Red for Ed: Protect Our Kids National Day of Action TODAY!!

Ramadan Mubarak to all of our members who are observing the holy month of Islam. We also proudly celebrate the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month: Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. This year celebrates “the collective strength, equality, and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations.” The BTU Women’s Rights Committee is hosting a Glass Ceiling Awards Brunch on March 22nd to honor local women who have been leaders in their communities. Check out the flyer further down for more information.

This week, public education continues to face a coordinated attack from the Trump Administration. In case you missed it, the BTU sent out a special bulletin last week documenting the Trump Administration’s attempts to force school districts to misinterpret federal case law or face cuts to funding which, among other things, support our students who live in poverty and/or have disabilities.

That is why today, March 4th, educators across the country are wearing “Red for ED” for a day of national action to Protect Our Kids and call attention to the devastating effects of proposed cuts to the Department of Education. The BTU, AFT Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance for a virtual town hall to learn exactly how federal attempts to gut the Department of Education would harm Massachusetts students—and build a path forward together. RSVP here to join. To get an idea of what is at stake for Massachusetts, the Education Law Center compiled these projections of potential funding losses for IDEA funding and Title I funding.

Below is a list of other actions we’re encouraging members to take:

• All educators and allies should wear Red for Ed
• Send a letter to your congressional representative demanding support for federal education funding.
• Share your personal story on social media to raise awareness and spread our message. If you’re looking for tips, the AFT is also looking for powerful stories on the real-life impact of these funds on students, educators and families— share your story here.

We strongly encourage you to submit your personal testimony. The Trump/Musk Administration’s “Move Fast and Break Things” mentality is designed to overwhelm and disorientate, to give the impression that their control is absolute. The courts have blocked some of the more egregious oversteps in authority, but it has been the stories of individuals explaining the impacts of these cavalier funding slashes and firings that appear to be breaking through. Republicans are cancelling town halls because they are afraid of the power that communities possess when they unite and FIGHT!

Negotiation Updates

We will be meeting with the district from 1 to 8pm at the BTU Hall on Thursday, March 6th, for our next negotiation session. We’ve made some serious progress over the past few weeks and the consistent level of attendance from members has been a key part to that success. Let us know if you can make it! Dinner will be provided.

The BTU Negotiating team and BPS management met for a negotiation session this past Saturday at the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall. We thank our union siblings for offering us this space to focus on fighting to secure local supports while the national landscape continues to rapidly shift.

During the session, the BTU introduced a proposal to address the need for additional special education resources on the secondary level. The BTU’s proposal stipulates that a secondary teacher working under a content and moderate disabilities license would receive support from an additional licensed educator and they could not be  expected to provide more than 50 percent of the services required by their students’ IEPs. We are awaiting a response.

BPS management also shared three issues which they state are their priorities claim have to be addressed in order to ratify a contract. The district is seeking to: Make significant changes to family and medical leave policies, eliminate educator voice in making secondary school schedule changes, and change the start date of the school year to before Labor Day as well as add two working days dedicated to Professional Development.

We are also planning to mobilize all BTU members to join in a massive demonstration outside the Mayor’s State of the City address later this month. Your building rep or Contract Action Team should be reaching out to you soon with more information and to ask you to make a commitment to attend this event.  A strong showing at the State of the City and coordinated action will be essential to be sure that we are able to settle a contract that meets the needs of educators, our students, and our schools.

Social Security updates re: WEP/GPO Repeal

Following President Biden’s passage of a repeal to the WEP/GPO program, which had unfairly penalized the social security benefits for millions of educators, we would like to share an important update from Senator Ed Markey’s office:

“The Social Security Administration announced they will immediately begin processing retroactive payments (for adjustments backdated to January 2024), completing many by April. Additionally, many monthly benefit adjustments are anticipated to be completed by April. Full implementation, including complex cases, is still expected to take up to a year to process. The Social Security Administration also added new FAQs to their webpage.

In order to continue fighting for the full and timely implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, Senator Markey is leading 27 Senators in sending a letter to appropriates requesting full funding for the Social Security Administration in order to fully implement the Social Security Fairness Act for all 3.2 million affected-beneficiaries, without diverting resources from other SSA customer service initiatives.

A Message from the BTU Election Committee:

Get your signatures in, nominations are closing on the 12th! Online nominations will close at 6pm. Paper nominations will be collected at the monthly membership meeting from 4-6 or until the end of the meeting. Signatures will be verified by the 13th, candidates will be informed via email following verification. Once you receive notification of candidacy, please respond to the email within 24 hours if you would like your name to appear on the ballot differently than how it appears on the portal or in the nomination email.

Candidates will have multiple opportunities to share information with membership. More details will be available after nominations.

• Candidate zoom April 2 for RTC, E Board and Para Council. Statements limited to 2 minutes.
• 2 minute videos to be posted on portal –  due to election committee by April 7

Candidates will also have the opportunity to share statements in the BTU newspaper. Submissions are due March 17. Please turn in your statements to Brendan Deady bdeady@btu.org and Anne Slater aslater@btu.org

• 400 words for President; Executive Vice President; Secretary Treasure; Elementary, Secondary and Para/Sub/ABA field reps; Political Director
• 300 words for E Board, Retired Teachers Chapter and Para Council

All Election Committee resources are HERE. Candidates should review the Election Committee Campaigning Rules and Procedures.

You may contact ombudsperson Danielle Fraine with questions or concerns at electioncommittee@btu.org. Next meeting is March 24th 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

Future Steminist Convention: Application Deadline TODAY

Join us on March 19th for the 4th Annual Future Steminist Convention, an empowering day designed to inspire young women through hands-on activities, building lasting relationships, and sparking curiosity! We’re opening up spots for only 200 students to attend, so don’t wait – sign up today!

