BPS Management Promises Retroactive Pay

on Sept. 12th

Happy August, we hope you’ve enjoyed some well-earned rest and fun with loved ones this summer. Believe it or not, the 2026 School year begins in less than a month! The BTU has been hard at work organizing summer trainings, preparing for the New Educator Institute, supporting political causes and finalizing orientation for new and returning Building Reps! Read on to learn more about what we’ve been up to and what is planned for the next few weeks.

Retroactive paychecks

Last evening (Aug. 4th), BPS administrators confirmed that the district plans to distribute retroactive paychecks on September 12th. The retroactive period extends back to September 1st, 2024. Here is a link to the new pay scales secured in the SY 2024-2027 contract ratified this past spring. Once the terms of the new contract took effect in May, we sought a concrete timeline for when members could expect to receive what they had earned. Despite weeks of discussion, the district would not provide clarity. The BTU filed a grievance and a charge against BPS management and continued to pursue the subject throughout the summer. We waited to share a date until we could secure an absolute commitment. As always, make sure to check your paystubs and reach out to your field reps if you notice any issues.

Retirement Plus Progress

On Wednesday, July 30th, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the “Act Relative to Benefits for Teachers” which would correct an inequity in the state’s retirement program which first began in 2001. The state established the Retirement Plus program which allows teachers and other public workers to pay an additional portion of their paycheck into the retirement system in exchange for the right to retire a few years early. However, the rollout in 2001 was mismanaged and resulted in thousands of teachers being shut out of a program, and a benefit, to which they are rightfully entitled.

The BTU has been working with AFT MA, the MA AFL-CIO and other advocates for years to fix this system. Finally, we have legitimate progress. The MA House passed the bill unanimously last week. The MA Senate will now consider the bill. If the Senate passes the bill and is able to reconcile any potential differences with the House, then it goes before Governor Maura Healy. If the bill becomes law, then thousands of teachers who have been shut out of Retirement Plus will be able to buy into the program and receive the same benefit as their peers.

We strongly encourage you to call your state Senator and urge them to pass a bill that benefits thousands of retired and soon-to-be retired teachers. Thank you to state Reps. Alice Peisch and Rob Consalvo for sponsoring the legislation and Rep. Dan Ryan for supporting its advancement for a full vote. We thank state Senator Liz Miranda for being our sponsor and voice in the Senate. Thank you to the BTU members and other advocates on the Committee for A Fair Fix for R+. Your grassroots activism and persistence has carried us to this point.

Call your state Senators and demand a Fair Fix for R+!

Local Elections

September 9th is the preliminary election in Boston for Mayor and all City Council seats. Check out who the BTU membership has endorsed! We encourage you to sign up to the BTU Electoral Action Team (BEAT) to learn about chances to support City Council Candidates. The BTU has endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu for reelection. To support the campaign we’ve committed to turn out members to knock on doors on August 9, August 23, and September 6. If you can join a 1.5 hour canvass on one of these days please sign-up here. The BTU Hall has plenty of lawn signs for Mayor Wu and endorsed City Council candidates, stop by the office to pick some up for yourself!

Union Trainings and Local Activism

Last week, BTU members were dispersed across the country at various conferences to learn about collective bargaining, political advocacy and to connect with fellow AFT union members. Thank you to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Ed Markey for meeting with our members during the 2025 AFT Teach Conference Lobby Day. BTU member Cory O’Hayer (Edison Elementary) spoke passionately in support of legislation that establishes nationwide minimum wages for teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel.

Finally, the BTU has some important events coming up!

The Summer Organizing Institute, Aug 13-14 at the BTU Hall is free for all AFT MA members interested in great skill-building workshops to improve union structures in their school buildings. This is a great opportunity for Building Reps. Breakfast and lunch included. See a draft agenda here and RSVP here.

Then there is the BTU Building Rep Orientation, Aug 27 at 10am or Aug 28 at 4:30pm at the BTU. All building reps, including veterans, are encouraged to attend. The orientation will cover everything you need to know as a building for the new school year, including all the materials you need to conduct a 30 minute union meeting in the first week of school. RSVP here.

The BTU is sponsoring 6 members to attend the Annual Legislative Conference hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. The ALC brings together thought leaders, legislators, influencers, and concerned citizens to address critical issues and promote the educational, political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities. Applications are due by August 22nd!

BTU Events and Announcements

BTU Summer Organizing Institute August 13-14!

Join us for the “Meeting the Moment, Building the Movement”, our annual Summer Organizing Institute open to all BTU members. This two-day training will help build our skills to organize and bargain; dive deep on the issues impacting our schools; and take action together. RSVP today!

Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference: Apply by Aug. 22nd!

The BTU is sponsoring 6 members to attend the Annual Legislative Conference hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. The ALC brings together thought leaders, legislators, influencers, and concerned citizens to address critical issues and promote the educational, political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities. Applications are due by August 22nd!

Early Childhood Co-Planning Drop-In: August 26 8:00am-12:00pm

Early Childhood Lesson Planning Sessions: Time to lock in for SY 25-26 with co-planning drop in sessions in July and August! This is an opportunity to reflect on your teaching and the curriculum from SY 24-25 and start planning for this year with your colleagues. BYO instructional materials, refreshments provided. Fill out this form if you plan to attend. Contact Caitlin Gaffny cgaffny@btu.org with any questions.

