Announcement from the BTU Election Committee:
Nomination Process Has Begun
Candidates can begin collecting signatures for the nomination process for the 2023 BTU election of officers, field representatives, political director, E-Board, delegates and RTC officers. Members of good standing of the BTU/RTC may collect signatures in one of two ways. First, paper signature pages will be available to members in good standing of the BTU/RTC at the union hall until March 8, when they must be turned in to the Election Committee. To register for electronic nomination pages members should go on line to the BTU website.
As a reminder: officers, field representatives, and political director require 100 signatures; E-Board candidates require 50 signatures; and delegates must have 25 signatures. Members may sign only the number of papers corresponding to the number of that position (ex. 1 candidate for Vice President and 12 E-Board candidates). Don’t underestimate the importance of your role — you are an essential part of our union’s democratic process. The persons elected to office will help shape the future of our union.
NEW- Indoor Air Quality in Schools Webinar: January 18, 3:00-4:00PM
AFT, NEA and the National Education Association and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers are holding information session on indoor air quality in schools. The Department of Energy will present on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Renew America’s Schools grant, and partners will share key research on the impact of indoor air quality on health and education outcomes. You can register for the information session here.
Reading with Joy Workshop: January 18, 6:00PM
The Haitian Educators Committee will host a virtual workshop “Reading with Joy” in an effort to engage the Haitian Community through reading and to encourage our children to read with joy. Register now!
NEW- Job Sharing Meeting: February 6, 5:00-6:30PM
Interested in job sharing next year? Join BTU and BPS at the union hall to learn more. Register now!
BTU Member Winter Party: February 10, 3:30-8:00PM
Show our educators some love! Join us at the union hall for a winter party with food, DJ, cash bar, and fun! Registration required – this is a BTU-member ONLY event. See you there!
NEW- 2023 JET Recruitment Information Sessions: Applications due March 1
This is a great opportunity for paraeducators to learn more about the JET program and ask any questions they may have before applying to JET by March 1. There will be three information sessions held on the following dates. People interested in attending should RSVP by clicking the link on the session of their choice. Session 1 – 1/10/23 4:30pm-5:30pm; Session 2 – 1/24/23 4:30pm-5:30pm; Session 3: 2/14/23 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Share My Lesson Virtual Conference: March 21-23
Submit your webinar proposals for this event here, or learn more about other upcoming AFT events at aftpd.org/conferences.
NEW- Teacher Early Hiring Pool & Academic Support Pool Extended to 2/27
BPS’ Teacher EHP Pool remains open to all individuals interested in becoming a teacher for the next upcoming school year. In addition, BPS has opened an Academic Support Pool for roles including Paraprofessionals, Family Liaisons and more. By applying to the pool, you have the opportunity to participate in an interview & be named one of the top priority candidates. Apply here.
Unafraid Educators Meetings
Unafraid Educators, BTU’s immigrants’ rights committee, is meeting the second Monday of each month from 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Zoom. Please join us!
Important Dates for Paras
Please see here for important dates for excessing, pools and assignments.
Join AFT MA Climate Caucus
AFT MA is committed to honoring our Climate Resolution that was passed on April 4, 2020. We are facing an historic environmental crisis. The science on climate change is irrefutable. Catastrophic effects of unchecked climate change include severe drought, increased disease, threatened food systems and more. We know from experience that the labor movement must be at the table to shape the conversation if we are to affect positive change for working people. Are you interested in working with AFT MA on climate issues? If so, please complete and submit this form.
BTU/AFT Para/PSRP Conference: April 1, 8:30AM-2:30PM
Please join us for a day of collaboration and learning with fellow paraprofessionals from around the state. The deadline for registration is March 30. Register now!
Homework Helper Program
The Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program was created along with the City of Boston and the Boston Public Library to help all children with their homework during the school year. We have BTU educators working at every library in Boston that is open at least one day a week, from September to May. Please pass this information and flyersalong to all of your students.
Educator Supports Program Available for Teachers Rated Less than Proficient
Many educators will receive a formative assessment during the month of January. BTU educators in the teacher bargaining unit who receive a rating of less than proficient are typically eligible for support from the Educator Supports Program (ESP). The ESP is a jointly-run collaboration between the BTU and BPS which provides a range of supports for educators who find themselves in evaluation difficulty. If you or a colleague is rated less than proficient, please make sure you or they visit the ESP Website for more information, and to sign up for a meeting to learn more using the Enroll button.
NEW- MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH) Grant
DESE has just released a new grant, titled MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH). Schools can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in funding and the applications are due January 31. To learn more, see Mass Farm to School’s website which includes a recording of an info session on the grant and the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one application coaching.
BTU Housing Justice Committee Meetings
The BTU Housing Justice Committee has begun meeting every other Monday at 5 p.m. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, please reach out to Emma or Shakeeda. You can access the Zoom via this link.
Building Rep Stipends
Building Reps receive a $1,000 stipend for attending (and signing in) to 75% of the monthly membership meetings. The stipend can be earned in other ways too. The BTU BRep app is going through redevelopment along with our website, so reps can complete the BTU BRep Tally Sheet and submit it at the end of the school year if 75% attendance (and sign in) is not possible. All BReps must submit a W9 and will receive a 1099 at the end of the tax year.
Journey into Education and Teaching
The JET application is now open for 2023-2024! The JET program provides support for Massachusetts paraprofessionals without bachelor degrees in partner school districts to obtain their degree and licensure. Direct any questions to jetintoteaching@gmail.com.
School Site Council Training: Sessions in December and January
The School Site Council plays a criticial role in hiring of staff, reviews and advises on the budget, and can waive the provision of the collective bargaining agreement or any School Committee rule regulation. More information and registration available here!
Fund for Teachers: Plan Your Dream Summer Learning Experience
The application for Fund for Teachers is now open! Design your own professional learning experience for Summer ’23 anywhere in the world. Individuals may be awarded grants of up to $5000 and teams up to $10,000. Designing your fellowship and writing the application requires time and planning, and the BTU is happy to offer you support, mentoring, and feedback to put your best foot forward! Learn more and begin your application today! Deadline is January 19. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.