Congratulations to Cohort 4 of the BTU Inquiry Project! In this graduate-level teacher research course, members investigated the intersection of their practice and identities in order to help their students learn and grow. Applications for next year’s cohort are coming soon. Be on the lookout for our session at the Teacher Summer Institute!
As teacher strikes spread with #RedforEd across the country, we stand in solidarity with educators fighting for their students and public schools. In Massachusetts, we continue to fight for the teaching and learning conditions that our students deserve as well. Here are some important updates:
Last Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee released their proposed budget, which includes increases in several K-12 budget line items. While not sufficient, it is absolutely a step in the right direction. Please remember to thank your senator! We will need to continue to advocate with House reps to pass the FBRC legislation and advocate in both houses to add in the provisions of SB 220, which is critical for Boston. You can read more about the Foundation Budget in this WBUR Edify article, in the announcement from sister union Mass Teachers Association, and in this CommonWealth summary.
The staff of Urban Science Academy wore Red for Public Ed on May 11! Read more about why educators are wearing #REDforEd.
The Fair Share ballot question is coming up soon, and we are continuing our advocacy for local PILOT payments. These two campaigns are important for new revenue sources for our schools, too.
Meanwhile, the BTU negotiating team met yesterday for our first full Interest Based Bargaining session. We have several more dates coming up in the next few months to continue negotiations. In case you missed it, you can read about all of our priorities. Our new contract books are also in — you can pick one up at the BTU or from your rep.
Lastly, don’t forget: Building Rep elections should take place by the end of the month for the next school year. Please remember to report results by downloading a hard copy and sending it to the office or filling out the online form.
Have a wonderful week!