Good morning,

Spring is just around the corner and we encourage all of our members to use this long weekend to recharge and embrace the warming weather. To all of our members who observe, we hope you have a chance for reflection on Good Friday and celebration this Easter Sunday!

We’d like to remind everyone that we will not be bargaining with BPS this Thursday. The BTU Negotiating team and representatives from BPS and the city of Boston will resume negotiations on April 4th at the BTU Hall from 5 to 8p.m.

It is important that we continue the momentum that we have built together so far. More than 330 individual members have attended at least one bargaining session! Attending these sessions provides key insight into how the district is approaching our proposals as well as why they are important to our members. It also presents an opportunity to build solidarity and strategize with colleagues as we plan our next action steps to strengthen public support of our goals.

Last week, a group of paraprofessionals shared their personal stories about their dedication and passion for their positions despite the significant inequities they face when it comes to wages and working conditions. The Negotiating team introduced proposals that would give paras additional wage increases, personal days off and professional development opportunities. We also introduced a slate of professional development proposals that would ensure the majority of these learning opportunities would take place during regular schools hours, similar to districts across the region and state. Please see the bargaining summary at btu.org/bargaining or below.

Personal testimonies and member solidarity are powerful tools for building this campaign. Knowing that all of our members are behind each proposal–even if it doesn’t impact you directly, is what solidarity is all about, too! We’d like to thank the building reps at the Dudley, Fenway, Philbrick, Chittick for collecting the signatures of every member in their building endorsing this package of contract proposals. Use our toolkit for tips on engaging with fellow members.

Building relationships with our community partners is also key art of our strategy as we enter the next stage of action. This Saturday the BTU and our community partners are hosting a Family2Family conference at Fenway High that will connect students, parents, educators and activists. The conference is designed to provide insight into how BPS functions and build relationships between parties who have the shared goal of building a BPS that best serves our students. Please check out https://btu.org/family2family/ to learn more about our partners and to register. We would love to have at least one parent and one educator from every school there!

Our commitment to partnerships has already been put into action. Last Wednesday, the Inclusion Done Right Committee coordinated with educators and BPS families to testify before the School Committee regarding the district’s shortcomings in implementing its inclusive education vision. Our speakers emphasized how inadequate funding for staffing impacts each school’s ability to ensure every child receives the services they need and how frequent top-down decisions made without the community input is eroding trust.

BPS, however, has been responsive to community feedback and concerns regarding “DESE SEI” plans. The district has informed school leaders that instead of requiring schools with K2 SEI programs to change to the new model of “DESE SEI” in September 2024, they may reconsider and choose to keep their current programming next year. This is an ongoing process and we are expecting updates some time in May or June. We are glad that the district is allowing time for a more thoughtful plan, and we will continue to work with the new Multilingual Learner Alliance to ensure our MLL’s get the supports they need.

We have learned that the district is planning to change the configurations of kindergarten classes next year at more than 20 different schools. We are anticipating more details from the district and will provide updates as soon as we receive more clarity. We have already shared initial concerns and will share more with the schools impacted when we are able to.

We are thrilled to announce that the BTU has been certified by the state to act as the bargaining unit for our siblings at the Neighborhood House Charter School. The educators at NHCS are preparing for negotiations with school administrators and we are eager to sit alongside them at the bargaining table. We will be ready to support them with solidarity as they begin negotiating their first contract.

Speaking of solidarity, we are proud to stand with Boston University Graduate Workers Union who officially went on strike yesterday. The union was established in 2022 and has been in negotiations with the University since June of 2023. The workers are fighting for better wages, stronger benefits, and workload protections to improve teaching and learning conditions for everyone on campus. You can check out this action plan to learn how you can support their efforts and write a letter to BU administrators.

