At the BTU we continue to advocate for the schools our #StudentsDeserve through our own contract negotiations. On March 20, we showed our strength and unity by coming together for an energetic and inspiring rally at the Bolling Building. This was just a start. We will be sharing our next steps and new activist toolkit at our membership meeting next Wednesday, April 10 beginning at 4:30. Don’t forget to request childcare if you need it. We hope to see you there.
We want to stay active on Fridays as we work to settle our contract and fight for the schools our #StudentsDeserve. Please continue to organize Friday morning walk-ins or actions at your school — get creative and build on what we’ve already done!
Please sign our StudentsDeserve petition! Help us get to 10,000 signatures! We want to deliver these to the School Committee on April 24.
Finally, please join the BTU Organizing Committee! We need your support to continue to drive our union to the finish line in this campaign for the schools our #StudentsDeserve.
Upcoming BTU Events
TODAY — Academics Committees Meeting
Our Academics Committees (Inclusion, Environmental Justice, ELL, Arts and PLAB) meet at the BTU on the FIRST Tuesdays of the month. The event runs from 4:30-6:30 PM and light dinner will be provided. To learn more and to RSVP please contact Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org.
THURSDAY — Early Ed Committee Meeting
The meeting will run from 4:30-6:30 PM at the BTU Hall. Light dinner will be provided. Email Colleen at colleencmason@gmail.com to learn more.
Annual Statewide Paraprofessional Conference: April 6
Join AFTMA and the BTU this Saturday! The morning with be filled with PD followed by lunch and enjoyment. See the flyer and register as soon as possible!
Boston-area Education for Social Justice Conference: April 6
Join us Saturday for the 9th annual Boston-area Education for Social Justice Conference! This year’s conference will include workshops, speakers, and performances around the theme of “Build Us Up, Don’t Tear Us Down.” The conference is free and includes child care, breakfast, and lunch. Register today at besj.weebly.com.
SELWell Committees Meeting: April 9
Our SELWell Committees (Restorative Justice, School Counselors, SEL) meet at the BTU on the SECOND Tuesdays of the month from 4:30-6:30 PM. Light dinner will be provided. To learn more and to RSVP, please contact Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org.
Membership Meeting: April 10
Please join us at the BTU beginning at 4:30. Don’t forget to request childcare if needed!
Haitian Educators Committee Meeting: April 23
The meeting will take place from 4:30-6:30 PM. Light dinner will be provided. Email Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org to RSVP and learn more.
Unafraid Educators Week of Action: April 29-May 3
Attend a workshop at Saturday’s BESJ Conference where we will share resources, information, and ways you can participate. Attend the Week of Action Prep Day on April 11 from 4:30-6:30 PM at the O’Bryant. Donate to the Unafraid Scholarship. If you know undocumented BPS grads attending college next year, please point them to bit.ly/unafraidscholarship by June 1. Email Georgia Skeadas at skeadasg@gmail.com with questions or to join the listserv!
Intelligent Lives Film Screening: April 30
Join BPS Students, Families & Educators for a Screening & Post-Film Discussion of Intelligent Lives! ASL interpretation, light dinner & childcare provided. See the Facebook event.
Community Events of Interest
NEW — Book Signing for Shaping the Teacher Identity: Thursday
BTU member Kwame Sarfo-Mensah will be signing copies of his book featuring educators with more than 110 years of combined classroom experience. Kwame will be speaking about what it takes to develop teacher identity this Thursday, April 4 at 5:30 PM at Trident Bookstore & Cafe, 338 Newbury Street. See the Facebook event.
NEW — Public Good Forum: Thursday
Please join Community Labor United this Thursday at 6 PM at the Boston Public Library Copley Branch to discuss ways to protect and expand the public good and to reflect upon the importance of the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination to public sector workers across the country. See the flyer.
March on the State House for Full Education Funding on May 16!
Students, parents, educators and public education defenders will march on the State House on May 16 to demand action on the Promise Act and Cherish Act to Fund Our Future. Join us at the State House at 2 PM to meet with lawmakers and make our presence known in the building, then rally at 5 PM with public education supporters. Now is the time to pass the Promise and Cherish Acts! See the flyer, and RSVP and share the Facebook event!