Planning for summer learning experiences for students is well underway. We will be convening groups of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other educators to review plans to date and give input going forward. We are in search of those with experience in any of the following:
- 5th Quarter Summer Learning Academies (K-12)
- 5th Quarter High School Credit Recovery (6-12)
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Summer Early Focus (K1-2)
- EL Summer Academies (3-12)
NEW- Return, Recover, Reimagine Task Force
Building from our successful collaborative efforts from last summer, this Taskforce will be an opportunity to engage BPS stakeholders in the design, improvement, and implementation of planning for our return to school in fall 2020. The Task Force will be composed of 7-10 subcommittees each with key stakeholder representation including educators, caregivers, and students. Subcommittees will meet regularly through the spring and summer. Task Forces will include: Assessments (already appointed through a previous process), Curriculum, Grading, Learning Management Systems/Digital Learning, Intervention/MTSS, Out of School Time Intervention, Transformative SEL, Multilingual Learners, Special Education. Read each subcommittee’s tentative guiding question, and apply here.
New Teacher Trivia Night: March 4, 7:30-8:45PM
Join us on for 4 rounds of trivia fun! We’ll have questions on pop culture, geography, and other fun topics. Make a team, or come and join a team. There will be small prizes for the winners and bonus points for any team that includes a 1st year teacher or a new teacher (year 2 or 3).
NEW- Problem Posed Problem Solved: March 4, 5:00-6:00PM
Let’s use our collaborative knowledge and problem-solving skills to take action on issues we are facing in our classroom! Take a step back and lean on a network of your peers to support you in making an action plan of how to solve a problem in your classroom. This forum will be composed of solutions-oriented new educators who would like to receive, and provide support to their colleagues from across BPS. We are stronger educators for our students when we work together! Sign-up here.
Paraprofessional Virtual Break Room: March 16, 5:00-6:00PM
Join your fellow colleagues in a Virtual Break Room – Saint Patrick’s Day edition! Come in to say hello and have a casual social conversation and check-in. Remember, no work/union talk allowed! Click here to register. A link will be sent to you in the days prior. Be sure to wear something festive!
NEW- This Is Us Fireside Chat: March 16, 7:00PM
As education stakeholders continue to debate the impact of the pandemic and distance learning on students, we must leverage the voices of students in the contentious and courageous conversations that focus on them. Students deserve a seat at the decision-making table. Tune in to this student panel to learn how the pandemic has impacted and shaped students’ high school experiences.
NEW- Eliot School Salon Series: March 24, 7:00-8:30PM
Join the Eliot School Salon Series for a compelling and nuanced conversation about “Talking to Kids About Race, Justice, and Their Power Using Art” with Tanya Nixon-Silberg, Founder of Little Uprisings and co-founder of Wee the People and Zahirah Nur Truth, ZNT ARTS Teaching Artist and Arts Education Consultant. Our conversation amplifies the voices of two educators who are actively engaging with young people and the adults who help mold them.
Annual Paraprofessional Conference: April 10, 9:00AM-12:00PM
This year’s VIRTUAL conference will include a plenary emphasizing the important role you play in both your union and community, as well as a series of workshops to support both you and your students during the COVID pandemic. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for professional development and to build connections with other fellow paraprofessionals throughout the Commonwealth. Click here to register.
NEW- Seeking Support from Personnel Subcommittees and Hiring Committees
We are seeking the support of members who serve on school based personnel subcommittees and other hiring committees to ensure that experienced Boston Public Schools educators, our fellow BTU members, are considered for all open positions in your school. Please read this letter for more information.
UPDATED- BTU Election News
The nomination process for the upcoming election continues through March 10. Don’t forget to track your nominations on the member portal under “My Nominations.” You need to reach the required number by March 10 at 6 p.m. (Full time office, 100 signatures; Executive Board, 50; Para Council or Delegate, 25; RTC positions, 25). If you are mailing paper nomination forms they must arrive in the BTU office no later than March 10. All of your forms must be in one envelope. The list of Candidates Seeking Nominations is also on the member portal. If you wish to add your name please opt-in here. The list is being updated regularly. Candidates for offices other than Delegate are reminded that candidate statements and photographs for the BTU newspaper should be submitted by March 15. The word count limit is 400 for full-time positions and 300 for Executive Board and Para Council. All submissions should be addressed to both gvirchick@btu.org and mmaguire@btu.org. Finally, we remind all members to check that the BTU has your correct address on file, so that you receive your ballot in a timely fashion. For more information please see the Election Committee page of the BTU website.
Union Dues
In 2020, teachers paid $1,433.77 in union dues; paraprofessionals and substitutes paid $716.85 in union dues; and ABAs paid $931.81 in union dues. Please direct any questions about dues to Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Drinan.
Ward 4 Scholarship: Deadline March 31
A new scholarship is being given out by Ward 4. 9th and 10th grade students who live in or go to school in Ward 4 can apply. Ward 4 Democrats will honor two students with awards of $250 each at our summer community event in August. Students will submit short written responses to two essay questions in the language of their choice; the essays will be judged for depth and originality. Encourage students to apply here!
NEW- BPS-PSI Fellowship Accepting Applications: Deadline April 26
In partnership with the Perrone Sizer Institute (PSI), the BPS-PSI fellowship is now accepting applications for SY21-22! This pipeline program is designed to prepare teacher leaders to become Assistant Principals. There is an upcoming information session on Sunday, March 7 from 8:30 am – 9:30 a.m. Register here! The application deadline is April 26, 2021 and can be found here. If you have questions, please contact Monica Hall.
Union Plus Free College Benefit
Union Plus has updated their Free College Benefit Program to now include a Bachelor’s opportunity. See here for more info!
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.