Published On: November 6, 2026

BPS proposes more closures:
Charlestown High Students Rally in Response

Students at Charlestown High School protested the proposal to close their school on Monday afternoon.

Dear Member,

Today is Election Day and all of us should be heading out to vote. We initially planned to open this bulletin by focusing on the election but the announcement that several schools are slated for closure needs to be the priority. You can find more information on which candidates and ballot questions the BTU membership has chosen to support further down in this bulletin and on our website.

District Proposals for Closures and Reconfigurations

At tomorrow’s School Committee meeting, the school department is preparing to submit proposals to close and reconfigure schools across the city.

The most notable proposals are listed below:

School Closure Proposals:

– Charlestown High School

– Greater Egleston High School

– East Boston Early Education Center

Grade Reduction Proposals

– Joyce Kilmer K-8 School will become a K-6 school

– Hurley K-8 School will become a K-6 school

Relocations
– Boston Green Academy would relocate to the former South Boston High School building.

– Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINCA) and Boston Adult Technical Academy (BATA) would relocate to the former Cleveland Middle School building.

School communities were informed yesterday. The BTU will be scheduling meetings at affected schools in the coming days and weeks to provide more information to staff and to hear directly from members about their concerns and needs.

BTU representatives and teachers from several of the schools targeted for closure will be attending tomorrow’s School Committee meeting. If you are interested in testifying at the School Committee meeting, you can register at their website.

Head to our website to read the BTU’s official stance on the state of school facilities in the BPS system.

Election Day Recommendations: VOTE!!!!

The BTU’s recommendations on 6 of the 9 ballot questions are above, and our endorsed candidates are listed in full on our website. At a moment in history when democracy is in question, it is even more important to be sure that your vote is counted, so please do be sure to make a plan to get to the polls today between 7AM and 8PM and vote.

We also want to note that in the event that there is an attempt to subvert free and fair elections, the BTU will be leading the way to support democracy, alongside other unions, faith-based organizations and community groups. Should the need arise for action to defend election integrity, please be on the lookout for a call from the BTU to gather and take action, even with little notice.

Check out our political action page for more details on candidates, ballot questions, and our legislative priorities moving forward.

BTU Scholarship Committee accepting volunteers!

Did you know that the Boston Teachers Union provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to our Seniors every year? The BTU Scholarship Committee is looking for volunteers to help support our students and celebrate their educational achievements, we’d love to have you join us.

Interested in getting involved? Please reach out to Karen Cross at [email protected] to learn more!

BTU Events and Announcements

ABA Report Presentation

The ABA Working Group has scheduled a review of the ABA Audit Report with BPS and all members of the ABA program on Zoom on Thursday, November 5th from 5-6PM. To be clear, this is NOT the entire ABA Audit Report itself and the BTU has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge at the state labor board. This presentation is based on BPS’ interpretation of the report and gives educators an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. Please share this invitation with fellow ABA teachers, paras, strand specialists, related service providers, ABA specialists, COSEs, etc. and use the link below to register for the Zoom.

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kyf8TFtXSzKNk1li-Ril5Q

Designed for new teacher developers, coaches, and early-career educators. Elevate classroom practice by centering student voice and equitable sense-making through collaborative reflection, video analysis, and strategic questioning. Sign up on Vector by searching “Centering Student Voice”.

Latino Caucus Survey

Are you a Latino member in the BTU? The Latino Caucus would like to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete our short Latino Caucus survey here.

The POP: BTU Policy & Organizing Program

The POP helps members gain knowledge and skills while contributing to the BTU’s core organizing campaigns around our contract and facilities. Fellows learn about education policy, build foundational organizing skills, and conduct action research. Then they apply their learning to support a BTU campaign. The course meets on 7 Saturdays this year. Stipend: $1500

All members are welcome and eligible to apply. As part of AFT National’s support for this program, we are specifically recruiting members in years 3-5 of their career to participate this year. Flyer, FAQ, Apply today at: bit.ly/4i8ue22 Deadline: November 8th

AFT Massachusetts survey for Paraprofessionals & School Related Personnel

AFT MA is looking for input from our PSRP members regarding their work experience. Your feedback and experience is essential as we prepare to draft and prioritize legislation and collective bargaining agreements that support PSRPs. PSRP members: please take five minutes to complete the 2026 PSRP Survey by December 1. Thank you for participating!

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.

MFA Boston Educator Workshop: “Teaching Ancient Egypt with Art” on November 5, 4:30 pm–6:30 pm

“Teaching Ancient Egypt with Art” is a free, in-person educator workshop at the Museum of Fine Arts. Educators will engage with object-based teaching strategies and classroom planning using the MFA’s permanent collection and artworks in the special exhibition “Maverick Kings: Three Visionary Pharaohs of Egypt’s Golden Age.” Admission to the MFA, light refreshments, and discounted parking are included. Learn more here.

MFA Boston Educator Workshop: “Teaching Early America with Art” on Saturday, November 14, 12:30 pm–4:30 pm

“Teaching Early America with Art” is a free, in-person educator workshop at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Educators engage with object-based teaching strategies and classroom planning using the MFA’s 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries, featuring art from North, South, and Central America as well as the Caribbean. These recently reinstalled galleries explore the interconnectedness of the Americas and investigate the roles of artists in shaping, recounting, and reflecting history. Admission to the MFA, light refreshments, and discounted parking are included. Learn more here.

Learning on Deck: A Special Event for Educators

This Veterans Day, Massachusetts educators are invited to connect with history through an exclusive, behind-the-scenes learning experience at the USS Constitution Museum. Participants will begin by uncovering stories of the Ship’s crew using primary sources and artifacts before joining the Museum’s Public Historian, Carl Herzog, on an exclusive tour of USS Constitution. Enjoy some light refreshments with other educators as we discuss best practices for bringing local history and inquiry-based learning to your classroom.

This event is free of charge, but registration is limited. Educators may bring a guest.

To register, please email @[email protected].

Immigrant Student Trauma Webinar: November 18, 4:00-5:00PM

“Addressing Immigrant Student Trauma: Back to Balance with the Community Resilience Model” is a free webinar hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center and featuring El Futuro that will introduce the Community Resilience Model, a practical, skills-based approach for understanding the impact of stress and trauma and how to build resilience. Participants will learn strategies for supporting their own well-being while helping immigrant students manage stress and regain a sense of balance. They will also learn practical tools that can be incorporated into their everyday interactions with students, helping create learning environments where students feel supported and better able to thrive. Learn more and register here

BTU in the News
The Boston Globe published an article over the weekend which focused on the proposed closure of Charlestown High which featured the BTU’s public statement reacting to the announcement. Yesterday, the Globe released an updated article which includes the full slate of proposed changes.