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.
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!
NEW- Lit with Lea is Back!
Lea would love to come in and read to your classes! Please sign up for a Friday. She is more than happy to read to more than one class at once or a bunch of classes at one school in one day!
BTU Fall Conference: LAST CHANCE to Register by October 10
Last chance to register for the annual BTU Fall Conference at the Seacrest Beach Hotel! Our goal is to have as many schools and committees represented at this conference as possible. If you are interested in getting more involved and developing your leadership in this union, this is the right opportunity for you! Come to meet new people, to learn from the workshops, and to have a great time. Hotel room and meals are FREE for members who choose to room with another member (or $125/night if you want your own room). Register today at btu.org/fallconference. Deadline is October 10 but we encourage folks to register early to guarantee their spot.
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.
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.
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.
NEW- BTU Community Contract Forum: October 17, 6:00-7:30PM
Parents, Allies, Community Members: Join us to engage with the newly ratified BTU/BPS agreement. Find out which proposals were accepted, and which we’re still fighting for, debrief the contract campaign, and determine where further advocacy is needed. The fight for the schools our students deserve continues! Register for the zoom link at btu.org/engage.
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.
NEW- Climate Justice Professional Development
The Climate Justice Committee is considering offering PD facilitated by the Zinn Education Project. If this sounds like something you might want to attend, please complete this brief Google form to help us gauge interest.
NEW- Inclusive Education Liaison Position Now Posted
Our new contract establishes an historic shared vision for and commitment to reforming special education and ensuring district-wide inclusive practices in Boston Public Schools. A critical part of ensuring BTU member voice and expertise is the new Inclusive Education Liaison position. We seek an experienced, committed, and skilled educator-leader to serve in this unique position to ensure that our shared vision is realized through a collaborative labor-management approach at the district level and in all of our schools. This person will collaborate closely with the Office of Inclusion and other departments across the district and engage with educators. The position has been posted and can be viewed here. Please apply ASAP if you are interested. Educators of color are encouraged to apply. Please contact Paul with questions or for more information.
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.
