Happy first week of May! Yesterday, we celebrated International Workers’ Day, or “May Day”. This day is meant to celebrate the labor movement and all of the rights that workers have secured over the last century, and we co-sponsored and joined events in East Boston and on Boston Common. We are grateful to our siblings in the labor movement, both past and present, for fighting for workers everywhere. Workers of the world, unite!
May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! We’re proud to uplift many events this month, including a BTU AAPI Book Event where we will be distributing books with APIA authors and characters at our hall on May 20 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. thanks to a grant from AFT and in partnership with FirstBook.
As we celebrate, it’s equally as important to recognize the challenges being faces by the AAPI community, especially right here in our school system. A study conducted by Truth from Youth was just released on the Asian American experience in BPS high schools, and the results showed that AAPI students are more likely to report feeling isolated and undervalued compared with their peers. As a union, we are committed to continuing this important conversation with our students and come together to find solutions. For AFT Voices, BTU President Jessica Tang wrote about what AAPI representation has meant to her growing up, becoming an educator and leading a union.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!! From the Election Committee: Secretary-Treasurer Primary Ending – In-Person Voting TOMORROW! If you have NOT voted in our primary, please come in person to vote at the BTU between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Results will be determined tomorrow night once in-person voting concludes. Two secretary-treasurer candidates will move forward into the general election. ALL MEMBERS will be receiving another ballot for the general election where all positions will be voted on. Please be sure to see the special bulletin from the Election Committee if you missed it last week.
Thank you to all of the BTU delegates who attended the 55th annual AFT convention this past weekend. We were proud to honor BTU activist Sylvaine Lestrade from the Trotter with a Distinguished Service Award as well as two BTU dependents who won college scholarships: John Cavanaugh and Declan Hocker. We also heard encouraging words from our national AFT president, Randi Weingarten, who has been courageously fighting for all of us, whether testifying before hostile members of Congress at hearings or through inspiring speeches such as “In Defense of Public Education.”
We are seeking BTU members to join a School Safety Committee. The committee’s work will focus on identifying issues related to safety that have a daily impact on our members, students, and families in the hopes of working collaboratively to craft solution driven recommendations for future contract negotiations, the district, and city. We hope to prioritize solutions that support student reflection/restoration while keeping safety for all paramount. We strongly encourage members who are committed to restorative justice and antiracist work within the BTU to join. Please email Caitlin Gaffny if you are interested in joining.
LAST CHANCE to register for our Legislative Mini-Conference this upcoming Saturday, May 6! All BTU members are invited to attend a morning program at the Union Hall to learn more about our legislative priorities and help determine how we will advocate for these in the current legislative session. Particularly, we will have an in-depth discussion about how we are supporting the Thrive Act (S.246), which would eliminate the state’s power to put school districts under receivership, and regarding a number of retirement issues affecting current and future retirees. We will also be joined by some of the legislators who have filed these bills. Join us as we come up with strategies to protect our members and our schools!
ICYMI: last week, we shared a short video sharing highlights from the 2021-24 union contract either as a refresher or education tool for members who may not have had a visit yet. It is important that all of our educators know what is in our latest contract, as we need to make sure our contract is implemented and enforced in a way that reflects our intent and values. We are also gearing up already for the next contract campaign, as this one will expire by the end of next summer.
Come out this Saturday to get involved in our legislative advocacy!
BTU Events and Announcements
Tech Goes Home for Paras and Subs: Through May 16
This is a program that delivers 15 hours of instruction focused on fundamental digital skills. You get a Chromebook of your own after you complete the 15 hours. This is a first come first serve basis. Click HERE to register!
NEW- Teach-in on Ventilation, Health Equity & the BPS Budget! May 3, 6:30PM
Join FamCOSa for a Teach-in on Clean Air, Health Equity and the BPS Budget. We will learn about the importance of ventilation to prevent COVID and asthma and improve learning. We will also offer tips and hands-on practice to testify at City Council budget hearings coming up on May 4 and May 9. Register here and please help us spread the word – flyers in English & Spanish.
