Election Committee Updates: Nominations are Open!
Please be aware of the following by-laws change, which was passed in January:
a. a member must be in good standing to vote;
b. a member who is in arrears in dues payments for three (3) or more months is not in good standing and not eligible to vote;
c. members on unpaid leave may make arrangements to pay their dues directly to the
Union;
d. upon payment of all back dues, the member shall be restored to good standing;
e. members on unpaid leave shall be required to pay only half the amount of dues that would normally be due; this reduction shall only apply to each full month of unpaid leave;
f. a written message containing the above information must be provided to all members electronically or by regular mail; or, in the alternative, it can be included in the election information provided to each member from the election committee;
g. a member on paid leave as a result of a criminal indictment shall not be eligible to vote.
Remember that there are 29 more days to collect signatures from members! Please be sure to collect sufficient signatures for the position you are running for. It is a good idea to collect extra signatures in case any cannot be verified. As always, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the election committee at electioncommittee@btu.org! You can also reach out to electioncommittee@btu.org with questions or comments. Please see this document for more information.
NEW- Job Postings
AFT MA is hiring a field representative. Please see the job description and details for applying here.
Telescope Network Story Slam: February 9, 6:00-8:00PM
Join us for an open-mic storytelling session. Bring a story to share or come to listen to stories from your BPS colleagues. Our theme: OOPS! Prepare a five-minute story about a time when things didn’t go as planned. Register now!
BTU Member Winter Party: February 10, 3:30-8:00PM
Show our educators some love! Join us at the union hall for a winter party with food, DJ, cash bar, and fun! Registration required – this is a BTU-member ONLY event. See you there!
NEW- Duet Coaching Information Session: February 13, 6:30-7:00PM
Duet is a coaching nonprofit in Boston that partners closely with Southern New Hampshire University (SHNU) to provide a faster, more flexible, and more affordable way to get a college degree. Please register for the information session if you’d like to learn more.
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.
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.
NEW- 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.
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.
Journey into Education and Teaching
The JET application is now open for 2023-2024! The JET program provides support for Massachusetts paraprofessionals without bachelor degrees in partner school districts to obtain their degree and licensure. Direct any questions to jetintoteaching@gmail.com.
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.