Following union organizing drive to join Boston Teachers Union, educators at Codman Academy Charter School ratify first union contract
Staff at Dorchester school make key gains for students and staff in first agreement
BOSTON — Educators at Codman Academy Charter School, represented by the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), have voted to ratify their first union contract, setting a stronger foundation for educators and students alike through stronger protections and a more stable learning environment.
The contract includes meaningful gains that strengthen job security, improve transparency, and ensure educators have a formal voice in school decision-making that directly impacts student learning and well-being.
“For a long time, many of us felt like we were expected to do more and more without having a real voice in the decisions affecting our work,” said math teacher Tanesha Ryland. “This contract changes that. Knowing I can speak up for my students, have a seat at the table, and be protected when I do gives me hope for the future of our school.”
The three-year agreement, which covers approximately 55 workers at the school, includes:
- A fair, clear, and transparent salary scale
- A reduced workday for educators, which will now be 7.5 hours, down from nearly 9 hours
- Contract language that spells out expectations, rights, and responsibilities for staff
- Strong job security protections, including safeguards against retaliation for speaking up about workplace or student concerns
- A defined, fair process for addressing workplace issues, giving educators and other staff a clear path to resolve problems, including the right to bargain over changes to job descriptions
- Formal opportunities for staff input in school decision-making, ensuring classroom and workplace expertise informs policies and practices
“This contract is about dignity and peace of mind. Now, Codman educators have clear expectations, a fair pay structure, and real protections when they raise concerns about their workplace and their students,” said BTU President Erik Berg. “We look forward to the progress the school can make with a stable and defined set of working conditions for the next few years.”
The contract is the first union agreement for educators at Codman Academy Charter School and a significant step toward long-term stability, staff retention, and student success.
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.