Election Committee Updates: Signatures Due March 8
March 8th is coming up and all signatures (paper and electronic) will be due then for validation. While you are signing nomination forms on the member portal, please make sure to check that your address is correct so that you will receive your ballot(s) and all relevant mailings. Thank you to everyone running for positions and everyone signing nominations for your participation! As always, any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the Elections Committee at electioncommittee@btu.org or come to our next meeting, Feb. 27th. Please see this document for more information.
NEW- AFT Black Caucus, Boston Chapter Meeting: February 16, 5:00PM
The Black Caucus will meet this Thursday via Zoom.
NEW- Haitian Educators Committee (HEC) Meeting: February 28, 5:00-6:30PM
Due to the February vacation the next HEC meeting will be on the fourth Tuesday instead of the regular third Tuesdays this month. Join us for our monthly meeting to discuss the needs and concerns of our community. We will also be discussing the next Reading With Joy workshop. We’re looking forward to see you! Please contact Bianca Pierre for the Zoom link.
Job Postings
AFT MA is hiring a field representative. Please see the job description and details for applying here.
2023 JET Recruitment Information Sessions: Applications due March 1
This is a great opportunity for paraeducators to learn more about the JET program and ask any questions they may have before applying to JET by March 1. People interested in attending should RSVP by clicking the link: Session 3: 2/14/23 4:30pm-5:30pm.
NEW- Teaching for Climate Justice Workshop for Educators: March 11, 10:00AM-1:30PM
What does it mean to teach for climate justice? How can educators help combat climate despair in their curricula and classrooms? In this participatory workshop hosted by the BTU Climate Justice Committee and facilitated by the Zinn Education Project, educators will be offered examples of how to teach both the climate crisis’s universality — it’s happening everywhere, and its inequality — colonialism, white supremacy, geographic location, and other factors which leave some groups much more vulnerable than others. Attendees will also engage with brand new curriculum designed to prevent students from becoming overwhelmed by resignation or hopelessness when learning about the climate crisis. All participants will leave with free, classroom friendly materials and pedagogical strategies to experiment with in their own settings and classrooms. More information here. Register now! Contact Betsy Drinan for more information.
Share My Lesson Virtual Conference: March 21-23
Submit your webinar proposals for this event here, or learn more about other upcoming AFT events at aftpd.org/conferences.
Educator Supports Program Available for Teachers Rated Less than Proficient
Many educators will receive a formative assessment during the month of January. BTU educators in the teacher bargaining unit who receive a rating of less than proficient are typically eligible for support from the Educator Supports Program (ESP). The ESP is a jointly-run collaboration between the BTU and BPS which provides a range of supports for educators who find themselves in evaluation difficulty. If you or a colleague is rated less than proficient, please make sure you or they visit the ESP Website for more information, and to sign up for a meeting to learn more using the Enroll button.
Paraprofessional Mentors
Paraprofessionals, we want to make sure you are aware of the wonderful Para Mentors that we have to assist you. If you are struggling with your evaluation, or needing assistance with your role as a paraprofessional, the mentors can help. Please reach out to Colleen Hart at chart@btu.org if you are in need of a mentor or have any questions.
Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools: Join a Listening Session
The Green New Deal for BPS is an opportunity to harness our collective expertise to design the future of BPS facilities. Please join for an upcoming Green New Deal for BPS listening session to share your experiences in BPS with the design team. Your feedback will directly inform the educational foundation for new and renovated facilities as well as the criteria we use for prioritizing capital projects.
NEW- Para Pro Assessment Prep Classes
BPS is offering support in preparing candidates to take the ParaPro Assessment and start their journey to becoming paraprofessionals in our classrooms. Join to learn more about the test and how best to prepare! Five separate sessions of online test prep courses will be offered. Register now!
Rollins Griffith Memorial Classroom Library: Mini Grant Application
The goal is to keep the legacy of Rollins Griffith present in BPS and to promote black authors that share the vision of antiracism, the culture of black people through art and music. Thirty-one $250 mini grants are being offered to provisional teachers in the BPS. All Provisional teachers are encouraged to apply.
Teacher Early Hiring Pool & Academic Support Pool Extended to 2/27
BPS’ Teacher EHP Pool remains open to all individuals interested in becoming a teacher for the next upcoming school year. In addition, BPS has opened an Academic Support Pool for roles including Paraprofessionals, Family Liaisons and more. By applying to the pool, you have the opportunity to participate in an interview & be named one of the top priority candidates. Apply here.
Unafraid Educators Meetings
Unafraid Educators, BTU’s immigrants’ rights committee, is meeting the second Monday of each month from 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Zoom. Please join us!
Important Dates for Paras
Please see here for important dates for excessing, pools and assignments.
BTU/AFT Para/PSRP Conference: April 1, 8:30AM-2:30PM
Please join us for a day of collaboration and learning with fellow paraprofessionals from around the state. The deadline for registration is March 30. Register now!
2023 BTU Scholarships: Deadline April 14
This year, there will be 16 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 awarded to high school seniors who are dependents of BTU members. Learn more here.
AFT Massachusetts Convention Awards Dinner: April 28
Help the AFT Massachusetts celebrate the service of an educator, librarian, nurse, or school employee whose leadership has made our union stronger. The deadline to submit nominations is March 1. Forward all nominations to President Tang. The 2023 Scholarship Winners and the 2023 Distinguished Service Award Winners will be honored at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate located at 210 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston. Interested members and guests are asked to complete the registration form linked to attend the dinner.
SAVE THE DATE- AFT Massachusetts Convention: April 29
AFT Massachusetts convention delegates from across the state will celebrate our victories, discuss the battles we face, and be inspired to act. We’ll hear about important initiatives and further develop our collective strength as educators and organizers. It will be in-person at the IBEW Local 103 Union Hall located at 256 Freeport Street in Boston. We will email a registration link, etc. to all eligible delegates.
BTU Housing Justice Committee Meetings
The BTU Housing Justice Committee has begun meeting every other Monday at 5 p.m. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, please reach out to Emma or Shakeeda. You can access the Zoom via this link.
Building Rep Stipends
Building Reps receive a $1,000 stipend for attending (and signing in) to 75% of the monthly membership meetings. The stipend can be earned in other ways too. The BTU BRep app is going through redevelopment along with our website, so reps can complete the BTU BRep Tally Sheet and submit it at the end of the school year if 75% attendance (and sign in) is not possible. All BReps must submit a W-9 and will receive a 1099 at the end of the tax year.
REMINDER- Union Dues
We’ve received a few inquiries into union dues. In 2022, teachers paid $1,451.06; paraprofessionals paid $760.10; substitutes paid $760.10; and ABAs paid $943.02 in union dues. Remember – union dues are no longer tax deductible. Please direct any questions about dues to Secretary-Treasurer Michael McLaughlin.