NEW- Add Your Back to School Photos!
We are so happy to be back in school and ready for an even better 2022-2023 school year. We want to see how it has been going! Please share you back to school photos by emailing them to Lea. Please make sure that if student’s faces are shown there is permission to show them. We would also love to see the educators in action!
National Board Certified Teacher Info Sessions: Through November
Learn about becoming board certified, how it can benefit you and your students, and the supports BPS and BTU have collaborated on to help you get there! Join for an info session beginning this month.
Climate Justice Committee Meeting: September 28, 4:15PM on Zoom
Please join us for the first climate justice committee meeting of the year! Topics to be discussed include advocating for significant BTU and school community input into the Green New Deal for BPS, a possible pension fund fossil fuel divestment campaign, climate justice professional development, and other local organizing efforts. Email Betsy Drinan at bdrinan@gmail.com for the Zoom link and/or to be added to the committee’s google group.
NEW- Butterfly Stories Open House: October 1, 10AM – 2PM
More than 1,000 BPS students decorated butterflies to hang in Boston City Hall, representing that no matter where you come from, you can take pride in your identities and know that you have a place in Boston. Come see the butterflies hanging from the 2nd and 3rd floors! Bring your family and take pictures. There will also be snacks, free COVID-19 test kits, and an opportunity to get COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
Sick Bank Donation Program Information
BTU sick leave donation program enrollment will be available from 9/6/22 through 10/31/22. If you would like to join the sick bank, please follow these instructions and one sick day will be deducted from your accrued balance.
Student Debt Clinic: October 4, 4:30PM
Join us for a Student Debt Clinic for AFT Members in Massachusetts in-person at the BTU Hall or on Zoom. Register now!
Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program
The Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program is hiring a BTU member to work at the North End Library, Wednesdays 4-6, starting September 28. The library is located on 25 Parmenter Street. If you are interested, please contact Brenda Chaney.
Edcamp: Developing Student Voice and Agency: October 11, 4:30-6:00PM
How do we amplify student voice in our classrooms and schools to increase engagement and build community? Join educators to discuss this important topic. See the links for more info and registration.
NEW- Inclusion Done Right Committee Meeting: October 13, 7:30PM
The Inclusion Done Right (IDR) Committee invites you to partner with us in continuing the very important advocacy work we started last year, as well as working towards other initiatives this year as the district prepares to roll out their newest Inclusion programs. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help us fight for an equitable inclusion model in all schools and consistent support in each inclusion classroom, please fill out this short interest form! Contact Chantei Alves or Kafunda Banks if you have any questions.
NEW- AFT/BTU Education Policy Fellowship: Deadline October 13
Applications are now open for the 10th Cohort of the AFT/BTU Education Policy Fellowship (formerly Teacher Leader Program). This year’s program will be focused on understanding and addressing challenges facing educators of color in BPS and in the BTU. Participants will meet policy makers, conduct action research, and develop solutions to these critical challenges. Program meets on 7 Saturdays. Stipend of $1500. Learn more and apply today. DEADLINE: October 13th. This fellowship is open to ALL BTU members, including paras, subs, ABAs, nurses, and RSPs.
In-person Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: October 19, 4:30PM
Please join us at the BTU hall for the Paraprofessional Informational Meeting. Topics we will be discussing include para evaluations, new contract, para get togethers, and much more. There will also be guest tables for Health & Welfare, Jet Program, BPS MTEL Prep Program and various caucus tables for everyone to learn about. Please use the link to register.
Apply to be a Member Organizer!
The BTU seeks Member Organizers to contribute to fostering a culture of organizing, member engagement, and activism among a broad base of BTU members and allies. Member Organizers receive training, coaching, and a stipend. Learn more and apply at btu.org/memberorganizer.
Even with Extended Day, Setup and PD Days are Six Hours
In traditional schools, including Schedule A ELT, today’s work is classified as professional development hours, not a regular school/work day. If your staff was mandated to work more than six hours today or tomorrow, it can be grieved at Step 1. A recommended remedy might be to reduce hours scheduled for later in the year. Please contact your Building Rep or Field Rep if you have further questions.