BTU Retirement Seminar: May 4, 4:30PM
BTU will host a retirement seminar in Hall 2. Please RSVP to Kendall Mosley to reserve your seat.
Legislative Mini-Conference: May 6, 9:00AM-12:30PM
All BTU members are invited to attend a morning program to learn more about our legislative priorities and help determine how we will advocate for these in the current legislative session. Particularly, we will have an in-depth discussion about how we are supporting the Thrive Act (S.246), which would eliminate the state’s power to put school districts under receivership, and regarding a number of retirement issues affecting current and future retirees. We will also be joined by some of the legislators who have filed these bills. Join us at the BTU Hall as we come up with strategies to protect our members and our schools!
Aspire & Inspire Educator Symposium: May 18, 4:30-7:30PM
Celebrate this school year with the Office of Educator Development and Leadership! Connect with educators who are leaders both in & outside of the classroom. There will be a menu of opportunities for you to engage with educators who have done powerful work in their classrooms and in leadership roles to impact student learning, their school communities, and BPS at large. Food and beverages will be served.
NEW- Thrive Act Advocacy Day: May 24, 9:30AM-2:00PM
Last year we took action against receivership – and we won! This year we take our fight to the next level: the Thrive Act will END the existing state takeover system and replace it with a true support and improvement system that empowers local voices and focuses on giving students and educators the tools they need to succeed. Can you join us for Thrive Act Advocacy Day at the State House on May 24th? RSVP here and spread the word.
NEW- Join the BTU at Boston’s Pride Parade: June 10, 10:30AM-12:30PM
The Pride Parade is returning to Boston this summer, and the BTU wants you to be a part of it! The parade exists to commemorate the brave LGBTQ+ people who risked their safety to advocate for the lives and humanity of LGBTQ+ people, to celebrate the richness and complexity of LGBTQ+ community, and to continue to advocate for equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people, especially those who face intersecting forms of oppression. We hope to bring a group of 75 members to march in the Boston Pride for the People (BP4TP) Parade to show our support and solidarity to our students and educators and to promote the empowerment of LGBTQ+ communities within our schools. Register here to join.
NEW- End of the Year and Leadership Cruise: June 10, 7:00PM
Please join us for our end of the year party! This year, our end of the year party is combining with our leadership cruise. Join us as we ride out the waves and celebrate the end of another year and celebrate all the BTU leaders who have helped it happen! Reserve your ticket at this link and by sending in a check to the BTU, or reaching out to Lea to pay in another way. All BTU members will receive their payments back after attending the cruise. All non-BTU members mudy pay $50 to attend.
NEW- Summer Organizing Institute: June 26-27, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Join AFT MA and BTU for two days of skill-building for union leaders, building reps and member activists. Register at bit.ly/SummerOI2023.
Professional Development Series for Paraprofessionals
All sessions are offered as part of a joint BTU/BPS collaboration to provide professional development and professional growth opportunities for all BPS paraprofessionals, CFCs and Family Liaisons. Please join us!
BRep Stipend Information
Complete the direct deposit form linked to facilitate easier and faster payment of your yearly BRep stipend. Complete the direct deposit form linked and email to Kendall Mosley.
Changes in Pay Frequency for Paras and CFCs
Applicants who wish to change their pay frequency from 10 months to 12 months or 12 months to 10 months must notify Payroll by submitting the Para Pay Frequency application or completing the Google form prior to the June 1 deadline to be effective September of the next school year.
City of Boston Expands Chiropractic Benefits
Effective July 1, 2023, a Chiropractic benefit will be added to BCBS HMO and Mass
General Brigham HMO plan (there is already coverage under the BCBS PPO plan).
Take Action: Retirement Legislation
AFT Massachusetts is supporting a number of legislative proposals supporting a dignified retirement for our retirees. Among them are: Increasing COLAs, A Second Chance at Retirement Plus and repealing the WEP GPO.
Take the Teacher Climate Survey!
