Join the Boston Education Justice Alliance community for a conversation about ways to advocate for better quality schools, from getting involved in your school site council to the basics of your school budget. Register here!
Retirement Seminar: TODAY, 4:30PM
Hosted by Michael W. McLaughlin, BTU Secretary-Treasurer and BRS Trustee. Today’s seminar is at capacity; a new link for the January seminar will be coming soon.Para Pumpkin Paint Night: TODAY, 5:00-7:00PM
Join your Para Council for a fun filled night of pumpkin painting at the Union Hall! Please register here by October 20.
Virtual Edcamp for New and New-ish Teachers: October 28, 4:30-6:30PM
Join your BPS colleagues for an Edcamp! It’s a space to connect with other new teachers, ask your questions, and share your wisdom. This Edcamp is hosted by the New Teacher Development program and the Telescope Network. It’s open to anyone new to teaching (<5 years) or new to BPS. Attendees, please bring one practice to share (something that’s worked for you so far) and one question.
NEW- Telescope Trivia is Back! November 9, 8:00-9:15PM
Join on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for a virtual team trivia game! Join on your own or bring a team for some fun collaboration and light competition. Register now!
Retirement Party for Betsy Drinan: December 3, 7:00-11:00PM
Please join us for a celebration of Betsy Drinan’s retirement after a long career serving the students of Boston and the Boston Teachers Union! The event will be held at the Union Hall. Please RSVP to Matt Bouvier and send a check for $55 payable to “Boston Teachers Union,” with “Retirement Party” in the memo line.
Fund for Teachers: Design Your Own Passion-Driven Professional Learning
The application for Fund for Teachers is now open! Design your own (often travel-based) professional learning experience for Summer ’22. Individuals may be awarded grants of up to $5000 and teams up to $10,000. Learn more and apply today! The BTU offers support and feedback to members in writing their proposals. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.
NEW- Lit with Lea: Every Friday to a classroom near you!
From Elementary Rep. Lea Serena: “I hope you all have enjoying my book suggestions in the BTU paper! Please consider signing up to have me visit your classroom and share a read aloud with you and your students! In honor of organizing and activism I am planning on reading Click, Clack, Mo, Cows that Type, Side by Side, and experts from We Rise, We Resist, and We Raise our Voices. I am also always open to a different book as a guest reader!”
Important Message on Exclusionary Medications
The Public Employee’s Commission, a City of Boston group of local unions advocating for their members’ health care benefits, released a current list of exclusionary medications not covered by Express Scripts. Ask your doctor to prescribe from one of the preferred alternatives. Use this link for exclusionary medications and alternatives.
BTU @ the Celtics: Get Your Tickets Now!
UPDATE: December 29 tickets are sold out! We have limited tickets left for the January 15 game against Chicago at 8:30 p.m. for $75 each. Tickets are first come, first served and will be sent electronically after payment has been received. Please click HERE or email Nichole for more details.
NEW- Cafeteria Plan Advisors/Flexible Spending Plan Open Enrollment: Due November 19
The open enrollment period for the Cafeteria Plan Advisors/ Flexible Spending Plan offered to City of Boston employees is open! The enrollment period extends until November 19.
Phone Banks for Yes on 1 and Elected School Committee
The BTU supports more democracy for the City of Boston, so we have endorsed the Better Budget Amendment to the City Charter, and the advisory question for an elected Boston School Committee. The Massachusetts Voter Table is running phone banks for both questions. Sign up here!
The JET Interest Form for the 2022-23 JET Program Year is now available! Public school paraprofessionals who are interested in JET’s services and wish to participate in the JET program may complete the JET Interest Form, an eligibility survey that is the first part of the application process. We are planning virtual JET Information sessions starting in the Fall and will send details when they become available.National Board Certified Teachers Opportunities
The National Board Leadership Team is looking for NBCTs seeking paid leadership opportunities for the 2021-2022 school year as a Cohort Leader and/or an On-Call Reader. Additionally, the National Board Leadership Team is providing support to BPS teachers who are interested in pursuing National Board certification this school year.
Support BTU Against Breast Cancer
The BTU joined the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”! Support with a donation here.IMPORTANT REMINDER: BTU Sick Leave Donation Program: Deadline Extended to October 30
If you currently meet the eligibility requirements to become a member of the BTU sick leave donation program and would like to join, please Navigate to ess.boston.gov > select the “BPS Sick Bank Donation” tile > read and acknowledge the terms and conditions > click submit. You will receive a confirmation notice if you are enrolled, and 1 sick day will be deducted from your accrued balance. You are not eligible to use the sick bank days later in the year unless you donate a day and join and cannot join later! If you’re having trouble, please follow these instructions.
NEW- Uncompensated PD Outside the Work Day
The BTU has filed a grievance against the district’s practice of requiring online PD and training outside the workday with no compensation. If you have been required to do any of these trainings with no compensation of time or money, please complete this form and provide your name and contact info so we can follow up. We thank those school administrators and teams who have been able to find time within the workday to complete these mandates.
Join BTU Electoral Action Team
There are only a few weeks until the Nov. 2 election! If you would like to be a point person for our BEAT (BTU Electoral Action Team), please email Political Director Johnny McInnis or call 617-433-0488.
Telescope Network Monthly Connect and Share
At our monthly educator-led Telescope Network “Connect & Share” panels. Our colleagues, BPS educators, will share what they’re working on and engage attendees in discussion around challenges identified by educators themselves. Get more informationon the full series and RSVP today.