BOSTON – Today, the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), representing more than 10,000 active and retired educators from the Boston Public Schools, announced it has endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu for re-election. The union cited Mayor Wu’s deep commitment to strengthening public education and workers’ rights, advocating for students and families, and investing in the long-term success of Boston’s neighborhoods.
Specifically, in making the endorsement, BTU educators cited the Mayor’s support for community hub schools which work with community partners to provide a range of integrated services for students, their families and the community; her implementation of parental leave for BPS educators; her support of improved wages for BPS workers, especially paraprofessionals; her courageous testimony before Congress on behalf of Boston as a safe and welcoming community; her investments and commitment to the ongoing improvements and construction/rehabilitation of Boston Public Schools facilities; and her support of a unique Project Labor Agreement that will help create career opportunities for Madison Park High School graduates.
The BTU endorsement is a major boost for the Mayor’s re-election campaign, and comes on the heels of several other key labor endorsements for the Mayor, including from 32BJ Service Employees International Union, IBEW Local 103, Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, Painters & Allied Trades District Council 35, Teamsters Local 25, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, among others.
“The Boston Teachers Union is proud to support Mayor Wu for re-election. The Mayor has demonstrated a strong commitment to our shared values of social justice and has stood strong against attacks on our communities. She has also demonstrated a willingness to hear from educators in our schools and to act on those recommendations. She is continuing to work with us productively on creating the schools our students deserve. Mayor Wu is more than the mayor, she is a BPS parent, and has improved working and learning conditions within BPS and has demonstrated that she will continue to advocate on the local, state, and federal level for what is in the best interest of Boston students, educators, and communities. She has also stood up for our communities on the national stage, pushing back against harmful policies from the current administration and making clear that our city won’t back down from doing what’s right,” said Erik Berg, President of the Boston Teachers Union.
“As the cost of living increased, I feared that I would have to step back from my position and try a different line of work to get by. But the wage increases for BPS paraprofessionals that Mayor Wu supported in our most recent union contract will allow me to continue to do the work I love in the city I love for years to come,” said Tracy Romain, paraprofessional at the Chittick Elementary School for 23 years and Hyde Park resident.
“Thanks to the family leave policies our union secured in 2022 with support from Mayor Wu, I was able to take time to care for my newborn, without sacrificing my paycheck or my job security,” said Neema Avashia, a teacher at English High School and BPS educator for 22 years and a Jamaica Plain resident. “Mayor Wu has shown up for educators and working families—now it’s our turn to show up for her.”
“The investment in new school buildings is a game changer for our system. As a teacher, I see every day how a safe and stable learning environment is essential to a student’s success. The demonstrated commitment to upgrading our public school facilities shows that Mayor Wu understands what it means to invest in our future,” said Kathleen Ryan, a Dorchester resident, and family liaison at the Carter School for 18 years.
“The City’s commitment to Community Hub Schools has been an incredible asset to our school community,” said Lilliana Arteaga, Hub School Coordinator at the Umana Academy K-8 School and East Boston resident. “Mayor Wu’s support for Hub Schools allows for the types of partnerships that meet our students’ and families’ needs during the school day and beyond. By working hand in hand with community organizations we ensure that our school supports not just academics but the whole child and the whole family.”
The BTU will mobilize its members and community allies to support Michelle Wu in her re-election campaign through canvassing, phone banking, and voter education efforts leading up to the preliminary and general Election Day.
For more information and the full list of the BTU’s endorsed candidates, visit www.btu.org.
# # #
About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.