TONIGHT- Virtual City Council Candidate Forums: May 25, 6:00-7:30PM
Join us for the second in the series of virtual forums to hear from your city council candidates. Tonight will be the at-large forum. Contact rjimenez@btu.org with any questions.
TONIGHT- 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 3:30 p.m. the day of the meeting to receive a zoom link to participate. If you have any questions, contact Khalida Smalls.
TONIGHT- GLR Learning Tuesdays Webinar: May 25, 3:00-4:30PM
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading will be hosting a webinar on what the data imply about Fall 2021 K-3 classroom composition, featuring Colleen Mason, Chair of the BTU Early Ed Committee, and BTU President Jessica Tang. Register now!
NEW- Boston Mayoral Candidate Forum on Education: May 27, 6:00-7:30PM
This year, we have a chance to elect a leader who will advance OUR vision for racial, gender, and economic justice in Boston. To decide who gets our votes, we need to know where the candidates stand on the issues that impact our lives. Join us for a Mayoral Candidate Forum to hear candidates outline how they will advance a vision for racial, gender, and economic justice for our city. Register now!
Housing Justice Committee Workshops: Through May 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.
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!
NEW- The People’s Solidarity Rally: June 5, 1:00PM
MA is getting billions of dollars in federal stimulus. Let’s demand that these funds get spent where we need them most! Join the BTU and other unions and community groups as we launch the Massachusetts Rescue Plan and demand that federal stimulus money invests in issues that impact working people, including our schools, our homes, and our families. RSVP here to join a group of BTU members attending the rally. Learn more and spread the word.
NEW- Inclusion Done Right Meeting: June 8, 5:00PM
Join us for our last Inclusion Done Right meeting of this school year! Please register here to let us know you will attend.
National Board Certified Teacher Info Session: June 10, 5:00-6:00PM
Are you interested in becoming an NBCT next school year? Please join a virtual information session using this link, and please complete this interest form. For more information, please email the BPS/BTU leadership team at nationalboard@bostonpublicschools.org.
End of the Year Party: June 12, 11:00AM-2:00PM
Join us for well-deserved collective care for BTU members! Activities include a photo booth, DJ, food, chair massages, and Four Corners Wellness and Yoga. Adults only! Register before June 1.
NEW- Paraprofessionals End of Year Virtual Break Room: June 16, 5:30-6:30PM
Attention Paraprofessionals: Join your colleagues in a Virtual Break Room – END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR EDITION! Come in to say hello and play a game with your fellow Paras…and feel free to bring your own games as well! Just remember: no work/union talk allowed. Click HERE to register. A link will be sent to you in the days prior.
AFT Teach Virtual Conference: BTU Members Can Attend Free!
This year’s AFT TEACH, the AFT’s national professional development conference will be held virtually July 6 – 10. Because of this special circumstance, the BTU is altering our usual policy. This year, any member who registers for the conference and attends a minimum of 5 sessions will have their registration fee reimbursed by the BTU. ($50, $25 for members in their first five years). See the incredible lineup, and register to attend.
NEW- Take the Teacher Climate Survey!
The Teacher Climate Survey is open now! All classroom teachers will receive an email with a link to a short survey administered by Survey Monkey. It is a short survey this year, designed to learn more about teachers’ perceptions. It 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. If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Data and Accountability with questions.
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- Teacher Leadership Fund: What Challenge Do You Want to Solve?
Applications for the 2021-22 Teacher Leadership Fund are now open. Teams of educators within or across schools may be awarded up to $15,000 to design and implement solutions to challenges affecting students who have been marginalized. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Any applications submitted by June 7 will receive an answer by the end of the school year. Full program information and application materials can be found here. Email tlf@bostonpublicschools.org with questions or for support.
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- Change the World: Reflections of a Teacher
This book takes us into the 34-year teaching career of retired BTU member David Russell. Dave shares with us the joys and frustrations of the classroom, examines what makes for successful teaching, and recounts testimony from former students of the lasting impact he and his school, McKinley South End Academy, had on them. Dave is self-publishing and mailing copies to those who want one. The cost is $13 including shipping, and check, Venmo, or Cashapp can be used. Please contact Dave through this email.