BTU Organizing Committees help us build POWER as a union by creating a space for members to advocate around the issues they care about. Committees exist to build community and solidarity, share resources and best practices, and to organize campaigns that elevate educator voices. Learn more about our current organizing efforts below and on our website.
TODAY — Academics Committees Meeting: Tuesday, October 2
Please join us from 4:30-6:30 at the BTU. Our Academics Committees include: ELL, Early Ed, Social Studies, Arts, Climate/Science, and Inclusion. We will meet throughout the year on the FIRST Tuesdays of the month. Interested in getting involved? Email Jonathan at jrodrigues@btu.org to learn more and to RSVP.
SEL Committees Meeting: Tuesday, October 9
Please join us at the BTU from 4:30-6:30 at the BTU. Committees under ‘SEL’ include: SEL Committee, Restorative Justice, and School Counselors. We will meet throughout the year on the SECOND Tuesdays of the month. Interested in getting involved? Email Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org to learn more and to RSVP.
NEW — Equity Committees Meeting: Thursday, October 18
Please join us at the BTU from 4:30-6:30. Our Equity Committees include: Unafraid Educators, Puerto Rican Educators, Haitian Educators, LGBTQ Committee, and the Committee on Teachers in SPC Roles. We will meet throughout the year on the THIRD Tuesdays of the month (special exception this month). Email Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org to learn more and to RSVP.
NEW — Ethnic Studies Now Meeting: Sunday, November 4
Join a group of BPS educators working to bring Ethnic Studies curricula to BPS. Our next meeting will take place on Sunday, November 4 from 2-4 PM. To learn more and RSVP please contact Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org.
Upcoming BTU Events
NEW — BTU Welcome Back Party and Breast Cancer Fundraiser: October 13
Please join us on Saturday, October 13 from 7-11 PM at the Dedham Hilton (25 Allied Drive in Dedham). Come celebrate the new school year with your fellow union members! All BTU members and guests (21 and over) are invited to attend.
LAST CHANCE — Fall Leadership Conference: October 12-14
Register by tomorrow! And plan to join us Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14 for the BTU Fall Leadership Conference at the Dedham Hilton! Register by tomorrow, October 3 and secure your free hotel accommodations at btu.org/brconference. Questions? Email Natalia at ncuadrasaez@btu.org.
Education Town Hall with Councilor Essaibi-George: October 23
This fall City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George is holding a series of Town Halls across the city. Please plan to join us for a special Town Hall for Educators with the Councilor at the BTU on October 23. Contact Johnny McInnis with questions at jmcinnis@btu.org.
NEW — Paint Night at the BTU: November 2
Come unwind after a work week and celebrate beating the October Blues! Join fellow Boston educators and friends for a fun, relaxing evening of painting, snacks, music, a raffle, and cash bar to support the Rollins Griffith Teacher Center of Boston. One raffle ticket is included with each ticket purchased! Read more and download a flyer on the BTU website, and reserve your space on the Eventbrite page.
Community Events of Interest
NEW — Maker Educator Meetup: October 20
You are invited to the Clubhouse Network’s Flagship Clubhouse for a morning of networking, exchanging of ideas and playing with new technology. Open to all educators, administrators, or those looking to explore STEAM. Read more and register. Contact them at 617-318-3457 or srosario@theclubhousenetwork.org.
NEW — Build Your Own Learning Experience for PDPs & ALC
Teachers deserve choice as learners! BPS Innovation is collaborating with Boston VR, the MFA, General Assembly and others to offer local learning opportunities and events as an experience. Follow your curiosity and receive credit for showing how the experience transforms learning in your classroom. Learn more. For additional info contact Cam Scott at cscott2@bostonpublicschools.org.
NEW — Rethink Youth Organizing Trainings: October 26 & 27Rethink is heading back to Boston in October to lead two trainings on Youth Organizing and Dismantling Adultism on October 26 and 27 at the City School in Dorchester. See all details and register on their Eventbrite page. This training is for young people 25 and under. Please share!
NEW — Upcoming Suffolk University Restorative Justice Trainings
Suffolk University’s Center for Restorative Justice is offering trainings this fall on Circles, conferences, and other restorative interventions. Reserve your space.
NEW — Mentoring for Professional Licensure through BPSOM
Do you need the additional 50 hours of mentoring required for Professional Licensure? If so, sign up for BPS Online Mentoring (BPSOM) to fulfill the “50 Hour Requirement for Professional Licensure.” Beyond your first year of induction support, the Massachusetts DESE requires that you receive an additional 50 hours of mentoring in your 2nd/3rd years of teaching to be eligible for your professional teaching license. BPSOM is now up on My Learning Plan. Register for one of the three posted sections. The first required BPSOM in-person session will be held on October 22 at the Bolling Building. Contact Ailis Kiernan at akiernan@bostonpublicschools.org for further assistance.
All for Ang Memorial 5K on November 4
RJ Schena, a BTU School 6th Grade Humanities teacher, is organizing the 1st Annual All for Ang Memorial 5K event on November 4. This event celebrates the life and work of Angela Iannalfo, RJ’s sister and a former educator. Proceeds benefit Haverhill Public Schools students. To register or donate, please visit allforang.com.
Support Edwin Argueta
Longtime Jobs with Justice organizer and BTU supporter Edwin Argueta and his family are in need of your support. Please support as you are able.
Join the Peace Flag Mural on the Common: October 20
All school children of the greater Boston area are invited to join Children’s Services of Roxbury as they attempt to create the largest peace Flag Mural ever! Learn more in their flyer.