Boston educators vote overwhelmingly to ratify historic union contract
New contract delivers major wins for students and educators:
More classroom supports, improved wages for paraprofessionals and all educators, and stronger special education services
BOSTON, MA – The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) announced this evening that its members have voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a historic new contract with the Boston Public Schools (BPS). After more than 45 bargaining sessions and more than a year, the agreement delivers key improvements to wages, inclusion supports, and working conditions.
“Together, we’ve secured critical investments in student support, meaningful wage increases for educators – especially for paraprofessionals – and an inclusion model that increases resources for students with special needs, as well as for educators. We strongly believe in a model that includes students with special needs in the general classroom, and these resources will help make that model more successful for the benefit of students and educators alike. This is a win for educators, students, parents, and our entire community,” said Erik Berg, President of the Boston Teachers Union.
“For years, paraprofessionals have done critical work supporting our district’s students, yet struggled to make ends meet. For quite some time, I’ve struggled with my own decision of remaining as a paraprofessional,” said Tracy Romain, a paraprofessional at Chittick Elementary School. “These improvements are not just a victory for educators, but for the students we serve every day.”
Key Wins for Educators, Students, and Families
Stronger Supports for Students with Disabilities & Inclusion Done Right
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Classrooms with a high concentration of students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will now receive support from an additional licensed special education teacher.
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General education teachers will no longer be required to obtain special education licensure under threat of losing their positions.
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A newly created special education paraprofessional role will provide additional classroom support.
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A centralized team of special education teachers will deliver direct service support in classrooms.
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A dedicated special education coordinator role will be established to manage initial evaluations.
Historic Wage Increases for Paraprofessionals and Educators
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The highest wage increase for paraprofessionals in BTU history, with classroom paraprofessionals receiving a 23-31% pay increase over three years—raising the starting salary from $30,000 to $40,000.
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A 9-11.5% wage increase for teacher bargaining unit members over three years.
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ABA specialists will see a 28% salary increase over three years.
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Career awards for paraprofessionals and teachers will increase.
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Substitutes will receive an additional daily pay increase.
Additional Wins for Educators and School Staff
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Two additional early release days for professional development.
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School-based staff will receive their schedules and salary details at the start of the school year.
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Four personal days for paraprofessionals.
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Nurses will now receive salary credit for out-of-district clinical experience.
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Parking availability for educators who travel between schools daily.
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A $1,000 tuition reimbursement available to all teachers after one year of service.
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Personal days extended to long-term and cluster substitutes.
Bargaining for the Common Good
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An increased number of protected positions dedicated to Restorative Practices.
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BPS will advertise housing voucher programs at Welcome Centers and connect families to school-based homelessness liaisons.
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A joint BPS/BTU Climate Justice Curriculum Committee will be established.
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Parents will now have a formal voice on Inclusion Planning Teams.
The ratification follows months of grassroots organizing, advocacy, and public demonstrations, including informational picket lines and “walk-ins” at schools citywide. BTU educators mobilized with parents, students, and community members to push for a contract that not only improves wages and working conditions but also enhances educational opportunities for all Boston students.
“We organized, we took action, and we won,” said Amrita Dani, a middle school ESL teacher at The English High School. “Our fight for fair wages, real inclusion support, and the schools our students deserve is far from over, but today, I’m happy our contract establishes a real difference in classrooms across the city.”
The full tentative agreement can be viewed at BTU.org/Bargaining.
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families, or colleagues.