NEW- Take the AFT Survey
This AFT survey asks about a number of issues related to your work. Your answers to this survey are completely anonymous. With the information you provide, AFT hopes to tailor the types of services offered going forward and publicize the results to inform decision-makers in the states and districts about the specific supports you want and need.

NEW- Teacher Climate Survey
The Teacher Climate Survey is now open. The survey has been emailed to all teachers. If you are a teacher and did not receive an email, please email the Office of Data and Accountability. The survey is completely anonymous. BPS will not be able to see your email address nor be able to link your responses to your email address or employee ID. Your responses will be used to help you and the district understand and improve remote learning.

NEW- BLM at School Point Person Training: December 8 & January 7
We have two sessions coming up for the Black Lives Matter at School point person training. RSVP here to receive a Zoom link. At this training, you will receive the resources and information you need to pull off a successful BLM at School Week of Action at your school in February. The two training dates are Tuesday, December 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, January 7 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sign up today!

Parent Support Group
Parenting while teaching is harder than ever. With the support of a grant from the AFT Innovation Fund, we are ready to restart our parent support group. Sign up to receive the Zoom link. See the flyer for dates and times.

Important Upcoming School Site Council Training
The School Site Council plays a critical role in hiring of staff, reviews and advises on the budget, and can waive the provision of the collective bargaining agreement or any School Committee rule regulation. To register, please contact Caren Carew or Cyntoria Grant.

Computer Science Education Week: December 7 – 13
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week with BPSTech! Check our website for updates & opportunities for teachers and students, including #BPSCoders Student Contests open to all BPS students and asynchronous activities to try out during CS Ed Week.

UPCOMING DEADLINE- Fall/Winter Pathway Programs
The upcoming Pathway Programs offer professional development and licensure preparation in three areas – English as a Second Language, Severe Disabilities, and Moderate Disabilities. The programs should be of particular interest to teachers with emergency licenses or waivers in these areas, as well current and prospective inclusion and ESL teachers, as well as grade and content teachers in SEI program schools. The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, December 14. Click here for program information and application. For questions, please email pathwayprograms@bostonpublicschools.org.

NEW- December Unafraid Educators Chapter Meeting: December 14, 4:30-6:00PM
The Unafraid Educators will be holding our December Unafraid Chapter Meeting. You may join us at this Zoom meeting link. We are always happy to see both new and returning members. We will be completing the December cycle of the Relief Fund for BPS Students and Families – the final cycle before winter break (and holidays for many students and families)! Please spread the word and donate so we can support as many students and families as possible in this difficult time. Any questions, please contact us.

NEW- Virtual Artifact Lounge: December 14, 4:00-6:00PM
The Educator Supports Program Consulting Teachers cordially invite you to join a Virtual Artifact Lounge. Put your best foot forward with powerful artifacts for your formative and summative evaluations! Drop in at any time between 4 and 6 p.m. to receive support in choosing artifacts that showcase your work and in writing powerful rationales.

UPCOMING DEADLINE- Office of English Learners Out-of-School Time RFP
Looking for additional ways to support your English Learner students? The Office of English Learners is seeking school proposals to implement out of school time programs that will start in January. Click here for the application and more details. The RFPs are due on Dec. 14.

NEW- Haitian Educators Committee Meeting: December 15, 5:00PM
Join us for the next meeting of the Haitian Educators Committee! Please email Bianca Pierre to receive a Zoom link for the meeting. If you need assistance communicating with Haitian Creole speaking families, the Haitian Educators Committee is ready and able to provide support. Please contact Bianca Pierre or Josette Teneus for assistance.

NEW- Fund for Teachers
Applications are open for Fund for Teachers, though the program will be very different this year. Teachers can design their own professional learning experiences as usual, though travel opportunities are restricted to within the United States for this year. Applicants are encouraged to focus on topics and issues most directly facing our nation at this time, including but not limited to equity, diversity, inclusion, climate change and civic engagement, or specific challenges facing our local communities. Fund for Teachers will hold a national informational webinar (RSVP in advance) on Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Deadline to apply is January 21.

NEW- Teacher Leadership Fund Mid-Year Grants
The Teacher Leadership Fund is happy to announce a new midyear grant opportunity for this year only. We know that now more than ever educators are innovating and creating to address the immense challenges that our students and schools are facing, especially those that have been created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drop-in information session Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

NEW- Dual Language Educators Meeting: January 11, 5:30PM
Join us for the next Dual Language Educators Meeting! RSVP with Lindsay for the link.

NEW- Whitewashing Black History Racial Justice Town Hall: January 18, 5:00-7:00PM
Join us for the next Racial Justice Town Hall on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, focusing on the whitewashing of Black history. Register today!

BTU Listening Tour for Upcoming Master Contract Negotiations
Over the next few months, the BTU will be engaging in listening tours with members with the goal of visioning for the upcoming negotiations because our contract expires in August 2021. Please fill out this form if you and the members of your school would like to schedule a listening tour session. We will follow up with you with available dates and times.  

Telescope Network VPLCs
Connect and share with your same-role colleagues by joining a virtual professional learning community (VPLC)! It’s a chance to connect with colleagues across the district. It’s a space to share resources, ideas, questions, plan, and troubleshoot. Participate when and how you want. Find your group and join today!

Telescope Trivia Fall 2020
We’re back this fall for our popular team trivia league. Last spring, we had more than 190 players join us for a fun-filled hour of trivia. These sessions will take place on Tuesday nights at 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Join on your own, bring a team of colleagues, or bring your family/friends. It’s a chance to connect across BPS and have some fun. Register here!

Virtual Homework Helpers
Homework Helpers will be available for K-8 students Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. Students can visit the webpage during these time frames and help will be waiting. Please make sure to circulate this information to your students. The Boston Public Library is also offering a similar program.

NEW- Resume and Hiring Process Supports
Hiring season is right around the corner. Members interested in seeking new positions should begin to prepare as soon as possible. The BPS office of Recruitment, Cultivation, and Diversity has supports with all aspects of the process available to all employees. Begin with this helpful resource guide. Events are ongoing and are open to current as well as prospective employees. Those interested in personalized supports with licensure or MTEL questions can email
 to schedule an appointment.