BTU ELECTION NEWS: BALLOTS ARE ON THE WAY!

Ballots were mailed to all BTU and RTC members on May 10th. Don’t forget to check your mail, fill out your ballot, and return it using the prepaid envelope as soon as possible. You can view candidate statements on pp. 5-10 of the BTU Newspaper and candidate materials on the member portalCompleted ballots must be received by mail no later than June 1. Those who prefer to vote in person can vote at the BTU hall on June 2 between 8AM and 6PM. You must bring a valid photo ID. Covid-19 safety protocols will be observed. For concerns about which ballot you should be assigned, see here. For any other questions check the Election Committee page or contact electioncommittee@btu.org.

Mayoral Candidate Forum Series: Thursdays from May 6 to June 10
The BTU, as part of a coalition of social justice organizations that represent tens of thousands of members throughout Boston, is hosting a series of mayoral candidate forums to discuss the candidates’ vision and plans to address racial, gender and economic justice.
TONIGHT- BTU Contract Community Forum: May 11, 7:00PM
We want to welcome community groups and coalitions fighting for justice in our communities to join us for our BTU Community Forum. More information and registration form at btu.org/engage.Caregiver/Educator Support Group: May 11, 8:00PM
Join the Caregiver/ Educator support group as we unwind for a final time with a mini Yoga Session! Register here.


NEW- Student Debt Workshop for AFT Members: May 12, 4:30PM
Do you or a family member have student loan debt? AFT members are welcome to attend one of AFT’s Student Debt Clinics! Click here and select “MASSACHUSETTS: AFT Massachusetts *WEBINAR* 4:30 pm 05/12/2021″ to register for the workshop.
Community of Interest Training for Trainers: May 13 & 19
Join the Drawing Democracy Coalition to learn about redistricting and how you can help ensure your community has the power to elect representatives of choice for the next decade. These workshops will empower you to communicate about this issue, learn to map communities of interest, and support the Drawing Democracy Coalition’s goals of empowering immigrants, people of color, and low-income voters. The trainings are Thursday, May 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, May 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.NEW-BPS Vaccine Event: May 15, 10:00AM

BPS is committed to helping our students 16+ and families. Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about ways to access vaccination. Share your questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines hereNEW-Housing Justice Committee Workshops: May 17 – 27

Boston is experiencing a housing crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Come to the BTU Housing Justice Committee’s training to learn more about current housing justice campaigns and legislation in Boston, how to talk about housing insecurity with students and families, the do’s and don’t’s on how to be sensitive about housing insecurity, supports for undocumented families, and how to connect our students and families to resources. Register at bit.ly/FacingHousingCrisis.


NEW- Haitian Educators Meeting: May 18, 5:00PM
Please contact Bianca Pierre for the Zoom link.
Virtual City Council Candidate Forums: May 18 and May 25
Join us for a series or virtual forums to hear from your city council candidates. This series includes a District 4 forum and at-large forum. Contact rjimenez@btu.org with any questions.Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series: May 19, 12:00 – 1:00PM
Co-sponsored by Brookview House, The Massachusetts Women of Color Network and Community Labor United, the topic of this lunch and learn is “Enhancing & Promoting Resiliency in Black & Brown Youth During A Pandemic.” Use this link to join.

Paraprofessional Coffee Hour: May 19, 4:30-5:30PM

Join Early Childhood Staff and your colleagues to share thoughts and hopes for your classrooms as we start to wind down. Use this link to join.
Paraprofessional Virtual Break Room: May 19, 5:30-6:30PM
Come in to say hello, play some games and have a casual social conversation… just remember, no work/union talk allowed! Please register HERE if you are interested. A link will be sent to you in the days prior.

NEW- Education Equity for East Boston Families: May 19, 5:30-7:30PM
The purpose of this event is to amplify the East Boston parent and teacher voice regarding their educational experiences, challenges and needs in the spirit of refining/modifying policies and practices that aim to improve those experiences. See the flyer in English here and Spanish here, and register for the event here.
Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: May 20, 4:30PM
Please join us on Thursday, May 20th at 4:30PM for the Paraprofessional Informational Meeting. Some of the topics being discussed will include: Para PD; Para Contract; Updates on evaluations; and Para JD. Please click HERE to register. A link will be sent to you in the days prior to the event. We hope to see you there!BTU Open Discussion Space: May 25, 5:00-6:30PM
This is a space for BTU members only, all are invited and encouraged to join this open space to talk to each other, to debate issues, to share challenges and to struggle with each other as we process and think together. You must complete this form by 3:30pm the day of the meeting to receive a zoom link to participate. If you have any questions, contact Khalida Smalls.

End of the Year Light Social: June 5, 10:00-11:30AM
AFT Black Caucus Boston Chapter (BTU) invites you to an End of the Year Light Social. All BTU members are welcome to attend!

Hiring for an Internal/External Organizer
The BTU is seeking applicants for an Internal/External Organizer. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@btu.org; position open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP.

EL Summer Job Postings
Summer EL job postings are live. Please see each posting for more information.

NEW- Student Feedback Survey FAQ
The student feedback survey which is included in the school climate survey is currently being administered.  As a reminder, as of 2017, student feedback is now incorporated as a component of the educator evaluation system. You can access a FAQ as well as the full language (pg.199)

NEW- ILT Survey Reminder for Building Reps
Thanks to those building reps who have completed our survey on the current status of ILTs across BPS. We would like each school to complete this survey at least twice, at least once by a teacher who is an ILT member, andat least once by a teacher who is not on the ILT.  It’s ok if more complete it. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about this survey, please send a note or contact Paul Tritter.

Accelerated Community to Teacher (ACTT) Program: Deadline Extended to June 1
This program is a part of an overarching strategy to increase the diversity of exemplary educators in the district’s teacher pipeline. Apply now! Additionally, the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools, but wish to become certified as full time teachers.

NEW- George B. Cox Memorial Scholarship Awards: Applications Due May 17
The Black Educators’ Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM) is pleased to announce the George B. Cox Memorial Scholarship Awards. Seven awards in the amount of $1,000 will be given to successful applicants. Application and instructions here.

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) Convention: August 5 – 8
The sixteenth biennial APALA Convention, Rooted in Legacy: Reimagining a New World Beyond Borders & Across Ocreans, will be hosted vitually from August 5-8, 2021. If you are interested in attending the APALA Convention and/or becoming an APALA member, please contact Matt Bouvier, mbouvier@btu.org.