NEW- AFT Town Hall Confronting the Climate Crisis & the 2020 Election: October 8
In this moment, our country is dealing with four crises – a pandemic, an economic crisis, a racial justice crisis, and a climate emergency – all made worse by the current president. The climate crises has stretched far beyond dangerous weather, it is inextricably linked to the structural racism and inequality that has hurt communities long after the storm is gone. Join us for a critical conversation about what is at stake and how we organize to win in November and beyond. Register here!
NEW- Family Engagement Taskforce: October 21, 5:30PM
Join us 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.
NEW- Virtual Fall Conference: October 24
More details coming soon. Save the date!
Mentoring for Professional Licensure (MPL): October 20, 4:30-6:30PM
To be eligible for a professional teaching license, the Massachusetts Department of Education requires an additional 50 hours of mentoring beyond the first-year induction program. In this course, you will receive that required mentoring from BPS New Teacher Developers as you reflect on and grow your teaching practice. Register for one of the three posted sections (Grades K0-3, Grades 4-8, or Grades 9-12). Contact Ailis Kiernanif you need further assistance.
Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: October 21, 4:30PM
Please join us for a paraprofessional informational meeting. Make sure to use your personal email when you register. The Zoom link will be emailed a week prior to the meeting.
NEW- Science Teachers Survey
Are you looking for ideas to make phenomena come alive virtually? Do you need ideas for using tech tools and apps to engage students in learning? The AFT would like to support you in providing meaningful, relevant science instruction during these difficult times. Please complete the survey, and let us know how AFT can support your professional needs. Deadline for submission: Oct. 9.
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.
Educators Thriving – Deadline Passed, Cohort 2 Now Available
Being an educator is hard, especially early in your career. In this course, understand the pitfalls of working educators and learn strategies to avoid burnout. Free to BTU members, and grad credit available for a small fee. Open to all with priority to members in their first three years. You can apply for this course here.
AFT/BTU Teacher Leader Program
Now more than ever, we must understand how education policy works and how we can take action to advocate for our students, schools, and profession. This year-long fellowship has a $1500 stipend. You can apply for this fellowship here. The deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 11 – those who have already applied receive first consideration.
BTU Inquiry Project
In this graduate course from the BTU and the Boston Writing Project, we create a reflective community to conduct research into an aspect of your practice important to you and your students. Graduate credit is available for a fee. You can apply to this course and find answers to frequently asked questions here. The deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 11 – those who have already applied receive first consideration.
Parent Support Group for BTU Members
Parenting while teaching is harder than ever. We will continue our successful parent support group with meetings every other week, exact dates to be determined. If you’re interested in joining this group, complete this interest form.