BTU ABA Group Educator Summer Meetings: August 18th ZOOM

The BTU ABA Educator Group has been engaged in productive discussions around the vision and requirements for successful ABA programming in BPS over the course of three meetings so far. The work will continue this summer on August 18th from 4-5pm on Zoom. If you are not yet on the calendar invite and would like to be, please reach out to Madison Kronheim (madisonnkronheim@gmail.com) or Katie DeLaRosa (kdelarosa@btu.org) to be added.

New Educator Institute (Volunteers Needed): August 19th-21st

We’re looking for volunteers for the New Educator Institute on Aug 19 &-21. All NEI events this year are taking place in the George Sherman Union at Boston University campus (775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215). As a volunteer you’ll be helping to welcome new members into our union. Volunteering at these events is a great way to connect with new members, especially first year educators who may have never been part of a union before! If you’re available to volunteer please complete this form.

Creating Community and Support in the Classroom: Sept. 2nd and 3rd 10am

This course for paraprofessionals will be offered at two sessions: Sept. 2nd at 10am and Sept. 3rd at 10 am. Come and learn about the “what and why” of the Focus Curriculum. You will also learn how to support children and teachers in the classroom. Please Register Here!

De-escalation Training: September 3rd at 10am & 2pm

This de-escalation training, designed specifically for Boston Public Schools staff, offers practical, easy-to-use strategies grounded in trauma-informed practices. You’ll learn how to recognize the early signs of student escalation, prevent power struggles, stay calm under pressure, and support students through every stage of a behavioral crisis. Join us and build your skills to make a bigger impact every day! Please use this link

Supporting Classrooms Through a Trauma-Informed Lens : Sept 3rd @2pm at the BTU Hall

Join us for “Supporting Classrooms Through a Trauma-Informed Lens,” a dynamic and practical professional development session designed especially for paraprofessionals and substitute teachers. This session unpacks the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on student behavior and learning, and offers concrete, easy-to-use strategies for building predictability, emotional safety, and resilience in the classroom. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of stress responses in students, tools to support de-escalation and routine-building, and a roadmap for improving collaboration with your team. If you’re looking to feel more confident, supported, and effective in your role—this session is for you! Please Register Here!

Prioritize YOUR Well-being with Educators Thriving & the BTU: Due 9/17

“Thank you for creating this course. It helped me have a better year and thinking through the things that are important to me and really did help me change my mental state while at work. Things are still stressful and there’s always too much work, but it helped me prioritize, and keep my life in order.”

In this free course for BTU members, learn and practice concrete strategies to prevent burnout and support your own well-being. See our flyer to learn more. Application due Wed. 9/17. Earn 3 ALCs for completing all course requirements. Space is limited.

De-escalation Training: Sept 18th @10am at BTU Hall

This de-escalation training, designed specifically for Boston Public Schools staff, offers practical, easy-to-use strategies grounded in trauma-informed practices. You’ll learn how to recognize the early signs of student escalation, prevent power struggles, stay calm under pressure, and support students through every stage of a behavioral crisis. With clear guidance, real-life examples, and tools you can use right away, this session will empower you to create safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments. Join us and build your skills to make a bigger impact every day. Register here!

Supporting Classrooms Through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Sept 18th @2pm at the BTU Hall

Join us for “Supporting Classrooms Through a Trauma-Informed Lens,” a dynamic and practical professional development session designed especially for substitute teachers. This session unpacks the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on student behavior and learning, and offers concrete, easy-to-use strategies for building predictability, emotional safety, and resilience in the classroom. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of stress responses in students, tools to support de-escalation and routine-building, and a roadmap for improving collaboration with your team. If you’re looking to feel more confident, supported, and effective in your role—this session is for you.

Register here!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: Join the BTU Team on October 4^th!

The BTU is once again organizing the BTU Walkers for another year of walking and fundraising in support of the effort to eradicate breast cancer. Each year, the BTU provides a shuttle bus from the BTU Hall to the Hatch Shell so volunteers can participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on the Esplanade. Check out more information here and search for the BTU Walkers Team to register with our group!

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.

• Nuestros Niños Professional Development Program
• Bullying Intervention Specialist Training
• Maintaining a Restorative Community Training

BTU in the News

BTU President Erik Berg was featured in a Boston Globe article regarding the Trump Administration deciding to reverse course and release approximately $6 billion in funding for school districts across the country.

In Memoriam

On July 25, retired teacher Ruth Loving Davis passed away. Ruth is remembered by loved ones as a kind and loving soul who cherished her time as an educator. Her memorial services will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home at the Dorchester Lower Mills location. The funeral will take place on Saturday August 9th at 10am. For more details, read here.

On July 29, retired BPS teacher Samuel Demerit passed away at age 99. Mr. Demerit was a Latin teacher at The Boston Latin School. After retiring, Mr. Demerit was very involved in his church (St Paul’s Catholic Church) and kept in touch with many former BLS staff and students. He often organized brunch gatherings of retired BLS staff and alumni at local Cambridge restaurants where everyone shared their memories. Details about memorial services will be shared when 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.