TOMORROW- October Family Engagement Gathering: October 28, 4:30PM
Join the BTU Family Engagement Taskforce for a virtual conversation about effective strategies for building relationships with families during these unprecedented times. Please register here and we will send you a Zoom link and an agenda. For questions, please contact Chantei Alves or Katie Mallon.
Voice Disorders and Educators: October 29, 5:00PM
A healthy voice is essential for teachers to perform their daily occupational duties. This
presentation for BTU members by Voice Experts from Mass Eye and Ear aims to provide information to educational professionals on their vocal health in the classroom and in a remote world – with emphasis on education, and strategies for prevention, and management. The workshops will be held at 5 p.m. on 10/29. Register here.
Virtual Teacher-Powered Schools National Conference: Through October 29
Join us for the Virtual Teacher-Powered Schools National Conference! Our 2020 theme is Rethinking Power in Education. Explore how teachers in vastly different schools across the country are using shared leadership and collaborative decision making to design and run student-centered schools. Individual registration is $50, and teams receive discounted rates. Learn more and register here.
NEW- Racial Justice Town Hall for BTU Members: November 4, 5:00-7:00PM
Join us for the second BTU racial justice town hall of the school year. We’re bringing members of the BTU community together for healing, hearing stories from Black educators, and engaging in difficult conversations about race. Register for the town hall today!
Enrollment for Flexible Spending Plans
Enrollment for Flexible Spending Plans for 2021 is now open. Be sure to sign up by November 23. Even if you have been enrolled in the past, everyone needs to re-enroll each year. As a result of the new PEC agreement, administrative fees will now be covered by the City – a savings of $48 per year! You can find the list of healthcare FSA eligible expenses here, as well as a $5 off coupon here.
Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: November 24, 4:30PM
Due to the upcoming action on October 21 and other previously scheduled events, the Virtual Paraprofessional Conference has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 24. There is no need to re-register if you have done so already. If you have not registered, please do so here.
Para PD Opportunities: Thursday, October 29, 4:00-5:30PM
The Boston Public Schools Early Childhood Department invites K0-K2 Paras to join us for a Professional Development Opportunity in 2 sessions: Early Childhood Best Practices: Guidance for Paraprofessionals and Remote Learning Guidance for Paraprofessionals in Early Childhood Settings (live via Zoom).
NEW- BTU & BPS Paraprofessional & Substitute PD
This is an offering of virtual professional development opportunities for BTU paraprofessionals and substitute teachers to learn more about restorative justice practices. These PDs will bring participants together to deepen their understanding of restorative justice practices, empower themselves as educators to implement restorative justice in their school community, and connect with other practitioners in BPS. Please click here for more information and to register.
Telescope Network Fall 2020 Survey
What do you need this year? The Telescope Network wants to help. Please fill out our Fall 2020 survey to help us better understand your learning needs. We will raffle off a dozen $25 Amazon gift cards for educators who complete our survey – and it helps us plan for future PD. Survey open to ALL BPS educators (teachers, paras, admin, other school-based roles, and district-level roles as well). More at the Telescope website!
Connect & Share with Your Same-Role Colleagues
Would you be interested in a virtual professional learning community? It’s a chance to connect with same-role colleagues from across the district and a space to share resources and dilemmas. You can participate when and how you want to. Right now, we’re starting up a PLC for World Language 9-12 teachers and for 7th-grade math teachers, and we’re hoping to start other groups as well. More info at bostonpublicschools.org/telescope.
Telescope Trivia Fall 2020
We’re back this fall for our popular team trivia league. Last spring, we had more than 190 players join us for a fun-filled hour of trivia. These sessions will take place on Tuesday nights at 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Join on your own, bring a team of colleagues, or bring your family/friends. It’s a chance to connect across BPS and have some fun. Register here!
Virtual Homework Helpers
Homework Helpers will be available for K-8 students Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. Students can visit the webpage during these time frames and help will be waiting. Please make sure to circulate this information to your students. The Boston Public Library is also offering a similar program.