Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, September 19, 2022

Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract

A HUGE Thank You to all members who attended the contract campaign events this past weekend Eliot-Hine and H St Festival. The public is very willing to help us – we have to get out and explain the situation to them. Click here to learn more see a short video from the event.

Stay tuned for other campaign events.

WTU in the News

• DC teachers union to urge public to push Bowser administration for a new contract
• DC school administrators to receive pay increase under new agreement with city​​
• District reaches deal with union representing principals

#RedforEd

Please wear red each Friday and post photos to social media. Please tag us @WTUTeacher

WTU Endorsements

Last week, the WTU announced its endorsements for the 2022 November Elections.

City Council

• At-Large: Elissa Silverman
• At-Large: Karim Marshall
• Ward 1: Brianne Nadeau
• Ward 3: Matthew Frumin
• Ward 5: Zachary Parker
• Ward 6: Charles Allen

DC State Board of Education 

• Ward 1: Ben Williams  
• Ward 3: Michael Sriqui 
• Ward 5: Robert Henderson 
• Ward 6: Joshua Wiley  

Read more here. And watch for opportunities to get out and support our candidates!

Masks

DCPS continues to provide masks. All schools continue to order masks through the established system (QuickBase). The Operations POC at each school is responsible for placing those orders. Any questions can be sent to the SSO Specialist for the school and they can ensure the teacher gets connected to the right person at the school to request more masks.

Paychecks

If you were not paid last week, please check Peoplesoft today to see if your check dated Sept 6 & 23 has posted. Call your field rep if there are any problems.

Facility Concerns SY 22-23

Over the past two years, the WTU has met regularly to discuss facility issues with DCPS. Yet, many schools continue to have health and safety concerns. We ask that you let the WTU know of any health or safety concerns in your building by completing this brief form.

Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year. 

The AM Brew is distributed as a benefit to members of the WTU. In the coming weeks, we’ll be updating our database removing non-members from the distribution for the AM Brew, as well as other important Member –Only emails.

To ensure that you’re not inadvertently removed from the distribution list, please update your member information by clicking here.

Student Debt Clinics

The WTU and AFT will host student debt clinics.

September 29 and October 20

In a 90-minute session, AFT Student Debt Clinics provide information on how to enroll in income-driven student loan repayment programs and help in enrolling in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Registration links will be available soon!

Virtual Student Debt Clinic

AFT will continue to host a student debt clinic webinar Thursday evenings. Register at https://cvent.me/17XZka Webinar will include information about how to enroll in the free AFT Summer student loan member benefit. Additional information can be found at www.forgivemystudentdebt.org – this website contains all of the information on how to access PSLF in an easily digestible and understandable format.

STUDENT DEBT CLINIC RESOURCE GUIDE

After attending a Student Debt Clinic, we want to make sure you’ve got all the tools and information you need to take the next steps to start reducing how much you pay every month and get on a path towards a debt-free future! See attached for more information.

AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

WTU Members to Engage with Public at Saturday’s H Street Festival

DCPS Educators Haven’t Had a Contract in Three Years

WASHINGTON—Members of the Washington Teachers’ Union, who have been teaching D.C. public school students without a contract or a raise for three years, will join their community on Saturday at the H Street Festival.

WTU educators will be talking with the public about their agenda for improving D.C.’s public schools, including helping recruit and retain good teachers and ensuring their students get the resources they need to do well—all things they’re fighting for at the bargaining table.

WTU teachers, in addition to handing out flyers to the public, will be handing out free books to students of all ages at their table on H Street between 5th and 6th Street, N.E.

“We want what’s fair for teachers and good for students and their families. Because the reality is, D.C. public schools are struggling to recruit and retain teachers, educators haven’t had a raise in three years, class sizes are too large and educators need planning time to prepare for the day’s instruction. But by showing no urgency to confront these problems, DCPS and the mayor are turning their backs on every D.C. family and the entire community. This has terrible consequences for D.C. students,” said WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons.

For Immediate Release 

September 15, 2022  

WTU Announces Endorsements for 2022 General Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) today announced the WTU’s endorsements in the November 2022 general election.

“The WTU is proud to stand behind a diverse slate of candidates who will champion public education and who will strive to move beyond the status quo that continues to fail far too many students,” said Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, WTU President.

“These candidates have listened to parents and teachers and understand that it will take decisive action to close the city’s persistent and growing achievement gaps,” Pogue Lyons continued. “We also know that we can count on these candidates to help tackle the issues – including the lack of a fair contract with teachers and the use of the IMPACT evaluation system which has been found to be racially biased – that have led to the District having a rate of teacher turnover that far exceeds the national average.”

