Contract Ratification Vote on April 9th

Eid Mubarak to all of our members who celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, over the weekend.

We are thrilled to celebrate Paraprofessional Appreciation week and to partake in National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day tomorrow, April 2nd.

We are particularly excited to celebrate this year because the tentative agreement (TA) on a new contract we reached recently includes some of the most significant improvements to the working conditions and wage offerings for paraprofessionals in BTU history.

Under the proposed agreement, classroom paras will receive a significant increase to their wages over the course of the contract, and the wage floor for paras will move from a minimum salary of $30,000 to nearly $40,000. Paras will also receive four personal days, the same as teachers, and will receive increased career awards. The MOA also secured significant wage increases of at least 9% on base pay for all other members of the BTU, along with many other improvements.

If you would like to learn more about the specifics of the package, you can visit btu.org/bargaining. Otherwise, here is the MOA, the plain language summary as well as a one-page summary. Wages will be fully retroactive to the start of the 2024-2025 school year if the contract is ratified. At last week’s meeting, the BTU Executive Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the tentative agreement.

The BTU will be holding its ratification vote on Wednesday, April 9th, during our regularly scheduled membership meeting. The meeting will start as usual at 4:30pm. In order to accommodate members who have later release times, the ratification process will begin closer to 5pm. Members of the BTU negotiating team will provide an overview of the agreement, followed by a brief Q&A and then a ratification vote for each bargaining unit.

Please bring your BTU membership card or photo ID with you for registration. If you don’t have your membership card, you will have to show your license to confirm your eligibility to vote. If you need childcare for the meeting, please let us know. We hope to see you all at the ratification vote — it is important to show our strength all the way through the end of this process.

The BTU Executive Board also voted to condemn the politically motivated detention of Tufts University PhD student and SEIU member Rümeysa Özturk for exercising her right to free speech. The SEIU and other unions are holding a rally this evening (April 2) at 6pm outside of the JFK federal building in downtown Boston to show solidarity and protest the federal government’s suppression of students’ free speech rights.

The United Auto Workers and the AFA-CWA are also planning a demonstration in Boston tomorrow. UAW President Sean Fain and AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson will headline a rally at Wellesley College at 11:30am to support 125 non-tenure track faculty who have been fighting for over a year for a first contract.

On Wednesday, April 2nd, local employees of the Department of Education will be holding a “Clap-Out” demonstration from 10am to 11am at 5 Post Office Square to mark their final day of employment and protest the widespread firings the Trump Administration has ordered.

Lastly, AFT MA President Jessica Tang will be joining labor leaders and politicians for a rally on Boston Common on Saturday, April 5th, in protest of the widespread damage that Elon Musk and President Trump have caused through their illegal firing of thousands of federal employees.

You can find details for these events in the section below. If you are able to join any of these, particularly the Saturday rally, please wear your BTU shirt and look for other BTU members at the rally!

A Message from the BTU Election Committee:

Candidate’s night is tomorrow (Wednesday April 2nd) on zoom! Please join to hear from our candidates. Retired Teachers Chapter from 4:30pm-5:30pm; Executive Board and Para Council will be at 6pm-8pm. Please register for the zoom.

Candidates may turn in a 2 minute video to share a statement to the membership. These videos will be available on the Member Portal. Candidates, please send your videos to the Election Committee electioncommittee@btu.org by April 7th.

The primary for our Executive Board will be on May 7th. Ballots will be mailed out April 5th. There will be 27 names on the ballot, the top 24 will be on the final ballot. Please vote for 12 names (number of E Board positions). Return your ballot as soon as possible, they are due by May 6th.

You may contact ombudsperson Danielle Fraine with questions or concerns at electioncommittee@btu.org. Next meeting is April 28th at 5:00 pm at the BTU. Members are welcome to attend and ask questions during the first 15 minutes of the meetings. Contact mfrank@btu.org with any questions about your membership status.

BTU Events and Announcements

Labor Solidarity at Wellesley College: TODAY at 11:30am

UAW President Shawn Fain and AFA-CWA President will be holding a rally in support of more than 100 Wellesley College employees who have been on strike since March 27th in pursuit of a fair contract. Rally starts at 11:30am

SEIU rally to Protect Free Speech – Stand with Rümeysa Ozturk!: TODAY @ JFK Building at 6pm

SEIU President April Verrett will be leading a rally in support of SEIU Local 509 member Rümeysa Özturk who was detained by ICE agents last week for utilizing her first amendment rights. The rally will start at 6pm outside of the JFK Federal Building (15 Sudbury St.) in downtown Boston.

