NEW- JET Program Information Session: January 12, 4:30-5:30PM
Join the JET Program Staff and learn about the JET Program. The virtual sessions will introduce you to the JET Program and the services it provides. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. You can also register for the February and March information sessions.
Educators of Color Night: January 27, 5:00-8:00PM
Join us at the union hall to meet our affinity-based committees and conversation, music, drinks (cash bar), dinner and more! Masks must be worn and negative Covid tests are suggested. Register now!
Para Retirement Seminar: March 1, 4:30-6:00PM
Join us at the Boston Teachers Union Hall for the Para Retirement Seminar, hosted by Michael McLaughlin and Colleen Hart. Register in advance now!
AFT National Convention Planning Committee
This is a call for committee members. The American Federation of Teachers National Convention will be held in Boston July 2022. As the host city, the BTU is forming a planning committee in conjunction with AFT-MA. If you would like to be part of the planning committee, please email Michael McLaughlin right away.
NEW- Circles of Support for BTU Members
Due to the strong response to our Veterans Day listening circles, the BTU is considering offering monthly support circles for members to help each other navigate the pandemic and the school year. Please complete this three-question survey if you would be interested in participating.
2022 Unafraid Scholarship
Hundreds of immigrants from all over the world graduate from the Boston Public Schools each year, but many face a huge obstacle: if they’re undocumented, they don’t qualify for federal financial aid. The 2022 Unafraid Scholarship is now open to BPS undocumented seniors. Please share the application with your communities! Since its inception in 2017, the Unafraid Scholarship has awarded more than $280,000 to 105 deserving BPS graduates.
Build a Contract Action Team!
We’re getting organized at school sites to take action for our Contract Campaign! Build a Contract Action Team (CAT) at your school to enable rapid two-way communication of union actions. A CAT is like a phone tree and allows you to quickly reach every member at your school. See here for a step-by-step guide on how to get started, and let us knowwho your CAT leader is!
MFA Art Finders
Let us help you find art for your teaching! Tell us about an upcoming lesson (using a brief online form) and receive a customized slide deck with images from the Museum of Fine Arts collection. Art Finders centers narratives, creative voices, and perspectives that museums have historically suppressed. Slide decks are developed by small teams of volunteers working in partnership with MFA staff and a cohort of six K-12 educators serving as consultants to the initiative—including BTU members! Submit your request to Art Finders.
NEW- Individual Classroom Distance Learning from the MFA
Connect with a staff educator live from the MFA’s galleries through Individual Classroom Distance Learning. Free for BPS Schools. Program Topics: “Everyday Inspiration: Finding Art in Community and Place” (Gr. 1-5) (featuring Boston artists!), “Art of Ancient Nubia” (Gr. 6-12), and “Art of Ancient Greece and Rome” (Gr. 6-12). Learn more.
Fund for Teachers: Design Your Own Passion-Driven Professional Learning
The application for Fund for Teachers is now open! Design your own (often travel-based) professional learning experience for Summer ’22. Individuals may be awarded grants of up to $5000 and teams up to $10,000. Learn more and apply today! The BTU offers support and feedback to members in writing their proposals. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.
SSC/Governing Board Trainings
Empower your school community: SSC/Governing Board trainings are currently scheduled from November – January of this school year jointly run by the BTU & the BPS Office of Family & Community Advancement. To register or for more info, contact Caren Carew. Workshops are open to all elected SSC members including parents, BTU members, high school students & school administrators all of whom are encouraged to attend.
BTU Climate Justice Committee
It’s time to reactivate the BTU Climate Justice Committee! As you know, ensuring that we, collectively as global citizens, act quickly and decisively to limit and eliminate carbon emissions is critical to the survival of our planet. There are many ways we can marshall the power of the BTU and AFT MA membership to be impactful in these efforts. See here for more information.
Lit with Lea: Every Friday to a classroom near you!
From Elementary Rep. Lea Serena: “I hope you all have enjoying my book suggestions in the BTU paper! Please consider signing up to have me visit your classroom and share a read aloud with you and your students! In honor of organizing and activism I am planning on reading Click, Clack, Mo, Cows that Type, Side by Side, and experts from We Rise, We Resist, and We Raise our Voices. I am also always open to a different book as a guest reader!”
2022 AFT-MA Scholarship Program
Every year AFT Massachusetts awards thousands of dollars in scholarships (nine $1500 scholarships) to eligible high school seniors who are dependents of AFT Massachusetts members. The awards are awarded on the basis of a labor history exam administered by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The student must also attend a college or other post-secondary school in the fall of the following academic year. Scholarship Applications are due by December 17, 2021. Click here and register today! This school year’s Labor History Exam will be administered between January 31 to February 3, 2022 and students are encouraged to contact their school counselor about the exam logistics. Learn moreabout the exam.
JET Program 2022-23 Interest Form
The JET Interest Form for the 2022-23 JET Program Year is now available! Public school paraprofessionals who are interested in JET’s services and wish to participate in the JET program may complete the JET Interest Form, an eligibility survey that is the first part of the application process. We are planning virtual JET Information sessions starting in the Fall and will send details when they become available.
Support BTU Against Breast Cancer
The BTU joined the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”! Support with a donation here.
Free Identity Theft Protection
All AFT members have AFT-sponsored ID theft protection at no cost to you. Services include an ID theft risk assessment, limited credit restoration and recovery services, and up to a $10,000 reimbursement. Register online to maximize program protections.
Fair Share Amendment Pledge Cards
Building reps: We’re asking you to activate your CAT team to collect Fair Share Amendment pledge cards from every member at your school. You should expect a call from a Member Organizer to bring you cards and support you in getting your school organized!