JET Program Information Session: January 12, 4:30-5:30PM
Join the JET Program Staff and learn about the JET Program. The virtual sessions will introduce you to the JET Program and the services it provides. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. You can also register for the February and March information sessions.

Educators of Color Night: January 27, 5:00-8:00PM
Join us at the union hall to meet our affinity-based committees and conversation, music, drinks (cash bar), dinner and more! Masks must be worn and negative Covid tests are suggested. Register now!

NEW- BTU Administrative Assistant Position Open
The primary responsibilities of this role are providing administrative support to the BTU staff specifically the Political Director and Field Representatives as well as Executive Board and Committee members, anticipating needs and being self directed in an environment that can be fast paced and deadline driven. Full job description is available here.

AFT National Convention Planning Committee
This is a call for committee members. The American Federation of Teachers National Convention will be held in Boston July 2022. As the host city, the BTU is forming a planning committee in conjunction with AFT-MA. If you would like to be part of the planning committee, please email Michael McLaughlin right away.

NEW- Important Dates for Paras: Staffing 2022
Paras should read this document for important dates, deadlines, and information for the coming year.

Circles of Support for BTU Members
Due to the strong response to our Veterans Day listening circles, the BTU is considering offering monthly support circles for members to help each other navigate the pandemic and the school year. Please complete this three-question survey if you would be interested in participating.

2022 Unafraid Scholarship
Hundreds of immigrants from all over the world graduate from the Boston Public Schools each year, but many face a huge obstacle: if they’re undocumented, they don’t qualify for federal financial aid. The 2022 Unafraid Scholarship is now open to BPS undocumented seniors. Please share the application with your communities! Since its inception in 2017, the Unafraid Scholarship has awarded more than $280,000 to 105 deserving BPS graduates.

Build a Contract Action Team!
We’re getting organized at school sites to take action for our Contract Campaign! Build a Contract Action Team (CAT) at your school to enable rapid two-way communication of union actions. A CAT is like a phone tree and allows you to quickly reach every member at your school. See here for a step-by-step guide on how to get started, and let us knowwho your CAT leader is!

NEW- Early Childhood Mid-Year Assessment Window Supports
As a result of concerns and feedback raised by educators in administering assessments this fall, BPS has organized resources and supports for the second window this winter including limited availability of in-person support for testing administration. (Link accessible through BPS log-in only) Please share these with your early childhood colleagues and school administrators.

MFA Art Finders
Let us help you find art for your teaching! Tell us about an upcoming lesson (using a brief online form) and receive a customized slide deck with images from the Museum of Fine Arts collection. Art Finders centers narratives, creative voices, and perspectives that museums have historically suppressed. Slide decks are developed by small teams of volunteers working in partnership with MFA staff and a cohort of six K-12 educators serving as consultants to the initiative—including BTU members! Submit your request to Art Finders.

Individual Classroom Distance Learning from the MFA
Connect with a staff educator live from the MFA’s galleries through Individual Classroom Distance Learning.  Free for BPS Schools.  Program Topics: “Everyday Inspiration: Finding Art in Community and Place” (Gr. 1-5) (featuring Boston artists!),  “Art of Ancient Nubia”​ (Gr. 6-12),  and “Art of Ancient Greece and Rome” (Gr. 6-12). Learn more.

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.

BTU Climate Justice Committee
It’s time to reactivate the BTU Climate Justice Committee! As you know, ensuring that we, collectively as global citizens, act quickly and decisively to limit and eliminate carbon emissions is critical to the survival of our planet. There are many ways we can marshall the power of the BTU and AFT MA membership to be impactful in these efforts. See here for more information.

Fair Share Amendment Pledge Cards
Building reps: We’re asking you to activate your CAT team to collect Fair Share Amendment pledge cards from every member at your school. You should expect a call from a Member Organizer to bring you cards and support you in getting your school organized!