$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!
Inclusion Done Right Committee Meeting: October 14, 6:30PM
The IDR committee invites you to partner with us in continuing the very important advocacy work we started last year, as well as working towards other initiatives this year. We are fighting an equitable inclusion model and consistent support in each inclusion classroom. Please fill out this short interest form! Contact Chantei Alves or Kafunda Banks if you have any questions.
NEW- Virtual Hearing on BTU Retirement Plus Legislation: October 19, 10:00AM
Hosted by the Joint Committee on Public Service on HB4111 (HD4453) – An Act authorizing the city of Boston to establish an alternative superannuation retirement benefit program. See here for more information.
NEW- Haitian Educators Meeting: October 19, 5:00-6:30PM
Please contact Bianca Pierre for the Zoom link.
NEW- Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: October 20, 4:30PM-6:00PM
Please join us VIRTUALLY for the Para informational meeting; click HERE to register. Zoom links will be sent in the days prior to the meeting.
New Teacher Development Meetings: October 19 & 21
The NTD Program hopes that all teachers have had a successful first week of school! Thank you to all the veteran educators who have agreed to be NTDs in their schools. The first NTD Meeting will be held virtually on October 19 from 4 to 6 p.m., OR October 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Please review the job description before the meeting. Reach out to Kaitlin with any questions.
NEW- Retirement Seminar: October 26, 4:30PM
Hosted by Michael W. McLaughlin, BTU Secretary-Treasurer and BRS Trustee, this in-person seminar at the BTU will be limited to 50 participants. All participants must use this link to reserve a seat for the seminar. Future seminars will be scheduled.
Para Pumpkin Paint Night: October 26, 5:00-7:00PM
Join your Para Council for a fun filled night of pumpkin painting at the Union Hall! Please register here by October 20.
NEW- BLM @ School Committee
Interested in getting involved in the Black Lives Matter at School movement? This year’s national theme is “A Year of Purpose.” Our goal is to get at least 2 BTU members in every school community to commit to taking action. Help us reach our goal by making the commitment today.
NEW- Join the New Educator Committee
The New Educator Committee is run by and for new members! The mission of the BTU New Educators Committee is to arrange social events, connecting early-career educators with each other and with resources to help them survive and thrive through their first few years in BPS. As a union committee, we also strive to identify and develop potential leaders by introducing new members to union structures and opportunities for involvement. If you’re an early career educator interested in getting involved with these events, let us know here!
Opening on the Academic Ladder Credit Review Committee
The BTU seeks members interested in serving on this committee which reviews and approves courses under consideration for awarding credits for salary lane advancement. If you are interested in serving on this committee which will meet no more than monthly, please email Paul for more information.
Phone Banks for Yes on 1 and Elected School Committee
The BTU supports more democracy for the City of Boston, so we have endorsed the Better Budget Amendment to the City Charter, and the advisory question for an elected Boston School Committee. The Massachusetts Voter Table is running phone banks for both questions. Sign up here!
Apply to be a Member Organizer!
The BTU Member Organizer program develops our most valuable resource as a union—our members—to build union power and activism. The BTU seeks up to 24 Member Organizers to foster a culture of organizing, member engagement, and activism among a broad base of BTU members and allies. Member Organizers receive training and coaching on the basics of effective organizing and mobilizing. Learn more and apply at btu.org/member-organizers
Join the Housing Justice Organizing Committee!
Are you or your students worried about paying rent and being displaced? There is a housing crisis in Boston and many families are facing eviction. But we have the power to fight back! The BTU Housing Justice Committee organizes with community partners such as City Life/Vida Urbana to fight for safe and stable housing and to provide access to resources, training, and education. If you are interested in learning more about our work or joining our committee, you call fill out the form here.
Donate to & Share Unafraid Scholarship Fundraiser
Hundreds of immigrants from all over the world graduate from the Boston Public Schools each year, but many face a huge obstacle: if they’re undocumented, they don’t qualify for federal financial aid. Since its inception in 2017, the Unafraid Scholarship has awarded $230,000 to 80 deserving BPS graduates. Help us support this year’s 49 applicants by donating and sharing the fundraisers on social media!
$200 Per Teacher Supplies in Schedule A ELT Schools
Reminder: As part of our 2016 agreement to extend the school day, each teacher in Schedule A schools is allocated $200 per year for supplies. Educators are encouraged to pool money in teams if appropriate, but this is not required. These supply funds are in your school budget and your school leader should have instructions for how to place your orders. Please contact your field rep or Paul Tritter with questions.
Join BTU Speakers Bureau
Interested in helping with our media efforts for our contract campaign? Join our Speakers Bureau, where our Communications staff will help you learn to be a spokesperson, write an op-ed, or share your story. Sign up here.
Important Scheduling Information (P&D, CPT and Teaching Minutes)
As the new school year begins please take a moment to review the contractual rules around teacher and para schedules to ensure yours meets the provisions updated in our most recent collective bargaining agreement. Elementary teachers in schedule A schools should have 75 minutes of P&D time weekly above the four 48-minute periods. For many, this may mean a daily P&D. Please reach out to your field rep with questions or concerns.
Join or Support BTU Against Breast Cancer
The BTU just joined the American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event happening this October! Join the team or support the BTU Walkers with a donation here.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: BTU Sick Leave Donation Program: Deadline Extended to October 30
If you currently meet the eligibility requirements to become a member of the BTU sick leave donation program and would like to join, please Navigate to ess.boston.gov > select the “BPS Sick Bank Donation” tile > read and acknowledge the terms and conditions > click submit. You will receive a confirmation notice if you are enrolled, and 1 sick day will be deducted from your accrued balance. You are not eligible to use the sick bank days later in the year unless you donate a day and join and cannot join later! If you’re having trouble, please follow these instructions.
BPS Support Resources
For staff members in need of support regarding any recent events, from the earthquake in Haiti to the turmoil in Afghanistan, The Office of Recruitment, Cultivation & Diversity Programs is available to host sessions for colleagues who desire a space to process. You can contact them at diversityprograms@bostonpublicschools.org.
Join BTU Electoral Action Team
There are only a few weeks until the Nov. 2 election! If you would like to be a point person for our BEAT (BTU Electoral Action Team), please email Political Director Johnny McInnis or call 617-433-0488.
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.