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.
Paid BTU Member-to-Member Phone Banks for Fair Share and Safer Roads
Join us over Zoom as we contact BTU members to make sure they go vote and support our endorsed candidates and ballot questions. Members will be paid $25/hour. To join, contact Roberto Jimenez by email or at 603-260-9448.
DEADLINE TODAY- Wellness Champion Program!
A Wellness Champion is a BPS employee who is an active member of a school community, such as a teacher, paraprofessional, or nurse, with a commitment to creating a healthier school. Wellness Champions receive professional development, technical assistance, and other resources to implement wellness initiatives in their school throughout SY22-23. Each school is eligible to have two champions that receive stipends in separate domains. The required information session will be offered twice on Zoom.
Sick Bank Donation Program Information
BTU sick leave donation program enrollment will be available from 9/6/22 through 10/31/22. If you would like to join the sick bank, please follow these instructions and one sick day will be deducted from your accrued balance.
NEW- Child Tax Credit Deadline Upcoming
As you may know, families with no income or low income could get at least $3,000 per child with the Child Tax Credit – even if they have never filed taxes before. Families have until November 15 to easily claim this money this year. Data shows that millions of children may miss out on these funds – disproportionately those in immigrant families and families with low incomes. Until November 15, people can easily claim this money on their own at GetCTC.org.
Lit with Lea is Back!
Lea 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!
Climate Curriculum Meeting: October 26, 4:15PM
The next Climate Justice Committee meeting will be on Zoom. We will welcome BPS colleagues from the Science, Technology and Engineering department to give a presentation on the status of climate change content in the BPS Science curricula. All are welcome. Email Betsy Drinan for the Zoom link or to be included in our Google group.
AFT-MA Leadership Conference: October 29, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Join AFT Massachusetts leaders and fellow members for the 2022 Leadership Conference at the BTU Hall! Hear from speakers and attend workshops to build your knowledge as a local union leader and organizer. Learn how other AFT Massachusetts locals are winning strong contracts and other organizing victories. Attend the 2022 Leadership Conference, and you’ll leave as a stronger, more confident leader with the tools you need to build union power in your local.
Building Rep Orientation Make-up Session: November 2, 5:00-6:30PM
If you are a newly elected Building Rep or you missed the September orientation, you are invited to attend a make-up Building Rep Orientation on Zoom. In this orientation, we will review the Building Rep job description, supports offered, and new contract highlights. Please register here for the Zoom link.
Para Sing-o Bingo: November 3, 5:00-7:30PM
Please join fellow paraprofessionals to distress and have fun! Register now.
GOTV Educators and Allies for Fair Share and Safer Roads: November 5, 1:00-3:00PM
Come to the BTU hall to join the BTU, AFT-Mass, and MTA as we get out the vote for Yes on Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment, and Yes on Question 4, the Safer Roads campaign. Register here. Questions? Contact Roberto Jimenez by email or at 603-260-9448.
NEW- 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!
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.
Inclusive Education Liaison Position Now Posted
Our new contract establishes an historic shared vision for and commitment to reforming special education and ensuring district-wide inclusive practices in Boston Public Schools. A critical part of ensuring BTU member voice and expertise is the new Inclusive Education Liaison position. We seek an experienced, committed, and skilled educator-leader to serve in this unique position to ensure that our shared vision is realized through a collaborative labor-management approach at the district level and in all of our schools. This person will collaborate closely with the Office of Inclusion and other departments across the district and engage with educators. The position has been posted and can be viewed here. Please apply ASAP and by Sunday, October 16 if you are interested. Educators of color are encouraged to apply. Please contact Paulwith questions or for more information.
Even with Extended Day, Setup and PD Days are Six Hours
In traditional schools, including Schedule A ELT, today’s work is classified as professional development hours, not a regular school/work day. If your staff was mandated to work more than six hours today or tomorrow, it can be grieved at Step 1. A recommended remedy might be to reduce hours scheduled for later in the year. Please contact your Building Rep or Field Rep if you have further questions.