The BTU Building Update for Members is happening tonight, Tuesday, March 26! The BTU Building Corps has been working hard on plans for a new headquarters. BTU members can stop by tonight to hear from the architects about the initial program for a new BTU building, and share your vision for what a new headquarters building could provide. The meeting will be at the BTU, from 5:00-6:00p.m.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’d like to share an episode of AFT National’s podcast Union Talk. President Jessica Tang joined AFT National President Randi Weingarten and Planned Parenthood Nurse Laura Wiederhoeft to discuss the ongoing struggle to secure gender equality and reproductive freedom. Thank you to our Women’s Rights Committee for resuming their annual Glass Ceilings Award Brunch this past Saturday. The Committee gave awards to Jean McGuire, Sonia Chang-Diaz and Nora Baston for their trailblazing contributions to our communities. Check out some pictures from the event.

 

 

 

BTU EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

TONIGHT: The BTU Building Update for Members: Tuesday, March 26

The BTU Building Corps has been working hard on plans for a new headquarters. This meeting is for members to hear from the architects about the initial program for a new BTU building, and provide an opportunity to share your vision for what a new headquarters building could provide. The meeting will be at the BTU, from 5:00-6:00p.m. Questions? Please contact BTU EVP and Building Corps President Erik Berg.

Paraprofessional/PSRP Regional Conference and Social: Register by March 27

The BTU and AFT-MA is hosting a two-day paraprofessional regional conference on April 5th and 6th. Join us for dinner, musical bingo and karaoke on Friday, April 5th from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Para Social. On Saturday, April 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00pm, join us at the Annual Para Conference. Sessions will be around Knowing Your Rights & Enforcing Your Rights, PSRP Bill Of Rights, Tai Chi and more. You can register here.

Family2Family Conference: Saturday, March 30th

Join us on Saturday, March 30th for this year’s annual Family2Family Conference! This conference is for parents/caregivers, students, and educators to share and learn from each other, support family engagement, promote family advocacy, and strengthen family and educator collaboration. The free Conference will take place on Saturday, March 30th, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, in person at Fenway High School (67 Alleghany St, Boston, MA 02120). For more information visit https://btu.org/family2family/

 

The Teacher Leadership Fund Grant: Applications due April 1st

A feature of our contract, the Teacher Leadership Fund offers grants of up to $15,000 for educator teams who want to work in community to learn about, create, and/or share solutions to improve student learning & well-being. Application Due April 1st (early deadline) or May 2nd (final deadline). For complete information about the program including application and guidelines, see http://www.bit.ly/TLF2024. You can also contact Randyl Wilkerson.

NEW-National Board Celebration: April 4, 2024 (Thursday), Location TBA, 4:30-7:00 PM

Please join us on Thursday, April 4 from 4:30 – 7:30 PM to celebrate our newest National Board Certified Teachers and those who completed their Maintenance of Certification. Stop in for a bite to eat, a beverage, and some good conversation! All folx pursuing, awarded or interested in National Board Certification are welcome to join this celebration! https://bit.ly/NBsocial24

BTU Intent to Retire Fair: April 5, 2024 

These meetings are intended for members who wish to retire between 04/05/2024 through 08/05/2024 only. The meeting is not to be used for questions on creditable service, buy backs, estimates or any other routine retirement function. Sign-up form

NEW-April Nurse Faculty Senate Meeting: April 7th, 5-6:30 via Zoom

Monthly Nurse Faculty Senate meetings are open to all nurses and healthcare paraprofessionals and are held virtually on the first Wednesday of every month. If you want to attend and have not received an invite please contact Rina Ambrose rina.ambrose@gmail.com or Natalia Cuadra-Saez ncuadrasaez@btu.org to be added to the nurses contact list.”

Unafraid Educators Meeting: April 8th @ 4:30pm

Please join us on April 8th for our next Unafraid Educators Meeting! We’ll meet at Fenway High at 4:30pm During the meeting we will plan for the Immigrant Pride Week of Action and plan to fundraise for the Unafraid Scholarship. Please RSVP

BTU Dependent Scholarship: April 19

Every year the BTU awards roughly 16 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to high school seniors who are dependents of BTU members. See the application and scholarships requirements here.