For City Council, the WTU endorses:

• City Council, At-Large: Elissa Silverman
• City Council, At-Large: Karim Marshall
• City Council, Ward 1: Brianne Nadeau
• City Council, Ward 3: Matthew Frumin
• City Council, Ward 5: Zachary Parker
• City Council, Ward 6: Charles Allen

“The State Board of Education plays a vital role in our education system giving voice to students, parents, and educators,” said Regina Bell, the WTU’s General Vice President. “Our city’s accountability system continues to be heavily weighted towards measures that are proxies for poverty – tests and attendance – and the WTU is excited to endorse individuals who are committed to moving our city towards a governance system that is more democratic.”

For DC State Board of Education races, the WTU endorses:

• State Board of Education, Ward 1: Ben Williams
• State Board of Education, Ward 3: Michael Sriqui
• State Board of Education, Ward 5: Robert Henderson
• State Board of Education, Ward 6: Joshua Wiley

The WTU’s Committee on Political Education (WTU-COPE) leads all WTU political activities. The WTU-COPE facilitated the endorsement process by issuing questionnaires to candidates, conducting candidate surveys and interviews, polling COPE members and presenting its recommendations to the WTU Executive Committee. The WTU Executive Committee then presented its recommendations to the WTU membership which approved the endorsements.

# # #

About the Washington Teachers’ Union

The WTU represents more than 5,000 active and retired teachers. It is dedicated to social and educational justice for the students of the District of Columbia and to improving the quality of support, resources, compensation and working conditions for the public servants and proud teachers who educate our students in D.C. Public Schools. Learn more at www.WTULocal6.net.

The full press release can be downloaded by clicking here.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, September 12, 2022

General Membership Meeting

September 13 @ 4:30 PM

Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 939 669 4583

Passcode: 148566

Join President Pogue Lyons and the Executive Board to hear updates from the Union about upcoming programs and activities!

Click here for a timeline of the WTU/DCPS Contract Negotiations.

Committee on Political Education

At the WTU General Membership Meeting the WTU Committee on Political Education will present a motion to the members for their vote on who the WTU should endorse in the upcoming DC General Election:

The WTU Committee on Political Education (COPE) moves that the WTU endorse the following candidates in the 2022 General Election alongside our winning candidates from the DC Democratic Primary: 

DC State Board of Education:

Ward 1: Ben Williams  

Ward 3: Michael Sriqui 

Ward 5: Robert Henderson 

Ward 6: Joshua Wiley  

DC Council At-Large:

Elissa Silverman 

Karim Marshall 

Update your contact information 

The AM Brew is distributed as a benefit to members of the WTU. In the coming weeks, we’ll be updating our database removing non-members from the distribution for the AM Brew, as well as other important Member –Only emails.

To ensure that you’re not inadvertently removed from the distribution list, please update your member information by clicking here.

If you are removed, please contact Valerie Ashley at [email protected] to update your information and be re-added to the WTU mailing lists.

#RedforEd

Please wear red each Friday and post photos to social media. Please tag us @WTUTeacher

Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract

Support the WTU at H Street Festival

Sign up to pass out handbills at the H St Festival on Saturday, September 17, 2022. We’ll be distributing flyers and talking to residents, urging them to call on Mayor Bowser to agree to a new contract.

Facility Concerns SY 22-23

Over the past two years, the WTU has met regularly to discuss facility issues with DCPS. Yet, many schools continue to have health and safety concerns. We ask that you let the WTU know of any health or safety concerns in your building by completing this brief form.

FMLA and LOA Claims

Please contact your WTU Field Representative if you are experiencing delays or you have questions regarding the processing of your FMLA and LOA claims with DCPS.

Student Debt Clinics

The WTU and AFT will host student debt clinics on September 29 and October 20

In a 90-minute session, AFT Student Debt Clinics provide information on how to enroll in income-driven student loan repayment programs and help in enrolling in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Registration links will be available soon!

Virtual Student Debt Clinic

AFT will continue to host a student debt clinic webinar Thursday evenings. Register at https://cvent.me/17XZka Webinar will include information about how to enroll in the free AFT Summer student loan member benefit. Additional information can be found at www.forgivemystudentdebt.org – this website contains all of the information on how to access PSLF in an easily digestible and understandable format.

