UPDATED- BTU Election Reminders
On Tuesday, April 27 at 6 p.m., the Election Committee will hold a Zoom Candidate Night. Candidates for all offices (except Delegate) will have the opportunity to address the membership. Please sign up here to receive the Zoom link so you can attend and hear what they have to say! Candidates who wish to participate please notify the election committee no later than Monday, April 26. Each candidate will be allowed 2 minutes to speak. Links to candidate websites and materials can be found on the member portal. Any candidate wishing to add their link or pdf should forward them to lr@pcorp.us.
Ballots will be mailed in early May. All members: please check the member portal to ensure that your address is current and that you are classified to receive the correct ballot (i.e. Para, Secondary Teacher, Retired Elementary, etc.) Check this page if you are not sure which field rep you are covered by. You can find more election information on the BTU website.
Job Share Info Session: April 13, 4:30-5:30PM
Want to work half time for half pay & full health benefits? Come ask questions & network with like-minded colleagues. Open to teacher-bargaining unit members and paras. Session co-facilitated by BTU & BPS OHC. Please RSVP to Caren Carew for Zoom link.
BPS Office of English Learners Community Dialogue: April 13, 4:30-6:00PM
The BPS Office of English Learners has launched a series of community dialogues as we work to reimagine multilingual learning for bilingual students in BPS. We invite BTU members to join us to learn about the vision and give your input. Read our charter for this work. Join us in this conversation on Zoom Link here. If you are not able to attend a meeting, please use this survey to give us your input on what kind of changes you would like to see.
AFT Town Hall on Climate Justice: April 13, 6:30PM
You’re invited to join a AFT members, climate activists, our union sisters and brothers, and elected officials from across the country to discuss what all of us can do to win bold investments that transform our schools and workplaces, expand pathways to high quality green union jobs and save our planet. AFT hopes to announce some exciting speakers for this event soon. Please share widely! RSVP here.
Paraprofessional Virtual Break Room: April 13, 5:30-6:30PM
Join your colleagues in a Virtual Break Room, SPRING EDITION! Come in to say hello and play a game with your fellow Paras…and feel free to bring your own games as well! Just remember: no work/union talk allowed. Click HERE to register.
NEW- Family Workshop Amidst Anti-Asian Racism: April 19, 4:30-6:00PM
This family workshop, with a target audience of Vietnamese-speaking families, will provide an overview of issues around anti-Asian racism, BPS procedures on how families can report possible incidents of bias, and offer strategies to talk with children. Interpretation in other languages available with registration. Register now!
NEW- BTU Forum for Students: April 29, 7:00-8:30PM
We want to welcome students, parents, families, and community partners into the BTU negotiation process. Our master contract expires on August 31 of this year and we are getting ourselves ready to fight for a stronger agreement. We want EVERYONE to share with us what issues and solutions are important to you within their schools and communities. Register for this forum for BPS students. You can also register here for the BTU Family/Community Forum on May 11.
NEW- May Day 2021: May 1, 1:00PM
Join in celebrating May Day, International Workers Day, and unite to oppose the attacks coming down on working people, the oppressed, and youth. This all-day celebration will start at Boston Common and followed by a march to Nubian Square. More information to come.
Para Retirement Seminar: May 3, 4:30-6:00PM
Register in advance here.
NEW- Mayoral Candidate Forum Series: Thursdays from May 6 to June 10
The BTU, as part of a coalition of social justice organizations that represent tens of thousands of members throughout Boston, is hosting a series of mayoral candidate forums to discuss the candidates’ vision and plans to address racial, gender and economic justice. Flyer and registration links coming soon!
NEW- Student Debt Workshop for AFT Members: May 12, 4:30PM
Do you or a family member have student loan debt? AFT members are welcome to attend one of AFT’s Student Debt Clinics! Click here and select “MASSACHUSETTS: AFT Massachusetts *WEBINAR* 4:30 pm 05/12/2021″ to register for the workshop.
Ethnic Studies Week of Action: May 24 – 28
Interested in getting involved in the movement for Ethnic Studies in Boston? The BTU Ethnic Studies Now committee is organizing a Week of Action. Save the date and complete this short interest form to join in at any level!
NEW- EL Summer Job Postings
Summer EL job postings are live. Please see each posting for more information.
Seeking New Member of the Educator Supports Program (ESP) Panel
There is an opening for a new BTU appointee on the ESP Panel, which governs the Educator Supports Program (Formerly PAR and Peer Assistance). For more information about this paid opportunity which entails significant additional work, please see the ESP Website. For questions about the role or to apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to Erik Berg.
Seeking Support from Personnel Subcommittees and Hiring Committees
We are seeking the support of members who serve on school based personnel subcommittees and other hiring committees to ensure that experienced Boston Public Schools educators, our fellow BTU members, are considered for all open positions in your school. Please read this letter for more information.
2021 Scholarship Information: Due April 23
The BTU Dependent Scholarships and the RTC Scholarships are now open for applications! See our scholarship page for more information on how to apply. Both are due by April 23.
NEW- Madison Park Retired Educators Awards Fund: Due May 1
Now in its fourth year, the fund’s goal is to increase scholarships and tools of the trade awards to deserving seniors who have met both high academic and vocational standards. Your support will help ease their financial burdens so they can continue in their vocational/technical career area through further education and training. For more information, contact Mary Gaughan.
NEW- Accelerated Community to Teacher (ACTT) Program: Due May 10
This program is a part of an overarching strategy to increase the diversity of exemplary educators in the district’s teacher pipeline. ACTT is an intensive 12-month program designed to prepare racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse Boston residents OR BPS paraprofessionals, and substitutes who hold a Bachelor’s degree. Apply now!
Tech Goes Home Distance Learning: May 5 – 20
Paraprofessional and Substitute Tech Go Home 2.0 Session & Beginners: TGH Distance Learning Program is a FREE program that delivers 18 hours of instruction focused on fundamental digital skills. Beginner and intermediate courses are open to adults and seniors. Register here for beginners and here for intermediate!
NEW- Change in Para Pay Frequency
Open enrollment for Para Pay Frequency changes began on April 1, 2020 and goes until June 1, 2021. Please see here for the form for any Paras/CFCs who wish to change their current pay frequency. Please distribute this form to any para wishing to change their current pay frequency for SY 21/22. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2021 – all forms received via fax by 11:59 p.m. on June 1 will be accepted.