The BTU was proud to be part of last week’s energizing New Teacher Institute and Summer Teacher Institute. It was wonderful to see so many new and veteran educators, and we came away with a sense of purpose for the year.
Make no mistake: there is much to be done.
When legislators return to the State House, we will be there to push for a new formula that provides Boston with a long-term funding increase. Without a fix, the current budget and legislative proposal will leave Boston students behind. We need everyone to contact their legislators to support provisions in the Promise Act that benefit Boston and sign the #FundOurFuture postcards that your Building Reps will hand out and collect at the first union meeting of the year (every school gets 30 minutes!).
On a city level, we are actively working to support candidates for City Council that will fight for students and for issues the Boston Teachers Union. We are very fortunate to have one of our own, Brandon Bowser, an educator at the Edison School, running to represent District 9 (Allston and Brighton). Additionally, in contested elections, the BTU supports Ricardo Arroyo in his bid to represent District 5, (Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Mattapan). And finally, the BTU is supporting Annissa Essaibi George for re-election to her at-large seat. Register to vote by September 4; the primary election is September 24.
All new and returning Building Reps are encouraged to attend our Building Rep training sessions on September 3 and 7. Enroll online. Our Building Reps are on the front lines of strengthening our union and ensuring that all members’ issues are being addressed.
Just as a reminder, in most schools the first two days back are 6-hour days. If BTU members did not get a PD certificate last year, you should ask for one. Please contact your Field Rep if you did not get one.
Finally, we continue to look for as many volunteers as we can get for our annual Back to School Fair, which will be on September 21 at the BTU. The planning committee has been hard at work. Please contact Brenda if you can help out!