voices centered, their experiences acknowledged and have access to a safe space.
Last night, we had the pleasure of hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at the BTU Hall organized by our AFT Black Caucus Chapter. The celebration supported locally black-owned businesses, featured student performances from Boston Arts Academy and collected donations for the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. We thank our Black Caucus members and volunteers for putting together this new annual event!At last week’s membership meeting, representatives from BPS and the Wu Administration gave a presentation on their recently released decision-making rubric for future long-term capital investments. This decision-making rubric is supplanting a traditional long-term facilities plan and establishes a grading system to determine which school buildings have the capacity or potential to support what the district calls a “High-Quality Student Experience”. Based on those scores, a school could be selected for an expansion, a rebuild, a merger or closure. This grading rubric and design model will have significant influence on how the district will spend capital resources and design future facilities in your school communities. The district is planning to host community forums to further explain the development and implementation of this vision. We will share these dates when receive more details.As we mentioned last week, each school’s inclusion plans had to be submitted to the district on December 5. School inclusion plans are being reviewed in two rounds by central office teams over the next two weeks. Schools will be notified by January 5th of their approvals and may collaborate with BPS throughout January to make adjustments based on the feedback provided. We have developed a “How to Understand your School Inclusion Plan” document that explains the review process in more detail, provides guidance for looking through your school’s plan, and shares an example of a plan. If you would like to review your school’s submission, please talk to a member of your IPT.We continue to talk with teams and individual educators about changes in positions proposed in these plans which is most concerning if educators have not been informed and provided the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the process. This is why it is important to see your school plan and support fellow educators in this first year of implementation because as we know, every grade level will be impacted over the next three years. Please continue to let us know if the plan for next year in your school is going to change your position so we can continue to gather district-wide data. Please email Katie DeLaRosa, the BTU Inclusive Education Liaison, to discuss this in more detail.
Our union is member-driven, and a large number of our events hosted at the BTU Hall are organized by our members and volunteer committees who take the time and initiative to plan them. We commend our members who put in the effort outside of their usual work schedules to organize events that educate, advocate and celebrate the cultures and causes close to their hearts, and are always open to new ideas and initiatives. We are proud to be a union comprised of members from different races, ethnicities, nationalities, gender and sexual identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe in creating a union where everyone is welcome here and everyone feels welcome to embrace and celebrate their respective cultures. We also strongly believe that our historically marginalized and oppressed members deserve to have their voices centered, their experiences acknowledged and have access to a safe space.
Last night, we had the pleasure of hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at the BTU Hall organized by our AFT Black Caucus Chapter. The celebration supported locally black-owned businesses, featured student performances from Boston Arts Academy and collected donations for the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. We thank our Black Caucus members and volunteers for putting together this new annual event!At last week’s membership meeting, representatives from BPS and the Wu Administration gave a presentation on their recently released decision-making rubric for future long-term capital investments. This decision-making rubric is supplanting a traditional long-term facilities plan and establishes a grading system to determine which school buildings have the capacity or potential to support what the district calls a “High-Quality Student Experience”. Based on those scores, a school could be selected for an expansion, a rebuild, a merger or closure. This grading rubric and design model will have significant influence on how the district will spend capital resources and design future facilities in your school communities. The district is planning to host community forums to further explain the development and implementation of this vision. We will share these dates when receive more details.As we mentioned last week, each school’s inclusion plans had to be submitted to the district on December 5. School inclusion plans are being reviewed in two rounds by central office teams over the next two weeks. Schools will be notified by January 5th of their approvals and may collaborate with BPS throughout January to make adjustments based on the feedback provided. We have developed a “How to Understand your School Inclusion Plan” document that explains the review process in more detail, provides guidance for looking through your school’s plan, and shares an example of a plan. If you would like to review your school’s submission, please talk to a member of your IPT.We continue to talk with teams and individual educators about changes in positions proposed in these plans which is most concerning if educators have not been informed and provided the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the process. This is why it is important to see your school plan and support fellow educators in this first year of implementation because as we know, every grade level will be impacted over the next three years. Please continue to let us know if the plan for next year in your school is going to change your position so we can continue to gather district-wide data. Please email Katie DeLaRosa, the BTU Inclusive Education Liaison, to discuss this in more detail.
