Backpack Full of Cash Movie Premiere and Roundtable with Matt Damon
Please join us for the Boston premiere of the acclaimed documentary Backpack Full of Cash on Wednesday, September 13 from 7-9:30 PM. Immediately following the film, Matt Damon, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood’s Josh Golin, BTU President Jessica Tang, and other local activists will discuss how we can stop the corporatization of our public schools. The filmmakers will also be in attendance.
Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, it takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013-14 school year, exposing the world of education “reform” where public education hangs in the balance. See the Facebook event for details!
BTU Summer Organizing Institute Starts TODAY!
NEW: Guest speakers Mass Nurses Association President Donna Kelley-Williams will be sharing lessons learned from the Tufts Nurses Strike, and Loretta Johnson, AFT Secretary-Treasurer, will be joining us tomorrow!
How can I advocate for my students and school? Please plan to join us today, tomorrow and Thursday for Session 2 of our Summer Organizing Institute! Childcare and meals will be provided. The Summer Organizing Institute is open to all members – both active and retired! Join us for organizing workshops, skill building and panels on school-based issues and education policy. Read more and register!
Boston Retirement Board Election
Ballots for the Boston Retirement Board went out on August 25. Please take a moment to vote for our current representative and candidate Michael McLaughlin. It is important the BTU maintain a seat on this board. Read more about Michael and the Boston Retirement Board. Please remember to look for the ballot in the mail and vote!
Support Family of Murphy Student Who Passed Away
The Murphy School community shared the devastating news with us of the death of their incoming 1st grade student Brayden Kelly, who passed away this month. They write, “Brayden was a young, energetic, lovable soul whose personality was just too big for this world.” They shared his GoFundMe Page in hopes of helping his family with the cost of his funeral. All contributions are deeply appreciated.
You’re Invited: Teacher Activist Group BBQ this Thursday, August 31
Dear teacher activists, We hope you will join us for our annual TAG BBQ this Thursday, August 31 at our regular and magical Wakullah Street location. Please invite friends and let us know what you can contribute to the potluck by signing up on Facebook.
DC Human Rights Festival: Saturday, September 23
You are invited to a dynamic, fun-filled and family-oriented day of celebration of the beautiful diversity that enriches our nation in Washington, DC on September 23! This day will create a unified platform for messaging between organizations. Read more on the Human Rights Festival website.
Progressive Education Network Conference in Boston: October 5-7
Please plan to join the Progressive Education Network for their PEN 2017 National Conference which will take place from October 5-7, this year here in Boston at the Back Bay Events Center and at Mission Hill School in Jamaica Plain. Read more and register.