NEW-Technology Series for Paraprofessionals/ Libraries / Library Paras and Substitutes: June 3rd 5-7pm

This tech training session aims to familiarize beginners with the fundamentals of basic navigation and the Google Workspace, and for those with more experience, a higher level look at these systems. The content of the session aims to familiarize educators with BPS systems and tools available to them as educators at BPS. Beginner and advanced sessions are from 5-7 PM on June 3rd at the BTU. Sign up here!”

Join the BTU Electoral Action Team

Help make a difference and strengthen democracy with the Boston Teachers Union. The BTU is looking for members to get involved with our BEAT(BTU Electoral Action Team) to organize and take action in the upcoming elections. WE NEED YOU! Please sign up here.

Jewish Affinity Group

It’s not too late to join–If you are interested in gathering with other Jewish members to create community and share our experiences and challenges, please contact Paul Tritter or fill out this form.

 

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
• Degree Completion
• Igniting Minds through Innovation & Challenge: Last session April 1st
• Wellness While You Work Series: Last Session on April 3rd, 4 – 5pm
• UMass Boston’s Instructional Technology Licensure Virtual Open House April 22, 4:30 p.m.
• Rules-Based Reading Virtual Edcamp 5/1, 5:30-7:00PM

 

 

Community News & Events

NEW-Recruiting Asian, Low-Income, & Immigrant Youth for Virtual Mentoring Program: Information Session March 26th

Current 8th through 11th-grade students: Apply for Apex for Youth’s National Virtual Mentorship Program (NVMP)! Our free program provides high school students from Asian, low-income, and immigrant backgrounds across the United States with a 1-1 mentor for at least two years, with monthly virtual workshops and community building. Mentees would also be eligible for an in-person summer retreat, college scholarships, and other opportunities. More information: https://apexforyouth.org/nvmp/

Hyde Square Task Force Jóvenes en Acción (JEA) program: April 1st

This after-school program offers opportunities to current 8th-11th graders to study Afro-Latin art, receive free access to mentoring , tutoring and College/Career Exploration, participate in civic engagement workshops and social-emotional support. Applications for the Spring Session are due on April 1st.

Part-time bike instructor for City of Boston Youth Cycling Program

The City of Boston is hiring five bike instructors! We are looking for people to share their love of bicycling by teaching BPS students and other Bostonians to ride safely, confidently, and joyfully. A full job description can be found at the link.

Courage to Teach Nature & Renewal Day for Educators: Saturday, April 27, 9 AM-3 PM The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Jamaica Plain is hosting a one-day retreat on Saturday, April 27, 9 AM-3 PM for Boston area educators. Based on the work of Parker J. Palmer and rooted in the belief that good teaching flows from the identity and integrity of the teacher, this professional development opportunity focuses on renewing the inner lives and well-being of educators. More details here.

NEW-National Board Program Social: April 4th

Join us on April 4th (location TBD) from 4:30-7:30 for a gathering of current National Board Certified Teachers, those currently pursuing certification, and this interested. We will be honoring the most recently certified folks and building community and sharing opportunities for those interested and those currently certified. Food will be provided. Register here.

Aspire & Inspire Educator Symposium: May 30th 

Celebrate this school year with BPS’s Office of Educator Development and Leadership (OEDL) on May 30th from 4:30-7:30 (location TBD) by honoring the work of educators who are leaders both in and outside of the classroom. There will be a variety of ways for attendees to engage– join a presentation, talk to a teacher leader 1-on-1, and explore the OEDL programs! Food and beverages will be served. bit.ly/AIES24

FREE Summer Middle School Science Program, July1-August 2

The Arnold Arboretum runs a free, science and nature based summer program intended for current 6th and 7th graders from BPS, called Arboretum Young Scientists. We are actively recruiting students who are interested in furthering their learning and growth in science and love being in nature for our 5 week program, July 1 through August 2. The application form can also be found on the AYS (Arboretum) webpage, and it is in both English and Spanish.