Clap-out Rally for Fired Department of Education Workers: Wednesday, April 2nd 10am

We are calling on all labor allies, educators, students, and community supporters to stand in solidarity with our fired Department of Education workers at a Clap-Out Rally. These dedicated workers have served our schools and communities, and now they face unjust terminations. We will honor their contributions, demand accountability, and fight for their reinstatement! 10am at 5 Post Office Square.

BTU Dependent Scholarships: Deadline April 4th

This year there will be 16 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 awarded to high school seniors who are dependents of BTU members. To apply, please obtain an application from Michelle Frank at mfrank@btu.org or download the application from the BTU FAQ page under the “Other Benefits” drop-down section.

Retired Teacher Chapter Scholarships: Deadline April 4th

Each year the Retired Teachers Chapter of the Boston Teachers Union awards three scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to deserving high school seniors who are children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces or grandnephews of RTC members. One of these scholarships is earmarked for a student who chooses to attend a vocational school or equivalent institution. To apply, please obtain an application from Michelle Frank at mfrank@btu.org or download the application from the BTU FAQ page under the “Other Benefits” drop-down section.

Hands-Off Rally- Labor Leaders Speak Out: Boston Common, April 5th 11am

This Saturday, April 5^th, we are calling on all labor allies to stand together at the Hands Off Rally in Boston, where workers and community members will demand an end to the attacks made by the current federal administration on democracy and workers. AFT MA President Jessica Tang, will join a powerful lineup of speakers standing up for our fundamental rights.

The Bilingual Educator/Accelerated Community to Teacher Program open now to April 11th

The Bilingual Educator/Accelerated Community to Teacher Program (BE/ACTT) is a no-cost, in-district, multigenerational, community-based teacher preparation program. We encourage BPS paras and substitutes who wish to become teachers to apply! SY25-26 Applications are now live! Contact Ivelisse Santos-Hicks with questions: santoshicks@bostonpublicshools.org

FREE BPS Licensure Program – Applications due April 11

We are currently accepting applications for the BPS Teaching Fellowship, which is a free, one-year educator preparation program designed for teachers on waivers, emergency license, or provisional license to get initial licensure in either ESL or Moderate Disabilities (note: this would also allow for initial licensure in your subject area pending any other requirements from DESE). More info and application found here: https://www.teachboston.org/bpsteachingfellowship

The Teacher Leadership Fund: What challenge do you want to solve? Early application deadline, April 1st.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available for teams of educators who want to work together to create solutions to challenges that impact our students. Grantee teams also benefit from working in community with other educators across the district and receiving support throughout project implementation. For complete information about the program including application and guidelines, bit.ly/TLFund2025. Info at bit.ly/bpsbtutlfund

AFT Teach Conference 2025: Go to D.C. with the BTU! April 11 Deadline

Join the BTU’s delegation to TEACH, our national union’s biannual professional development conference. Join thousands of educators from across the country to learn about professional issues, policy challenges, and classroom strategies. Members of the BTU’s delegation receive conference registration, shared hotel room in Washington, D.C. and reimbursement for travel. The BTU will select up to 40 members to attend, with priority given to members who have not attended in the past. For more information see the conference website. Apply Today!

Teacher Day at the Gardner Museum: April 12th & June 7th, 9-11am

Experience a day of peace and inspiration at the Gardner Museum, free of cost. This special event, co-sponsored by the Boston Teachers Union, is specially designed for Boston Public Schools teachers of all student ages and subjects, and offers interactive gallery visits, mindfulness experiences, and a delightful breakfast. Relax, connect, and rejuvenate yourself. Retired educators are welcome! Please RSVP to let us know that you will attend. Contact Elementary Field Rep. Caitlin Gaffny cgaffny@btu.org with any questions.

APALA Convention: Application deadline April 15th

This year’s convention will be held from June 26-29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Priority will be given to those who are active in the APALA MA chapter, identify as AAPI and/or have not attended in the past. All BTU members, including paraprofessionals, ABAs, and substitute teachers are eligible to apply. The BTU will pay for registration, a set average cost for the travel and hotel cost. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Cross at kcross@btu.org. Please Click here to apply.

