NEW EDUCATORS-DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER! First Book Registration
The Boston Teachers Union is once again sponsoring a Welcome Back to School Book Fair on September 24. We will be giving away 40,000 books to our students, educators and larger Boston community. In order to get the books, we need members who haven’t registered for First Books yet to do so as soon as possible.
BTU 2022 Leadership Conference: October 21-23
Join us for the annual BTU Leadership Conference at the Seacrest Beach Hotel! Our goal is to have at least one BTU Building Rep from each school or unit attend. We also welcome any BTU member in a BTU leadership role or from an active BTU committee to join us for this exciting, informative and enjoyable conference. You can pay the refundable $25 registration fee and for a single room accommodation via PayPal or debit/credit card.
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.
Haitian Educators Committee Meeting: September 20, 5:00-6:30PM
Join us for the first Haitian Educators Meeting of the school year. Please contact Bianca Pierre for the Zoom link.
NEW- Climate Justice Committee Meeting: September 28, 4:15PM on Zoom
Please join us for the first climate justice committee meeting of the year! Topics to be discussed include advocating for significant BTU and school community input into the Green New Deal for BPS, a possible pension fund fossil fuel divestment campaign, climate justice professional development, and other local organizing efforts. Email Betsy Drinan at bdrinan@gmail.com for the Zoom link and/or to be added to the committee’s google group.
NEW- 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.
Prioritize Your Well-being with Educators Thriving
In this free course for BTU members, earn Academic Ladder Credits toward lane advancement while learning and practicing concrete strategies to prevent burnout and support your own well-being so you can be your best for yourself and your students. Application due September 26th. Space is limited.
NEW- Student Debt Clinic: October 4, 4:30
Join us for a Student Debt Clinic for AFT Members in Massachusetts in-person at the BTU Hall or on Zoom. Register now!
Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program
The Boston Teachers Union Homework Helper Program is hiring a BTU member to work at the North End Library, Wednesdays 4-6, starting September 28. The library is located on 25 Parmenter Street. If you are interested, please contact Brenda Chaney.
Edcamp: Developing Student Voice and Agency: October 11, 4:30-6:00PM
How do we amplify student voice in our classrooms and schools to increase engagement and build community? Join educators to discuss this important topic. See the links for more info and registration.
In-person Paraprofessional Informational Meeting: October 19, 4:30PM
Please join us at the BTU hall for the Paraprofessional Informational Meeting. Topics we will be discussing include para evaluations, new contract, para get togethers, and much more. There will also be guest tables for Health & Welfare, Jet Program, BPS MTEL Prep Program and various caucus tables for everyone to learn about. Please use the link to register.
Apply to be a Member Organizer!
The BTU seeks Member Organizers to contribute to fostering a culture of organizing, member engagement, and activism among a broad base of BTU members and allies. Member Organizers receive training, coaching, and a stipend. Learn more and apply at btu.org/memberorganizer.
Building Rep Action Needed
Building Reps! Please make sure you’ve completed the Back-to-School report-back form. We need this information in order to 1) Send new BTU shirts to your school 2) Know how the 30-minute union meeting went at your school.
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.