The Spring 2023 Teacher Climate Survey is open! All classroom teachers will receive an email with a link to a short survey administered by Panorama. It is completely anonymous. BPS will not be able to see your email address nor be able to link your responses to your email address or employee ID. If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Data and Accountability with questions.
BTU Merchandise
You can purchase your BTU apparel using this link. We have hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and our newest item: BTU polo-style shirts! Get them while they last!
NEW- Double Deductions for Health Insurance for 10 month Paras and Subs
Health benefits team sent over the schedule for double deductions. The first check that will have extra deductions will be Friday 4/28 and that will continue for the rest of the SY. This will affect 10 month paras and substitutes who are enrolled in health insurance.
Paraprofessional Mentors
Paraprofessionals, we want to make sure you are aware of the wonderful Para Mentors that we have to assist you. If you are struggling with your evaluation, or needing assistance with your role as a paraprofessional, the mentors can help. Please reach out to Colleen Hart at chart@btu.org if you are in need of a mentor or have any questions.
Para Pro Assessment Prep Classes
BPS is offering support in preparing candidates to take the ParaPro Assessment and start their journey to becoming paraprofessionals in our classrooms. Join to learn more about the test and how best to prepare! Five separate sessions of online test prep courses will be offered. Register now!
City of Boston Open Enrollment for Health Care
The annual Open Enrollment for City of Boston employees is May 1-19 for coverage effective July 1, 2023.
Rollins Griffith Memorial Classroom Library: Mini Grant Application
The goal is to keep the legacy of Rollins Griffith present in BPS and to promote Black authors that share the vision of antiracism, the culture of Black people through art and music. Thirty $250 mini grants are being offered to teachers in the BPS. The Mini-Awards are open to ALL BPS teachers. All teachers are encouraged to apply.
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.
SY23-24 BPS Teaching Fellowship Program
Are you currently working under an emergency or provisional license? We are currently accepting applications for the BPS Teaching Fellowship (BPSTF) for SY23-24. BPSTF is designed to support teachers through DESE’s CAP Cycle and to ensure they secure initial licensure in Elementary, Moderate Disabilities, or ESL, while also providing teachers with on-the-job mentorship throughout the year. Teachers with an emergency or provisional license who need to enter an approved educator preparation program for initial licensure should apply on TalentEd. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2023, but we encourage candidates to apply ASAP. Please contact: bpsteachingfellowship@bostonpublicschools.org with any questions.
Reoccurring Monthly Meetings
Next Membership Meeting (second Wednesday of every month)
Next Meeting: May 10, 2023, 4:30 p.m.
Next Executive Board Meeting (usually the 4th Wednesday of every month)
Next Meeting: May 24, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Professional Learning & Development Updates
Each week, we have many new and exciting Professional Learning & Development opportunities to share with you.
You can find a full description of each listing on our Professional Learning & Development Updates Page.
- AFT Member Benefit Virtual Workshops
- Bringing the Campus of Boston into Your Classroom: Teaching with Historic Places
- Creative Coding in the Classroom
- Place-Based Boston Summer Institute
- Tech: Past, Present, and Future
- Mental Wellness Workshops
- Integrating SEL into Academics
- Tiered Literacy Instruction in Gr. 1 Classrooms
- 2023 Carolyn A. Lynch Summer Teacher Fellowship: Teaching Boston Community History
- Lifting as We Climb: Black Women Activists in Boston
- Bilingual Education Certificate Cohort 5 at Boston College
- Virtual Edcamp for Alternative Schools
- STEAM Institute
- Educational Ethics Field-Launching Conference
- Educational Ethics: A Field-Launching Conference
- STEAM PD Quilting & Math
- Black Ancestral Legacies – Educator Workshop
Community News & Events
NEW- Retirement of Kathy O’Connor & Meredith Lawlor
Join to celebrate the tretirement of two longtime educators on Friday, June 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. See flyer for more info.
NEW- NAEP is Hiring!
Become an in-school data collector with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Enter your contact information at www.WorkNAEP.com to be notified once applications are available.
Thank You for Reading
Please send your comments and questions to us at bulletin@btu.org, or call the BTU at 617-288-2000.