National Board Certified Teacher Info Sessions: Through November
Learn about becoming board certified, how it can benefit you and your students, and the supports BPS and BTU have collaborated on to help you get there! Join for an info session beginning this month.
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).
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.
Equitable Literacy Learning Site, Upper Elementary: November 10
How can we support all learners to engage with complex texts? Join us for a Learning Site facilitated by upper elementary educators at the Henry Grew School that will address this question. It’s a half day professional learning experience where you can join together with colleagues, develop working theories towards a shared question, and see effective practices in action. There is also the opportunity for peer collaborative coaching post-learning site for an ALC credit or PDPs. RSVP now!
NEW- Cheryl Kelly Celebration of Life: November 13, 3:00-4:30PM
Join us at the union hall in celebrating the life of Cheryl Kelly, our beloved educator, nurse activist, and union friend. Please wear blue, Cheryl’s favorite color. Light refreshments will be served.
NEW- Unafraid Educators Meeting: November 14, 4:30-6PM
Unafraid Educators, BTU’s immigrants’ rights committee will have our monthly meeting on Zoom. Join us!
NEW- R+ Informational Meeting: November 15, 4:30-6:30PM
Retirement+ meeting will be held at the BTU. Updated information will be provided followed by a Q&A period.
NEW- Black Caucus Game Night: November 18, 4:30-6:30PM
Join us for for free food and fun!
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!
Telescope Trivia: November 8, 8:00-9:15PM
Join for the return of Telescope Trivia for a virtual team trivia game. Join on your own or bring a team for some fun collaboration and light competition. Register now!
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!
NEW- 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.
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- 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!
NEW- 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.