NEW- Para 101: December 1 & 15, 5:30-7:30PM
If you are newly hired para to BPS or want to learn more about your role, please join us on 12/1 and 12/15 for Para 101, which is a two part series. The first session is on Zoom, and the second session is at the BTU. Please email Colleen if you have any questions.

BTU Goes to the Boston Bruins!
The BTU has purchased 63 tickets for the February 11, 2023 game vs. the Washington Capitals. This is a Saturday 3:30 p.m. game at the Boston Garden. Seats are in rows 13, 14 and 15 of section 320. Tickets are $110.00 and are available for purchase at the BTU office on a first come first serve basis (cash or check).

NEW- Unafraid Scholarship 2022 Year-End Review
We are excited to celebrate the successes of our Unafraid Educators and thank each of you for your unwavering support of undocumented students in Boston! This past year, we raised $80,000 and gave out awards to 60 students. In 2022, we supported more students than ever before. Please help us get a jump-start on next year’s fundraising efforts by making a year-end donation here.

Join AFT MA Climate Caucus
AFT MA is committed to honoring our Climate Resolution that was passed on April 4, 2020. We are facing an historic environmental crisis. The science on climate change is irrefutable. Catastrophic effects of unchecked climate change include severe drought, increased disease, threatened food systems and more. We know from experience that the labor movement must be at the table to shape the conversation if we are to affect positive change for working people. Are you interested in working with AFT MA on climate issues? If so, please complete and submit this form.

NEW- Homework Helper Program

The Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program was created along with the City of Boston and the Boston Public Library to help all children with their homework during the school year. We have BTU educators working at every library in Boston that is open at least one day a week, from September to May. Please pass this information and flyersalong to all of your students.

Child Tax Credit Deadline Upcoming
There’s still time for schools to help families claim the expanded CTC, which provides up to $3,600 per child. Recent data shows the CTC’s significant role in reducing poverty and helping families meet their children’s basic needs. Unfortunately, many kids are still at risk of missing out on these funds. This is an urgent time to spread the word among families, because they have until November 15th to easily claim this money on their own online a GetCTC.org.

BTU Housing Justice Committee Meetings
The BTU Housing Justice Committee has begun meeting every other Monday (starting yesterday) 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 link here.

Lit with Lea is Back!
Elementary Rep. Lea Serena would love to come in and read to your classes! Please sign up for a Friday. She is more than happy to read to more than one class at once or a bunch of classes at one school in one day!

BTU Election Committee: November 28
The BTU will be holding an election for all elected positions this spring. BTU members will have an opportunity to vote for full-time officer and staff positions, the 12-member executive board, RTC officers, para council, and delegates to various conventions and organizations to which we send representatives. It is never too early to start thinking about running and serving in a position! It is also never too early to make sure your mailing address is accurate in the BTU members portal. The beginning of each Election Committee meeting is set aside to answer member questions. You can also reach us at electioncommittee@btu.org and notes are always posted on the portal.

Playmaker Live: Through December 6
Optimism is powerful. When kids who have experienced trauma and adversity are able to see the good in themselves, others and the world around them, they can grow up to lead happy and healthy lives. Through a blend of interactive activities & thoughtful discussions, Life is Good Playmakers will share its core philosophy and approach to building safe, joyful, engaging and connected classrooms where children can heal, learn and thrive. This workshop will be offered six times. Register now!

Retirement Planning Workshop for AFT Members: December 13, 6:00PM

AFT Massachusetts is hosting a retirement planning workshop via Zoom and all members are welcome! Register now.

NEW- Celebrate Kwanzaa with the BTU: December 19, 5:00-7:00PM
Join the Black Caucus, BLM in schools, and Racial Justice Standing Committee in celebrating Kwanzaa! Bring a donation for St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children and come support Black Vendors and check out a student performance. Free food and fun!

2022-23 Para Mentors, Facilitators and Teacher/Coach
The Para PD committee is pleased to announce the New Para Mentors, Facilitators and Teacher/Coach for school year 22-23! Mentors: Paulisha Rogers, Maria Cruz, Eric McKoy, Carla Johnson and Nikita Payne. Facilitators: Sasia Doman, Ingrid Burton, Gloria West, Anthony Marshall, Larry Green and Shakeeyah Scroggins. Teacher/Coach: Sentidra Joseph and Dennis Wright.

NEW- AFT Teach Conference Accepting Workshop Proposals!
The AFT TEACH (Together Educating America’s Children) conference will be held this summer, July 21-23, in Washington, D.C., and the call for proposals is now open. This professional learning conference provides an unforgettable experience for presenters and attendees alike, filled with inspiration and ideas to take back to school for the year ahead. Submit session proposals by Jan. 17, 2023.

Climate Justice Professional Development
The Climate Justice Committee is considering offering PD facilitated by the Zinn Education Project. If this sounds like something you might want to attend, please complete this brief Google form to help us gauge interest.

NEW- School Site Council Training: Sessions in December and January
The School Site Council plays a criticial 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. More information and registration available here!

Earn Your Masters in Labor Studies at UMass Amherst!
The ULA for Educators Program, Union Leadership and Activism, makes the UMass Labor Studies Program possible for those who work on a school-year schedule. AFT Mass is here to help – for those that apply are eligible, scholarships are available. Learn more!

Fund for Teachers: Plan Your Dream Summer Learning Experience
The application for Fund for Teachers is now open! Design your own professional learning experience for Summer ’23 anywhere in the world. Individuals may be awarded grants of up to $5000 and teams up to $10,000. Designing your fellowship and writing the application requires time and planning, and the BTU is happy to offer you support, mentoring, and feedback to put your best foot forward! Learn more and begin your application today! Deadline is January 19. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.