$how Me the Money Series: Through December 6
Join the Boston Education Justice Alliance community for a conversation about ways to advocate for better quality schools, from getting involved in your school site council to the basics of your school budget. Register here!

BTU LGBTQ+ Committee: Complete Survey by November 23
Relaunched in June 2021, this committee hopes to give LGBTQ+ members the opportunity to connect and support one another within BPS. If you want to hear more about our events programming this year, get involved, or want to join our planning committee, please fill out this Google form by Tuesday 11/23. We’d love to have you!

Intent to Retire Fair: November 29, 9:00AM-1:00PM
BTU will be hosting another Intent to Retire Session. This is for all BTU members who intend to retire from 11/29/21 to 3/39/22. Full information available here.

NEW- Restorative Justice Organizing Committee Circle Event: November 30, 5:00-6:30PM
This year has been about both pushing our boundaries and staying grounded. Come grapple with us as we try to keep our balance. We’ll work towards developing a deeper understanding of the core values of restorative justice and what foundation needs to be laid before we can hold circles with efficacy. Come hear some stories, be in solidarity, and join us in hope.

Student Debt Clinic: December 1, 5:00-7:00PM
Interested in learning about the changes to getting out of student debt? The BTU is hosting a Student Debt Clinic with AFT here at the union hall – register now! Select the following clinic from the drop-down “Student Debt Clinic” menu: “MASSACHUSETTS: Boston Teachers Union 5 pm 12/01/2021”. Enter “Boston Teachers Union” in the affiliate field (both drop-down fields will fill if you just type in “Boston”) and answer the short survey.

Community Contract Forum: December 7, 6:00-7:30PM
Calling all students, families, and community members to join our next Community Contract Forum. Find out why BPS rejected all of our affordable housing proposals and most of our facilities proposals, and how you can help. Join us to fight for the schools our students deserve! The forum will be on zoom; see our English flyer here and our Spanish flyer here. Interpretation will be provided. Register at btu.org/engage.

NEW- Para Retirement Seminar: March 1, 4:30-6:00PM
Join us at the Boston Teachers Union Hall for the Para Retirement Seminar, hosted by Michael McLaughlin and Colleen Hart. Register in advance now!

Build a Contract Action Team!
We’re getting organized at school sites to take action for our Contract Campaign! Build a Contract Action Team (CAT) at your school to enable rapid two-way communication of union actions. A CAT is like a phone tree and allows you to quickly reach every member at your school. See here for a step-by-step guide on how to get started, and let us know who your CAT leader is!

Fund for Teachers: Design Your Own Passion-Driven Professional Learning
The application for Fund for Teachers is now open!  Design your own (often travel-based) professional learning experience for Summer ’22. Individuals may be awarded grants of up to $5000 and teams up to $10,000. Learn more and apply today! The BTU offers support and feedback to members in writing their proposals. Please contact Paul to be connected to a mentor.

SSC/Governing Board Trainings
Empower your school community: SSC/Governing Board trainings are currently scheduled from November – January of this school year jointly run by the BTU & the BPS Office of Family & Community Advancement. To register or for more info, contact Caren Carew. Workshops are open to all elected SSC members including parents, BTU members, high school students & school administrators all of whom are encouraged to attend.

BTU Climate Justice Committee
It’s time to reactivate the BTU Climate Justice Committee! As you know, ensuring that we, collectively as global citizens, act quickly and decisively to limit and eliminate carbon emissions is critical to the survival of our planet. There are many ways we can marshall the power of the BTU and AFT MA membership to be impactful in these efforts. See here for more information.

Lit with Lea: Every Friday to a classroom near you!
From Elementary Rep. Lea Serena: “I hope you all have enjoying my book suggestions in the BTU paper! Please consider signing up to have me visit your classroom and share a read aloud with you and your students! In honor of organizing and activism I am planning on reading Click, Clack, Mo, Cows that Type, Side by Side, and experts from We Rise, We Resist, and We Raise our Voices. I am also always open to a different book as a guest reader!”

NEW- 2022 AFT-MA Scholarship Program
Every year AFT Massachusetts awards thousands of dollars in scholarships (nine $1500 scholarships) to eligible high school seniors who are dependents of AFT Massachusetts members. The awards are awarded on the basis of a labor history exam administered by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The student must also attend a college or other post-secondary school in the fall of the following academic year. Scholarship Applications are due by December 17, 2021. Click here and register today! This school year’s Labor History Exam will be administered between January 31 to February 3, 2022 and students are encouraged to contact their school counselor about the exam logistics. Learn moreabout the exam.

JET Program 2022-23 Interest Form
The JET Interest Form for the 2022-23 JET Program Year is now available! Public school paraprofessionals who are interested in JET’s services and wish to participate in the JET program may complete the JET Interest Form, an eligibility survey that is the first part of the application process. We are planning virtual JET Information sessions starting in the Fall and will send details when they become available.

Support BTU Against Breast Cancer
The BTU joined the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”! Support with a donation here.

Telescope Network Monthly Connect and Share
At our monthly educator-led Telescope Network “Connect & Share” panels.  Our colleagues, BPS educators, will share what they’re working on and engage attendees in discussion around challenges identified by educators themselves. Get more informationon the full series and RSVP today.

Telescope Network Fall Survey
Please take the Telescope Network Fall Survey. We use your feedback to report on educator needs across the district. We also use your responses to design upcoming PD sessions. Additionally, we’re raffling off a dozen prizes (including several $25 gift cards) to people who complete the survey. 

NEW- Free Identity Theft Protection
All AFT members have AFT-sponsored ID theft protection at no cost to you. Services include an ID theft risk assessment, limited credit restoration and recovery services, and up to a $10,000 reimbursement. Register online to maximize program protections.

NEW- New England Revolution Discounted Playoff Tickets for AFT-MA Members
The New England Revolution team are playoff bound and as an AFT Massachusetts member, you can access discounted playoff tickets to see them live at Gillette. Tickets are expected to go fast. This link will be the best way to get your playoff tickets with full inventory access, at the most discounted rate.

Fair Share Amendment Pledge Cards
Building reps: We’re asking you to activate your CAT team to collect Fair Share Amendment pledge cards from every member at your school. You should expect a call from a Member Organizer to bring you cards and support you in getting your school organized!