The Boston Teachers Union stands in solidarity with the teachers of West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky and all educators across the world in our common fight for a better future. We are united in our struggle for a society that values public service, education, and learning — essential priorities for the public good.
We continue our own fight here locally. Stop by our membership meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 11 at 4:30 PM to learn more about all of the ways we are fighting for our students and schools! We will be joined by Syndey Chaffee, the 2017 National Educator of the Year, who will share her reflections and learnings from traveling across the country this past school year. We will also be announcing the new Boston Educators of the Year. Please see the full meeting agenda, and don’t forget to sign up for childcare if you need it.
Community Events of Interest
NEW — The New Teachers Retreat: APPLICATION EXTENDED
Are you a teacher in your first three years? Join us at Keene State College from July 13-15 for the New Teachers Retreat for reflection, learning, and planning sessions as well as time to relax alongside mentors & fellow new teachers. Apply today. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30. Email Ali at astewart@bostonpublicschools.org with questions.
NEW — Building Worker Power: Defending the Public Sector and Strengthening Our Unions: April 21
Join UMass Dartmouth’s Labor Education Center on Saturday, April 21 from 9 AM to 3 PM to understand the context of current attacks on the public sector unions and public services. Leave to learn how to fight back, what has worked, and learn new strategies. BTU President Jessica Tang will join on a panel. Learn more on their website.
NEW — 26th Annual Boston Youth Peace Conference: April 28
The Center for Teen Empowerment invites you to the 26th Annual Boston Youth Peace Conference, “Heard ‘Em Say: Our History, Our Way” at the Paramount Center on Saturday, April 28 from 6:30-9:30 PM. See the flyer and Facebook event for more. Call Teen Empowerment at 617-536-4266 x312 or send an email tomarquis@teenempowerment.org with questions.
NEW — UMass Amherst Labor Scholarships
UMass Amherst announces scholarships for qualifying students to begin their Union Leadership and Activism (ULA) program this summer. These scholarships will cover all tuition costs for up to 10 new students! The ULA program is designed for union officers, staff, and activists who attend four 10-day sessions held in January and July. Coursework helps develop practical skills in organizing, strategic corporate research, collective bargaining and labor law. Check out their website for more information, contact Tom Juravich at 413-545-5986 or at juravich@lrrc.umass.edu with questions and to apply.
NEW — March for Science, “Science Strikes Back,” on Saturday, April 14
On Saturday, April 14 at Christopher Columbus Park, you are invited to defend science and its importance. We’ll also take the offensive and rally behind specific climate legislation that will advance certain science- and evidence-based policy in the Massachusetts state legislature. Find out more and RSVP.
NEW — Tuning People, Birds, and Flowers: A Performance Lecture this Thursday
Two Portuguese artists, Helena and Paulo Rodrigues, will present an interactive performance lecture at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Askwith Lecture Hall on April 12 from 5-6:30 PM. Helena and Paulo’s work demonstrates the impact of music on early childhood learning. Register for and learn more about the event.
Perrone-Sizer Institute for Creative Leadership Applications Open
Applications are now being accepted for the Perrone-Sizer Institute for Creative Leadership (PSi). Founded by veteran educators Linda Nathan and Carmen Torres, PSi is a leadership certificate program that develops creative, innovative, adaptive, and racial justice and equity-focused leaders. PSi can also lead to graduate credit from the UMass Boston. Learn more and apply.
Help Raise Money for O’Bryant JV Volleyball Coach!
O’Bryant volleyball players are raising money to pay a small stipend for a coach and to buy more jerseys for very large varsity, JVA and JVB teams. Support these athletes!
YouthCAN Summit on Climate and Sustainability at MIT: May 19
Please save the date of Saturday, May 19 for the 12th annual YouthCAN Summit! They have a great keynote speaker, 10 exciting workshops, and a fascinating group of exhibitors and activities for attendees to engage with, all of which will be focused on the theme of global sustainablity. See the flyer for more.
Join Our Power, Our Mission, Our Future to Stand Against Racism
Join the YWCA USA April 26-29 to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. Interested in holding a youth-led community discussion on gun violence? Contact Jamiah at jtappin@hria.org.
Tax Day Action 2018: April 14
We are facing ominous budget developments in Washington. Join a coalition at Cambridge Common on April 14. Register and read more.
Support Undocumented BPS Graduates
BTU Unafraid Educators, a group of teachers, guidance counselors, and educators here in Boston, created a scholarship to help fill the gaps. Last year, they raised over $20,000 to give as scholarships; this year their goal is $100,000. Help them meet their goal by donating, emailing friends and family, and sharing on social media!