Teacher Summer Institute: August 22-24
Boston teachers never stop learning! For the first time ever, Boston Public Schools and the Boston Teachers Union will co-host a Teacher Summer Institute (TSI) which will focus on highlighting best practices of some of our most passionate urban educators. From August 22-24, educators from across BPS, central office staff, and valued members of our community will join together to help bring a shared vision for instruction to life across the district. Please note, this is open to all educators, and is not exclusively for new teachers.
REGISTER TODAY! And please contact tsi@bostonpublicschools.org with any questions.
Summer Organizing Institute: Session 2
Please plan to join us August 29-31 for Session 2 of our Summer Organizing Institute! On Tuesday and Wednesday, August 29 and 30, we’ll gather from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. On Thursday, August 31, join us from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Childcare and meals will be provided. The Summer Organizing Institute is open to all members – both active and retired! Join us for:
- Organizing workshops and skill building
- Panels on school-based issues as well as education policy
Come hone your skills as a powerful educator-organizer in your school by attending the BTU Summer Organizing Institute! Download a flyer.
Please contact a member of the BTU Organizing Team with questions: Farah Assiraj, Shanika Houlder or Jonathan Rodrigues. Or call the office at 617-288-2000. See you soon!
Foundation Budget Review Commission Legislation Hearing
The Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) found that the state is underfunding public education by $1-2 billion. On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 AM, there will be a hearing at the State House on recommendations to change the funding formula. If you are interested in testifying about the impact of budget cuts on your school, please contact BTU Political Director Johnny Mcinnis at jmcinnis@btu.org or at 617-433-0488. To learn more about the FBRC recommendations, please check out this op-ed in Commonwealth Magazine by Dearborn STEM teacher Alysia Steelman.
BTU-Endorsed Political Candidates
The BTU has endorsed State Rep Candidate Paul Feeney (Bristol/Norfolk) and City Council District 1 Candidate Lydia Edwards (East Boston/Charlestown/North End). Support candidates who will advocate and fight for public education and our values! If you are able to canvass or phonebank for either candidate, please contact BTU Political Director Johnny Mcinnis at jmcinnis@btu.org or at 617-433-0488.
BTU Unafraid Educators Start Unafraid Scholarship for BPS Immigrant Students
The BTU has partnered with Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) to start a new scholarship. Learn more about the scholarship and donate! The group is holding application clinics at the Bolling Building on either Wednesday, July 26 or Thursday, July 27 from 6-8 PM (adult support training beginning at 5 PM). Please contact Adriana Costache if you can help out at acostache@fenwayhs.org. Thank you to Adriana, and all of the Unafraid Educators, for their initiative to make this happen!
Seeking Members for Resume and Portfolio Support Work
In an effort to continuously support members with keeping their resumes and professional portfolios up to date and competitive, we are seeking members who have interest or experience in supporting others with creating and maintaining professional resumes and portfolios as well as interview preparation. If you are interested in learning more about this work, please respond here or email Paul for more information.
Early Educators, We Want to Hear From You!
The BTU Early Education Committee has created a survey to instruct the committee on what services and supports are best suited for advocacy in the district. We invite all early educators to participate in this confidential survey. Your input is appreciated!
Please Sign Up for FirstBook
It’s that time of year! Please sign up for FirstBook at firstbook.org/AFT. Registration is free and it will give you access to free and discounted books. It will also help us to bring free books to our annual Back to School Fair! Thank you.
Save the Date: Back to School Fair on September 23
Please plan to join us from 1-3 PM on Saturday, September 23 for our Back to School Fair! We have flyers available in six languages on our website. Get details, sign up to help, or reserve a table at btu.org/back-to-school.