Day of Solidarity with immigrant communities: March 5th, 11am to 1pm

Join elected officials and the community for a Day of Action in support of immigrant rights! While Mayor Wu testifies before the U.S. Congress on immigration policy, we will gather at City Hall to demand a future where all people can live free from fear and isolation. Organized by ACLU of Massachusetts, MIRA Coalition, and the Boston City Council. https://www.mobilize.us/aclum/event/758845/

BPS Educators of Color peer Mentoring: Begins March 17th

The Telescope Network has offered to facilitate a mentoring space for EOC Paraprofessionals as part of their larger work! The pilot mentoring program would start March 17th. Telescope will facilitate affinity group spaces where EOC mentees can explore strategies to navigate the unique challenges of being an educator of color. Together, you will reflect on how the intersections of identity can foster culturally sustaining practices that empower both educators and students. RSVP here

Retirement Planning Seminar for Teachers and Paraprofessionals: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the BTU Hall from 4:30-6:30pm

Is it time to finally retire? How much do I have in my pension account at this point? Can I retire before getting my 80%? Is it worth waiting? Please join us to get some of these questions answered at the Retirement Planning Seminar for both Teachers and Paraprofessionals!

March 22nd Women’s Rights Committee Glass Ceiling Awards Brunch

The BTU’s Women’s Rights Committee is hosting its annual Glass Ceiling Awards where it will honor Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and journalist Latoyia Edwards. The event is from 12 to 2 at the BTU Hall, please register if you plan to attend

Join AFT Massachusetts and the Boston Teachers Union on Saturday, March 29, 2025  for the Para/PSRP Conference! This year’s conference is centered around us Moving Forward Together. Register to attend here!

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.

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

The Teacher Leadership Fund: What challenge do you want to solve?

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 Early application deadline, April 1st.

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!

Join the BTU Co-ed Softball League! Applications due by April 1st

The BTU Co-ed Softball League will begin it’s 2025 season this coming April. Teams play one or two games a week from early April until late June. Games are played on Mondays through Fridays at fields in South Boston or West Roxbury. If your school can’t field a full team, staff members who are interested in playing can be assigned to another team. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming season please contact Softball League Commissioner, Bruce Collotta, at brucecollotta@yahoo.com

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.

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!

Support BTU Member’s Doctoral Research

BTU member Chantei Alves, as part of her Doctoral research, is surveying current MA educators to get their perspective on their teacher preparation program exposure to literacy instruction, as well as their current Science of Reading knowledge. The anonymous survey should take around 5 minutes to complete. Respondents can opt in to a confidential gift card raffle to be held in July.

Support BTU Member in need

BTU member Barry Shea is in need of support following a severe car accident which resulted in an extended stay in the ICU. Barry, a per diem teacher, has been transferred to the Medical floor at MGH and will be unable to work for some time. His injuries will also prevent him from driving for ride-share services, which he has relied on for supplemental income. His family would appreciate any support you can offer. Please donate here.

Connecting Cape Verdean BTU members

The BTU is looking to create a database of Cape Verdean educators so we can unite around advocacy for our Cape Verdean students and community. Please share your contact information in this form if you identify as a CV Educator! Thank you!

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.

• Critical Disciplinary Literacy ALC course, 2/3-3/17, Mondays 4-6pm, Zoom.
• Spanish for BPS Educators: Intermediate Level – Feb. 25 – April 8, 2025
• Telescope Network Learning Site – Building Oral Language in Early Childhood Classrooms: March 21
• Telescope Learning Site: Building Communication through Literacy in Early Childhood Sub Separate Classrooms (ABA): March 12 or March 13
• Elementary World Language Learning Site March 6
• Telescope Math Sub Separate Learning Cohort: March 20, 4:30-6:30pm
• Multilingual Learners Math Learning Site
• Spanish for BPS Educators: Intermediate Level – Feb. 25 – April 8, 2025
• Elementary IM Advancing Course begins Thursday March 6th 4:30-6:30pm on Zoom
• Building Independence and Agency in a Productive Learning Environment Learning Site

Community Events

Earth Day Boston offers grants for students and educators to organize climate change events! Deadline March 7th

Earth Day Boston is providing financial support and activist training for Boston-area students and educators who organize events focused on climate change. 8th – 12th grade students and educators are encouraged to apply. These activities should help attendees understand how to take action to stop further climate change. More information here

Sing for Justice with BVOCAL! Boston Voices of Community and Labor: Rehearsals March 1st & March 12th

Social justice movements are stronger – more joyful, more resilient, and more powerful – when they sing. BVOCAL is a new protest chorus committed to uplifting our rallies, marches, and pickets lines with singing. Attend occasional rehearsals to learn the songs, then show up for actions when you are able. ALL voices welcome! Sign up here. More information here.

Friends of the Boston Schoolyards Newsletter

The Friends of the Boston School Yards (FOTBS) is a volunteer organization whose mission is to advocate for and support outdoor teaching and learning for all Boston Public School students as an integral part of the curriculum, and to support the development and maintenance of schoolyards as vital public spaces throughout the City of Boston. Please check out the FOTBS website for more information and the opportunity to sign up for the FOTBS Newsletter.

In Memoriam

In last week’s eBulletin, the BTU included a misspelling when sharing details of the memorial services for longtime member Bettye Harris. We regret the error and wish the friends and family of Bettye Harris peace during this time.

Thank You for Reading

Please send your comments and questions to us at bulletin@btu.org, or call the BTU at 617-288-2000.