Good morning,
Our hearts go out to the family of Burke student Raekwon Brown, the three others injured near the school last week and all families and loved ones impacted by the horrific violence in Orlando. See below for information on supporting Raekwon’s family.
ALERT: This Friday, June 17, members of the Boston Teachers Union will be holding a walk-in at our schools to support our goal of reaching a fair contract that is good for students, good for schools, and fair to our members. Our members recognize the unfairness and shortsightedness of the department’s latest proposals, which will harm our students, compromise teaching and learning, and and impose harsh measures on our professional teaching force.
Increasing class size in Turnaround Schools: How can that be a positive educational move? Taking away a woman’s right to return to her school after a maternity leave that lasts more than six months: How does that assist in stabilizing our schools? Removing class size maxima: How does that promote better teaching and learning? Removing paraprofessionals from Substantially Separate classrooms to provide substitute coverage in non-SPED classrooms: How does that serve our students most in need?
We think that the answers to the above questions provide good reason to join us on June 17.
Finally, we received a thoughtful letter from a member last week, which we excerpt below with her permission. Identifying features of the email have been redacted.
I always read the bulletin but never write, but I felt so strongly I had to share some feedback regarding negotiation updates. I was appalled and outraged by the provision the school department wants regarding teachers returning from maternity leave. The policy is so anti-woman it is offensive! Not only is our profession dominated by women, but so many women are “bread winners” for salary and benefits in their households that this policy threatens family livelihood. We are teachers that care for children and families every day and yet our own children and families are threatened by this proposal. I just recently returned to the ____ after a ____ month maternity leave. I was grateful for this time…
This time was essential for me and knowing I had a job to come back to relieved any temporary financial concerns for my family. During my previous maternity leave from the _____, I was ‘involuntary excessed’ when my daughter was _____ weeks old. I was devastated as it was not based on my performance and neither is this new policy.
Why do they want to get rid of teachers when it has nothing to do with performance? I spent the remainder of my maternity leave stressed and worried and trying to find a new position. No person or teacher, never mind (a) new mother, should have to experience this stress…
We will see you on June 17. We expect and hope that 100% of our school sites will be participating. BTU building representatives have been sent all the necessary materials, as well as an email with up-to-the-minute instructions. See here for more information. Let us know how we can help you!