This year has been full of challenges and we are proud to see how our members continue to approach their responsibility with empathy, dedication and professionalism. We truly hope you have an opportunity to relax, recharge and consider the blessings of this past year over the next few weeks.
We will need our energy to work together, as we are making significant strides in finalizing our next contract proposal. We plan to begin negotiations with the School Committee in January and will need the power of our solidarity in this fight to secure a contract that best serves our students and educators.
We wish to all those who celebrate, a Happy Three Kings Day, Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!
BPS Paraprofessionals Technology PD Series: DATE CHANGE to January 22
Join this session to develop a basic understanding of BPS technology systems to be effective in the classroom and in schools with students. This tech training session aims to familiarize beginners with the fundamentals of basic navigation and the Google suite, and for those with more experience, a higher level look at these systems. The session runs from 5-7 p.m.
Join this session to develop a basic understanding of BPS technology systems to be effective in the classroom and in schools with students. This tech training session aims to familiarize beginners with the fundamentals of basic navigation and the Google suite, and for those with more experience, a higher level look at these systems. The session runs from 5-7 p.m.
Unafraid Educators Winter Social: DATE CHANGE to December 20
Please join us on December 20th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for our winter social at Long Live Brewery in Roxbury. Learn more about the BTU Unafraid Educators and support the Unafraid Scholarship (a fund for undocumented students in BPS). We’ll provide dinner. Invite your friends and colleagues! Register here
Please join us on December 20th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for our winter social at Long Live Brewery in Roxbury. Learn more about the BTU Unafraid Educators and support the Unafraid Scholarship (a fund for undocumented students in BPS). We’ll provide dinner. Invite your friends and colleagues! Register here
NEW- SY23-24 Mid Year Climate Survey Has Launched!
The Mid Year Climate Survey is open now until December, 22. Please note that the Mid Year survey includes students and classroom teachers (not other school staff). The Spring 2024 Climate Survey will include students, families, classroom teachers, and other school staff. As a friendly reminder, students can access their surveys by clicking on the Panorama logo in Clever. Visit the BPS Climate Surveys Resource Hub for materials, and reach out to surveys@
The Mid Year Climate Survey is open now until December, 22. Please note that the Mid Year survey includes students and classroom teachers (not other school staff). The Spring 2024 Climate Survey will include students, families, classroom teachers, and other school staff. As a friendly reminder, students can access their surveys by clicking on the Panorama logo in Clever. Visit the BPS Climate Surveys Resource Hub for materials, and reach out to surveys@
Children’s Holiday Party: December 28
It’s that time of year again! This year, our Children’s Holiday Party–for BTU members and their dependents–will be at the BTU on Thursday, December 28th from 12pm-2pm. We need volunteers to make this event just as spectacular as previous years. Sign up today! Don’t forget to register in advance to reserve tickets for the event.Strategies of Successful Inclusion for Children with Disabilities: January 9
The Pyramid Model Consortium is presenting a four part series for teachers, paras and UPK educators. Each session will have a different presenter; Session 1 on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 is “Power of Peers”. You can find more information here
It’s that time of year again! This year, our Children’s Holiday Party–for BTU members and their dependents–will be at the BTU on Thursday, December 28th from 12pm-2pm. We need volunteers to make this event just as spectacular as previous years. Sign up today! Don’t forget to register in advance to reserve tickets for the event.Strategies of Successful Inclusion for Children with Disabilities: January 9
The Pyramid Model Consortium is presenting a four part series for teachers, paras and UPK educators. Each session will have a different presenter; Session 1 on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 is “Power of Peers”. You can find more information here
Bruins Tickets: January 15
The BTU has Bruins tickets available for the game against the New Jersey Devils at 1:00 P.M. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The seats are in Balcony 320 section and are $120 per seat. You can email our admin assistant Michelle Frank for more information and direct your payment through our Paypal.
