NEW- Unafraid Chapter Meeting: January 19, 4:30-6:00PM
The Unafraid Educators will be holding our January Unafraid Chapter Meeting. You may join us at this Zoom meeting link. We are always happy to see both new and returning members. The Relief Fund for BPS Students and Families is still up and running – and also receiving more applications than we have funds to respond to. 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 at unafraideducators@btu.org.

NEW- Haitian Educators Committee Meeting: January 19, 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.

Boston Partners in Education Teacher Info Session: January 13, 3:00PM
Boston Partners in Education is hosting an online Teacher Info Session on January 13 from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Do you have students who could benefit from some extra attention? Come learn about how our academic mentors can support students in your virtual classroom! You will have the opportunity to hear from some of our experienced teacher partners who will be sharing the best practices of using an academic mentor in a virtual classroom. Make sure to RSVP!

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- BTU Election News
The nomination process for the 2021 BTU Election will get underway at this week’s membership meeting. Nominations for all offices and positions will open January 13 and are due on or before March 10. The tech team from Paragon will give a demonstration of the new electronic nomination signature collection process at the meeting. For those who may be interested in running for office, the Election Committee has published an Election Procedures and Candidates’ Guide; a timeline of important dates; and a breakdown of the duties involved in each elected position.

NEW- New Candidate Orientation Event: January 19, 5:00PM
All BTU and RTC members and potential candidates are invited to attend this event. Former BTU President Richard Stutman will give an overview of the various offices and positions up for election, and Election Committee members will be on hand to answer questions about the process. Members can also contact the committee with questions or concerns at any time by emailing electioncommittee@btu.org; or by calling or texting Ombudsperson Kimvy Nguyen at 617-396-7969. Please register here.

Grassroots Campaign Virtual Training Event: January 30, 10AM-4PM
Join Mass Alliance, AFT Mass and BTU for a training event to introduce future campaign leaders, activists, and candidates to the theory and practice behind successful grassroots campaigning. Sessions will include field organizing, message development, working with the press, and other time-tested tactics for winning campaigns. Register here!

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.

NEW- Virtual Benefits Workshops for AFT Members
AFT Massachusetts will host a series of virtual benefits workshops to showcase the products and services available to AFT members through our member benefits program. During the one-hour workshop, presenters will explain benefits you are eligible for, with topics including AFT Plus Benefits, Auto and Home Insurance; Supplemental Insurance; Home Financing; Long Term Care; and Retirement Planning. You can register here.

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.

NEW- Sick Bank Donations
The BTU Sick Bank provides additional leave in the case of an unexpected or prolonged illness when all other options have been exhausted. You never know when you may need to use the sick bank yourself, and it may help you avoid a loss of compensation in the future. Those who have 3 or more consecutive years of service are eligible.

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. Deadline to apply is January 21.

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! Organized by the BTU Black Lives Matter at School Committee.

NEW- Educator Supports Program (ESP)
The BTU and BPS collaborate on the Educator Supports Program, providing support for teachers who are having difficulty with their practice. If you or a colleague receive a rating of less than proficient on a formative assessment this month, please reach out to the ESP and sign up for an intake meeting to find out more and take advantage of these great supports from our Consulting Teachers.

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 sign up for a listening tour using this link.

NEW- 2021 Green Schools Summits
In the coming year, green schools champions from around the world will have the opportunity to connect with one another and build their skills through virtual events that rise to the quality and depth that they have come to expect from the Green Schools Conference. The Center for Green Schools and partners at the Green Schools National Network are proud to host these exceptional experiences that will leave you refreshed and inspired.

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!

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. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Drop-in info and support session January 12 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

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.