Save the dates! Earth Month/Climate Week of Action April 28-May 1

The BTU Climate Justice Committee is calling for a week of action, April 28- May 1. With the climate science deniers now in ascendancy in the federal government, it is critical our students learn the truth about climate change and feel empowered to act to save our planet. Sign up here for more information. And check out this link for an April daily calendar of climate related topics for all grades.

3rd Annual BPS STEAMfest & Innovation Challenge: May 31, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

The 3rd Annual BPS STEAMfest will feature the BPS Innovation Challenge where students will present their STEAM projects. There will be hands-on activities for students and families of all ages. Lunch, raffles, prizes and more! To learn how you and your students can participate in the Innovation Challenge, visit bit.ly/bps-steamfest or contact Marcus Penny (mpenny@bostonpublicschools.org).

New BTU Reading Advocates Group

Are you passionate about reading instruction in BPS? Do you believe in strong reading instruction for all students, and strong supports that allow all educators to make it happen? To build on the work that BTU members are already championing around the district, join us in convening a new group to advocate for reading within the BTU. If you’re curious about (or already invested in) the movement to improve reading instruction in this country, please consider joining us! All BTU members are welcome, and click HERE to get involved.

Help Shape the Future of PreK–2 Report Cards!

The BPS Early Childhood Department is redesigning the PreK–2nd Grade report cards—and we need your voice! The BTU and Early Childhood are holding two educator input and feedback sessions, one in person and one on zoom. Join either a virtual and/or in-person session to share your experience and insights. These sessions are open to all educators who contribute to report cards for K0-2nd grade including Paraprofessionals. Interested? Please fill out this Google Form, and we’ll send the invite!

Educator Night at the Red Sox: May 16th

We have tickets for sale to the Red Sox vs the Braves at Fenway park on May 16th at 7:10pm. Tickets are in the Right Field Grand Stand, Section 3, price is $55.00 each. There is a free Quarter Zip with each ticket purchased to be picked up at the park the night of the game. You can fill out the form and a PayPal link will be forwarded to pay for your tickets. Tickets are not guaranteed until Payment is received. Feel free to reach out to Michelle at the office or mfrank@btu.org with questions or concerns!

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.

• Connect & Share Sessions on “Access to Fishtank for Multilingual Learners
• Multilingual Learners Math Learning Site
• Building Independence and Agency in a Productive Learning Environment Learning Site
• Climate Change in the City: Place-based Science in Boston Harbor
• “Witnessing Black America through the Art of John Wilson” Educator Workshop Thursday, April 10, 4:30-6:30pm; MFA Boston; Free
• BU Wheelock Forum, Thriving in the Middle School Years March 27-28
• AI Staff & Teacher Survey
• Emergent Literacy Learning Cohort Session 4: April 7, 4:30 to 6:30 PM
• America 250: Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Independence and Agency in a Productive Learning Environment in Early Childhood Learning Site on 4/9
• Telescope Learning Site: Focus Text Talks for Comprehension

Community Events

Anna’s Pals Boston Marathon Fundraiser

Anthony Catino, son, grandson, nephew and cousin of BTU members, is running the Boston Marathon this year. Anthony is a graduate of BLS and his charity is Anna’s Pals , founded in memory of Anna Jerome, also a BLS student. Anna’s Pals is working to build “Pal Houses” to provide a safe environment for patients recovering from surgery to interact with their loved ones. Please consider donating to this cause.

STEM FAIR Fundraiser: April 12th, 10am-4pm

The Boston STEM Fair Team will host a “Mattress Fundraiser” at the Mildred Ave K-8 School Gymnasium to raise funds to support the students participating and preparing for the event. Even if you don’t need a brand new mattress right now – you can lend support us by spreading the word. This is open to the public and BPS staff/faculty get an additional 10% off.

STAFF FLYER: & QR CODE

BTU in the News

BTU Member Jennifer Dines wrote an article in Current Affairs titled “Teaching in a Sanctuary City Under Siege” detailing her experience as an educator during the Trump Administrations ongoing targeting of immigrant families in Boston. You can read the article here.

The Dorchester Reporter recently published an article highlighting the BPS Teacher Pipeline and the BE/ACTT program. The article highlights how these programs are allowing BTU member and BPS graduate Melvin Cabllero to become a licensed teacher.

Congratulations to our BTU school psychologists as well as the entire BPS Behavioral Health Services department for receiving recognition from the National Association of School Psychologists for providing Exemplary services and systems.