The BTU has Bruins tickets available for the game against the New Jersey Devils at 1:00 P.M. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The seats are in Balcony 320 section and are $120 per seat. You can email our admin assistant Michelle Frank for more information and direct your payment through our Paypal.
Fund for Teachers: Plan Your Dream Summer Learning Experience: January 18
It’s not too early to dream of summer! Fund for Teachers awards grants of $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams to design your own professional learning experience for Summer ’24 anywhere in the world. Designing your fellowship and writing the application requires time and planning, and the BTU is happy to offer you support, mentoring, and feedback to put your best foot forward! Learn more and begin your application today! Deadline is January 18th. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.
It’s not too early to dream of summer! Fund for Teachers awards grants of $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams to design your own professional learning experience for Summer ’24 anywhere in the world. Designing your fellowship and writing the application requires time and planning, and the BTU is happy to offer you support, mentoring, and feedback to put your best foot forward! Learn more and begin your application today! Deadline is January 18th. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.
NEW- Bilingual Education/Accelerated Community to Teachers(BE/ACTT): February 13
The program is designed for paraeducators, substitute teachers, community members, or career changers who wish to become teachers in the Boston Public Schools. Our program is “accelerated” in that we offer coursework, MTEL preparation, and several experiences and opportunities to get hired in the district- all in 12 months! Learn more about this event taking place at the BTU
The program is designed for paraeducators, substitute teachers, community members, or career changers who wish to become teachers in the Boston Public Schools. Our program is “accelerated” in that we offer coursework, MTEL preparation, and several experiences and opportunities to get hired in the district- all in 12 months! Learn more about this event taking place at the BTU
Hall.
NEW- Paraprofessional Online Vector Training
This “IORAD training” provides step-by-step instructions to get on to Vector and enroll in any PD offered to them. This training with help you learn how access Vector and how use Vector. You can find the presentation here.
This “IORAD training” provides step-by-step instructions to get on to Vector and enroll in any PD offered to them. This training with help you learn how access Vector and how use Vector. You can find the presentation here.
NEW- A Conversation with Kim Kelly: February 4
Kim Kelly, the author of “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor”, will be speaking at the BTU Hall to discuss how past labor struggles and organizing tactics can inform our practices today. This is open to the public, please make sure to register ahead of time.
Kim Kelly, the author of “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor”, will be speaking at the BTU Hall to discuss how past labor struggles and organizing tactics can inform our practices today. This is open to the public, please make sure to register ahead of time.
Professional Learning & Development Updates
Each week, we have many new and exciting Professional Learning & Development opportunities to share with you.
You can find a full description of each listing on our Professional Learning & Development Updates Page.
- AFT Member Benefit Virtual Workshops
- Secondary Open Up Math Unit Virtual Previews
- Degree Completion
- National Board Certification Leader Team Seeks Leaders and Readers
- Secondary Leadership Certificate in Critical & Equitable Literacy
- Artifact Lounge: Multiple in-person and virtual sessions in Dec.
- Fund for Teachers: Plan Your Dream Summer Learning Experience
- Connect & Share on “Foundational Literacy”: January 18, 5:30-7:00 pm on Zoom
Community News & Events
NEW- Education Justice Youth Survey
The Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance (MEJA) is launching the 2023 Education Justice Youth Survey to understand the schooling experiences of students in Massachusetts and center the voices of youth in MEJA’s advocacy and organizing efforts. Current Massachusetts public high school students or recent graduates (within the past 2 years) are eligible for the survey. Those who take the survey will be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 Visa gift cards!NEW- We Love the Kids Holiday Celebration and Gift Give-a-way: December 22
The Roxbury-based organization Score4More Inc. is hosting its 8th annual holiday giveaway at Melnea Cass Center at 120 Martin Luther King Boulevard from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This family-friendly celebration distributes gifts to more than 1000 children and teenagers and provides meals to more than 2000 people. Please consider donating to fund the event ,donating gifts or volunteering your time to support a celebration that brings joy to Boston’s children.NEW- 2nd Annual BLA Step and Stroll Fest: Deadline Application January 12
Boston Latin Academy is inviting all schools and organizations in Boston and surrounding areas to join us in celebrating Black culture in its finest in all forms of entertainment. If your school/ organization has a step team, dance team, choir or students who are extremely talented in other areas, we extend a warm invite for them to be part of the show! Registration is here and the actual show will be on March 8.
The Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance (MEJA) is launching the 2023 Education Justice Youth Survey to understand the schooling experiences of students in Massachusetts and center the voices of youth in MEJA’s advocacy and organizing efforts. Current Massachusetts public high school students or recent graduates (within the past 2 years) are eligible for the survey. Those who take the survey will be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 Visa gift cards!NEW- We Love the Kids Holiday Celebration and Gift Give-a-way: December 22
The Roxbury-based organization Score4More Inc. is hosting its 8th annual holiday giveaway at Melnea Cass Center at 120 Martin Luther King Boulevard from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This family-friendly celebration distributes gifts to more than 1000 children and teenagers and provides meals to more than 2000 people. Please consider donating to fund the event ,donating gifts or volunteering your time to support a celebration that brings joy to Boston’s children.NEW- 2nd Annual BLA Step and Stroll Fest: Deadline Application January 12
Boston Latin Academy is inviting all schools and organizations in Boston and surrounding areas to join us in celebrating Black culture in its finest in all forms of entertainment. If your school/ organization has a step team, dance team, choir or students who are extremely talented in other areas, we extend a warm invite for them to be part of the show! Registration is here and the actual show will be on March 8.
Summer Job for School Nurses
The Brant Lake Summer Camp in the Adirondack Mountains is looking to hire nurses for the upcoming summer. Nurses with experiences in school settings are encouraged to apply. Find out more here
The Brant Lake Summer Camp in the Adirondack Mountains is looking to hire nurses for the upcoming summer. Nurses with experiences in school settings are encouraged to apply. Find out more here
NEW- Job Opening at Arnold Arboretum
The Family Nature Educator will develop and implement nature-based programming for families with children in preschool and elementary school, who reside in two nearby Boston Public Housing communities: Archdale Village in Roslindale and South Street Development in Jamaica Plain. Details on the application process are here.
The Family Nature Educator will develop and implement nature-based programming for families with children in preschool and elementary school, who reside in two nearby Boston Public Housing communities: Archdale Village in Roslindale and South Street Development in Jamaica Plain. Details on the application process are here.
NEW- Scholarship Opportunity for HS Students: DEADLINE December 22
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO and affiliated unions are proud to award financial resources to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO administers half a million dollars of scholarship awards on behalf of unions and labor councils throughout the state. Individual awards range from $500 to $16,000. Applicants must take a Labor History Exam. You can find study materials, eligibility and test dates here.
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO and affiliated unions are proud to award financial resources to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO administers half a million dollars of scholarship awards on behalf of unions and labor councils throughout the state. Individual awards range from $500 to $16,000. Applicants must take a Labor History Exam. You can find study materials, eligibility and test dates here.
NEW– Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Students
The Fidelity Scholars Program provides access to education and ongoing support to historically underserved and underrepresented students who want to attend four-year, two-year and certificate academic programs. The deadline to apply is January 11th.
The Fidelity Scholars Program provides access to education and ongoing support to historically underserved and underrepresented students who want to attend four-year, two-year and certificate academic programs. The deadline to apply is January 11th.
NEW- MassCEC’s Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants: DEADLINE JANUARY 19
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is offering direct funding and technical assistance to organizations and vocational schools that can build and scale career pathways leading to climate-critical priority occupations for individuals from Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods or low-income communities, members of Federally recognized and State-acknowledged Tribes, Fossil Fuel Workers, and other underrepresented populations. Learn More about the grant process here.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is offering direct funding and technical assistance to organizations and vocational schools that can build and scale career pathways leading to climate-critical priority occupations for individuals from Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods or low-income communities, members of Federally recognized and State-acknowledged Tribes, Fossil Fuel Workers, and other underrepresented populations. Learn More about the grant process here.