NEW- Solidarity with Striking St. Vincent Nurses: June 4, 3:00-6:00PM
Solidarity action alert! Can you join us to show BTU support to the striking St. Vincent nurses? Leave after school and join when you get there! If you need a ride or can offer one, sign up to carpool. It’s about an hour away from Boston. Wear your BTU t-shirt. Please RSVP here.
End of the Year Light Social: June 5, 10:00-11:30AM
AFT Black Caucus Boston Chapter (BTU) invites you to an End of the Year Light Social. All BTU members are welcome to attend!
The People’s Solidarity Rally: June 5, 1:00PM
MA is getting billions of dollars in federal stimulus. Let’s demand that these funds get spent where we need them most! Join the BTU and other unions and community groups as we launch the Massachusetts Rescue Plan and demand that federal stimulus money invests in issues that impact working people, including our schools, our homes, and our families. RSVP here to join a group of BTU members attending the rally. Learn more and spread the word.
NEW- BTU Member Open Discussion Space: June 7, 5:00-6:30PM
This is a space for BTU members only, all are invited and encouraged to join this open space to talk to each other, to debate issues, to share challenges and to struggle with each other as we process and think together. You must complete this form by 3:30 p.m. the day of the meeting to receive a zoom link to participate. If you have any questions, contact Khalida Smalls. If there is interest, we will preview the initial contract package being fully shared and voted on at the June 9th membership meeting.
NEW- Bring Digital Literacy and Computer Science to the Classroom: June 7, 5:30-6:30PM
Research shows that introducing students to computer science as early as elementary and middle school grades can encourage students to see themselves in this evolving industry. As part of the DLCS@BPS initiative, BPSTechnology and Early Childhood departments are offering three initiatives to help schools and teachers bring computer science to K-8 students in the upcoming school year. Attend our virtual session to learn more or see our information page for more details and fill out the form to be considered.
Inclusion Done Right Meeting: June 8, 5:00PM
Join us for our last Inclusion Done Right meeting of this school year! Please register here to let us know you will attend.
NEW- Intent to Retire Fair: June 9 & 10, 9:00AM-1:00PM
Boston Retirement System and Health Benefits stff will be available at the Union Hall to help you file your intent to retire package. This is intended only for educators who wish to retire within the next four months. Please see here for more information.
NEW- LGBTQ+ BTU Committee Relaunch: June 10, 6:30-7:45PM
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride by connecting with your fellow LGBTQ+ educators and enjoying a short film screening via Zoom. Register to attend!
National Board Certified Teacher Info Session: June 10, 5:00-6:00PM
Are you interested in becoming an NBCT next school year? Please join a virtual information session using this link, and please complete this interest form. For more information, please email the BPS/BTU leadership team at nationalboard@bostonpublicschools.org.
NEW- Trans Resistance March, Vigil and Pride Fest: June 12, 11:00AM
Join us for a march and vigil for Black Trans lives at Franklin Park! Register here.
NEW- Racial Justice Town Hall Year in Reflection: June 16, 5:00-7:00PM
We’ve talked. We’ve listened. And just because this is the end of the school year, doesn’t mean it’s the end of our work. Join us for the last BTU Racial Justice Town Hall of the year so we can turn this year of purpose into a lifetime of practice. Whether it’s your first town hall or you’re a town hall regular, we hope to see you there! Register now.
Paraprofessionals End of Year Virtual Break Room: June 16, 5:30-6:30PM
Attention Paraprofessionals: Join your colleagues in a Virtual Break Room – END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR EDITION! Come in to say hello and play a game with your fellow Paras…and feel free to bring your own games as well! Just remember: no work/union talk allowed. Click HERE to register. A link will be sent to you in the days prior.
NEW- Summer Organizing Institute 2021: June 28-29
Join BTU members for our annual Summer Organizing Institute, where we will Freedom Dream together about the future of our schools. What can we win in our contract? How can we ensure stimulus money is spent where it’s most needed? How do we build solidarity to strengthen our education justice fights? This virtual conference will feature four sessions. Register now!
NEW- Apply to Be a Summer Organizing Union Leader!
he BTU seeks up to 30 Summer Organizing Union Leaders (SOULs) to engage members in taking action for a strong contract and the resources our students deserve. SOULs receive training and coaching in effective organizing practices, including how to build community, share stories, and escalate a campaign. Learn more and apply now!
AFT Teach Virtual Conference: BTU Members Can Attend Free!
This year’s AFT TEACH, the AFT’s national professional development conference will be held virtually July 6 – 10. Because of this special circumstance, the BTU is altering our usual policy. This year, any member who registers for the conference and attends a minimum of 5 sessions will have their registration fee reimbursed by the BTU. ($50, $25 for members in their first five years). See the incredible lineup, and register to attend.
NEW- R+ Home Rule Petition
A remote meeting to update members on the progress of the R+ Home Rule Petition was held on May 6 via Zoom. Here is a link to a summary from that meeting. Included in this summary is an important ask for ALL. Contact Michael McLaughlin with questions and concerns.
Take the Teacher Climate Survey!
The Teacher Climate Survey is open now! All classroom teachers will receive an email with a link to a short survey administered by Survey Monkey. It is a short survey this year, designed to learn more about teachers’ perceptions. It is completely anonymous. BPS will not be able to see your email address nor be able to link your responses to your email address or employee ID. If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Data and Accountability with questions.
Hiring for an Internal/External Organizer
The BTU is seeking applicants for an Internal/External Organizer. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@btu.org; position open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP.
NEW- Telescope June 2021 Survey
Tell us about your professional learning needs for next year and enter a raffle for a dozen $25 Amazon gift cards.
Teacher Leadership Fund: What Challenge Do You Want to Solve?
Applications for the 2021-22 Teacher Leadership Fund are now open. Teams of educators within or across schools may be awarded up to $15,000 to design and implement solutions to challenges affecting students who have been marginalized. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Any applications submitted by June 7 will receive an answer by the end of the school year. Full program information and application materials can be found here. Email tlf@bostonpublicschools.org with questions or for support.
NEW- BTU Authors!
We’re proud to share two books recently published by BTU educators. Change the World: Reflections of a Teacher takes us into the 34-year teaching career of retired BTU member David Russell. Dave is self-publishing and mailing copies to those who want one. Please contact Dave through this email.
Visionary Schools: Liberating At-Risk Students, Transforming a Nation was recently published by Dr. Malcolm Bryant, BTU members for 26 years.