BTU Election Committee Updates/Election This Spring
There will be a BTU election in the spring of all officers, board members, and delegates, as there is every two years. The Election Committee is meeting virtually to plan procedures and timelines. The vendor selection process has begun. All vendor proposals will include contingency planning for COVID-19 related voting issues. We are particularly aware that it may be difficult to collect nomination signatures in person, and we are looking at possible alternative procedures. If you would like to learn more about the election process, we meet the first Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. The meetings are open to all members, and 15 minutes is allotted at the beginning of each meeting for members’ concerns and questions. Please email your name and school/department to Denice Dwyer to request a Zoom link for the meeting.
NEW- Mentoring for Professional Licensure (MPL): October 20, 4:30-6:30PM
To be eligible for a professional teaching license, the Massachusetts Department of Education requires an additional 50 hours of mentoring beyond the first-year induction program. In this course, you will receive that required mentoring from BPS New Teacher Developers as you reflect on and grow your teaching practice. Register for one of the three posted sections (Grades K0-3, Grades 4-8, or Grades 9-12). Contact Ailis Kiernanif you need further assistance.
NEW- Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: October 21, 4:30PM
Please join us for a paraprofessional informational meeting. Make sure to use your personal email when you register. The Zoom link will be emailed a week prior to the meeting.
Virtual Homework Helpers
Homework Helpers will be available for K-8 students Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. Students can visit the webpage during these time frames and help will be waiting. Please make sure to circulate this information to your students. The Boston Public Library is also offering a similar program.
Family Outreach
50 BTU members participated in training by the BTU Family Outreach Action team on making initial phone calls to families and building strong partnerships. Here is the link to the slide presentation and the recording of the session. We are eager to support you as you embark on reaching out to families this year! For more information or to get involved in the BTU’s Family Outreach work, please contact Katie Mallon or Chantei Alves.
Special Education Teachers Outreach
Annie Tran, Inclusive Practices Support Specialist for BPS, is looking to connect with special education teachers who are interested in having a conversation about teacher leadership in special education. Annie is writing a chapter for a book entitled Empowering Formal and Informal Leadership While Maintaining Teacher Identity and is looking for special educator input. If you are interested, please reach out to Annie via email.
BLM @ School Commitment
Interested in getting involved in the Black Lives Matter at School movement? This year’s national theme is “Year of Purpose.” Our goal is to get 300 BTU members to commit to taking action. Help us reach our goal by making the commitment today.
Get Involved with CLVU!
The City Life/Vida Urbana (CLVU) coalition is working in support of housing justice and eviction defense. Sign up to be a part of this important coalition!
UPCOMING DEADLINE- AFT/BTU Teacher Leader Program: Deadline September 30
Now more than ever, we must understand how education policy works and how we can take action to advocate for our students, schools and profession. This year-long fellowship has a $1500 stipend. You can apply for this fellowship here.
Educators Thriving – Deadline Passed, Cohort 2 Now Available
Being an educator is hard, especially early in your career. In this course, understand the pitfalls of working educators and learn strategies to avoid burnout. Free to BTU members, and grad credit available for a small fee. Open to all with priority to members in their first three years. You can apply for this course here.
UPCOMING DEADLINE- BTU Inquiry Project: Deadline October 2
In this graduate course from the BTU and the Boston Writing Project, we create a reflective community to conduct research into an aspect of your practice important to you and your students. Graduate credit is available for a fee. You can apply to this course and find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Parent Support Group
Parenting while teaching is harder than ever. We will continue our successful parent support group with meetings every other week, exact dates to be determined. If you’re interested in joining this group, complete this interest form.
Professional Learning Steering Committee
BPS is forming a Comprehensive Districtwide Professional Development Steering Committee to determine the framework, standards, priorities, guidance, and process for the professional development of all staff in the district (educational and operational). We seek two teachers to serve on the committee. You can apply here from your BPS account.