Labor Day Rally:

Workers Over Billionaires

Good morning,

September is just around the corner! We’re entering the new school year refocused and reenergized. This Labor Day, the Boston Teachers Union and unions across the Boston area will show up in force to send a message to an administration that is waging a relentless campaign to undermine public education and threaten workers’ rights. Meet us on Monday, September 1, at 9:30 am at the State House to make your voice heard. Please register for the parade here.

Educators across the country are under attack—from federal policies that undermine our profession to ICE detaining and deporting our students and their families, to threats against Medicaid and other essential supports that keep our communities healthy. We need to make it clear that Boston educators stand united not just for ourselves, but for every child and family who depends on us.

This is our chance to show Boston and the world that educators are a driving force in the fight for fairness. Let’s make our presence impossible to ignore.

Register now, bring your colleagues, and let’s fill the streets with BTU blue.

The Boston Preliminary Election is Tuesday, September 9th!

The BTU has endorsed Mayor Wu and several City Councilors for re-election. You can learn more about our endorsements here and here, and more about opportunities to volunteer for these candidates by clicking here. Mail-in ballots are already out, and early voting begins August 30th!

We encourage you to sign up to the BTU Electoral Action Team (BEAT) to keep up to date and all political volunteer events. To support the Wu campaign, we’ve committed to turn out members to knock on doors on August 23 and September 6. If you can join a 1.5 hour canvass on one of these days please sign-up here.

BTU Reaffirms Support for a Safe and Welcoming City for all

The BTU has endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu because she stands up for our students, families, and values. Her powerful defense of our city before Congress showed real courage, and we stand with her again now as she faces pressure from the U.S. Attorney General to abandon the protections that keep us all safe and welcome everyone in our city. We reject these threats to our residents and our democracy and remain committed to a city where all families feel safe, welcome, and supported.

You can read the full letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi to Mayor Michelle Wu here and read about Mayor Wu’s latest response which she delivered on Tuesday, Aug. 19th.

Insistent BPS emails about training modules

The BTU has received outreach from some members regarding the daily emails prompting them to complete online training modules. The BTU’s position is that all required training must be completed during the contractual workday and year. In fact, we filed a grievance last school year about some schools’ insistence that BTU members complete training outside their work day and year. That grievance is headed to arbitration. Members are under no obligation to complete work during the summer, and we encourage you to ask your principal or supervisor for time during the year to complete the training. If that time is not provided, please reach out to your BTU field rep. We would also like to clarify that any and all trainings on the use of ParentSquare are strictly optional and not necessary to use this platform.

Parking Agreement from New Contract Now Available

Over the years, we have continuously advocated for better parking solutions for our members. In our most recent contract agreement, we made some progress in this area. If you travel between more than one school/worksite regularly every day, you are now entitled to apply for a code to park at parking meters. Please use this link to apply if this applies to you and make sure to read all the requirements!

Retirement Plus Clarification

In the last e-Bulletin, we mistakenly said that the Retirement Plus legislation would benefit currently retired teachers. The legislation would not affect current retirees, but would allow active service teachers to opt in to R+ and buy back their time if they did not do so in 2001. We will continue to press for this important legislation to pass the Massachusetts Senate.

Support Humanitarian Relief in Gaza

In response to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has launched a Disaster Relief Fund for Gaza. All contributions go directly to the nonprofit American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), covering essential needs like food, water, medical support, and emergency shelter. The AFT covers all administrative fees, ensuring your donation does the most good.

BTU Events and Announcements

NEW! Building Rep Orientation

The BTU Building Rep Orientation is Aug 27 at 10am or Aug 28 at 4:30pm at the BTU. All building reps, including veteran reps, are encouraged to attend. The orientation will cover everything you need to know as a building rep 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.

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 Back to School Kickoff Party: September 19th, 4:30-8:30pm

Join us for the BTU Back to School Kickoff Party being held on Friday, September 19th from 4:30-8:30pm at the BTU (180 Mt. Vernon St. Dorchester, MA 02125).RSVP here!

BTU Back to School Book Fair: Saturday, Sept. 27th

Our 12th annual BTU Back to School Fair for BPS families will take place on Saturday Sept. 27th, 2025 at the BTU Hall. Come by for a day full of music, face-painting, snacks and story time with local authors. We have over 40,000 FREE books for students, families, and educators as well as dozens of representatives from local community organizations.

2025 Annual BTU Fall Leadership Conference: October 17-19 at Sea Crest Beach Resort in North Falmouth

We have so much work to do to advance our vision for the schools our students deserve… the time to act is NOW. The BTU will pay ALL BTU member expenses for this conference, including meals and hotel stay. Building Reps and other member leaders are highly encouraged to register and attend. Learn more and register today at btu.org/fallconference.

AFT Welcome to Teaching Conversation Series

The American Federation of Teachers has created a series to support those starting a career in teaching. The Welcome to Teaching Conversation Series is an on-demand podcast from Share My Lesson and the AFT. Read the full article to access the full podcast series, bonus content, and ideas to support educators at every stage.

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

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
• Early Childhood Co-Planning Drop-In
• Creating Community and Support in the Classroom
• Safety Care Training
• De-escalation Training
• Supporting Classrooms through a Trauma-informed lens
• Bullying Intervention Specialist Training
• Maintaining a Restorative Community Training
• SLIFE Educator Day of Learning
• Prioritize YOUR Well-being with Educators Thriving and the BTU
• Teachers as Scholars: Make Time for YOUR Learning
• Spanish For Educators Workshop

Community Events

Boston Busing in Chinatown: 50 Years Later Panel Discussion September 13th at 1pm

Join the panel discussion reflecting on 50 years since Chinatown mothers organized around busing and education equity on Saturday, September 13th from 1-3pm at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School auditorium (885 Washington St, Boston). RSVP at tinyurl.com/busing50.

Seeking Middle/High School Teachers: Special Education Survey

The Youth with Dis/Abilities Research Group is a collection of BPS students studying teens’ special education experiences in Boston Public Schools. (BPS is not involved in this study.) Their goal is to improve special education for BPS youth. They are asking middle and high school teachers to help answer a research question: What are teacher perspectives on the IEP process? Please help by sharing your insights in this anonymous survey.

BTU in the News

We’re excited to share that BTU member A. Vanessa LaRocque was presented with the 2025 Legacy Award at the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s National Education Conference in Chicago this month. Vanessa was recognized for her many years of leadership and dedication to service in the struggle for social and economic justice.

BTU President Erik Berg was featured in a Boston Globe article about the importance of access to bilingual education and upcoming changes to multilanguage learning programs in Boston Public Schools.

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