STUDENT DEBT CLINIC RESOURCE GUIDE

After attending a Student Debt Clinic, we want to make sure you’ve got all the tools and information you need to take the next steps to start reducing how much you pay every month and get on a path towards a debt-free future! See attached for more information.

Monkeypox

AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Fall 2022 Professional Development Courses are Now OPEN

Download the full list of fall courses here.

Interested in new tips for how to integrate technology into the classroom? Join WTU Instructor Julian King in Best Practices of Integrating Technology to Enhance Student Engagement & Assessment as he shares how to create meaningful learning activities using technology.

Want to dive into the psychology and education of the exceptional student? Enroll in Dr. John Taylor's class on the Psychology and Education of Exceptional as he will give you practical tips on how to apply the psychological development of exceptional student to concrete classroom strategies. 

Learn how to promote social emotional learning in your own life so you can better assist students? If so, check out Dr. Persephone Brown's class or SEL for Adults!

And many more exciting opportunities to earn your PLUs.

Explore the Fall 2022 courses here.

Catch the Early Bird Discount by reserving your spot in the professional development courses starting this Saturday, September 10th! Register online here! 

To view all fall courses, please download WTU's 2022 Fall Professional Development Brochure.

Kick off the new school year right! Teachers. Invest in you. Spots are limited! Don't miss your chance to register for PD classes starting this Saturday, October 15th!! Register online here.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

#RedforEd

Please wear red each Friday and post photos to social media. Please tag the WTU on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

WTU Members from Kimball ES.

WTU Members in the News

Washington Post - Prince George’s, Montgomery, D.C. schools begin a new year

Washington Post - Navigating the wilderness, avoiding predators urban and rural

Facility Concerns SY 22-23

FMLA and LOA Claims

Please contact your WTU Field Representative if you are experiencing delays or you have questions regarding the processing of your FMLA and LOA claims with DCPS.

SPED concerns 

Teachers, and parents can contact the DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education with any concerns they have with special education. All communication is confidential.

Learn more about the Ombudsman’s services by clicking here and here.

Summer Pay – Regular Pay

Please visit Peoplesoft today and look for your pending check. There are often problems when DCPS transitions from summer pay to regular pay. Contact your Field Representative if there is any discrepancy.

3 Report incidents of Hate / Bias

DCPS is committed to being a whole-child, antiracist, equity-centered school district. This guide tells how to report allegations of hate/bias, discrimination, or harassment, and how allegations are addressed by the district. Learn more here.

Student Debt Clinic

The WTU and AFT will host additional student debt clinics. The dates and times will be announced in next week’s AM Brew.

Virtual Student Debt Clinic

AFT will continue to host a student debt clinic webinar Thursday evenings. Register at https://cvent.me/17XZka Webinar will include information about how to enroll in the free AFT Summer student loan member benefit. Additional information can be found at www.forgivemystudentdebt.org – this website contains all of the information on how to access PSLF in an easily digestible and understandable format.

STUDENT DEBT CLINIC RESOURCE GUIDE

After attending a Student Debt Clinic, we want to make sure you’ve got all the tools and information you need to take the next steps to start reducing how much you pay every month and get on a path towards a debt-free future! See attached for more information.

WTU Grants

AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Earn College Credits and or PLU's! Enroll in WTU's Fall Professional Development Courses before Friday, September 9th to catch the Early Bird Discount on courses for WTU members. Non-members are also welcome to enroll in WTU’s professional development courses. All courses are research-based, peer-to-peer and solutions-driven. Want to learn more about managing students with behavioral or emotional problems? Join WTU instructor Staci Abrams in her class on Managing Behaviors in School Communities (MBSC) as she shares effective mitigation and prevention strategies. 

Register BEFORE this coming Friday, September 9th to receive the Early Bird Discount for WTU's Fall 2022 Professional Development Courses! Download the full list of fall courses here. Interested in new tips for how to integrate technology into the classroom? Join WTU Instructor Julian King in Best Practices of Integrating Technology to Enhance Student Engagement & Assessment as he shares how to create meaningful learning activities using technology. Want to dive into the psychology and education of the exceptional student? Enroll in Dr. John Taylor's class on the Psychology and Education of Exceptional as he will give you practical tips on how to apply the psychological development of exceptional student to concrete classroom strategies. 

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, August 29, 2022

Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year! 

Every new school year brings great joy and happiness, not only for our students but for you, our teachers. As you open our classroom doors today to welcome your students, I hope that you will remember the optimism that made you an educator. And, I know that you will bring that joy and optimism to your students today and every day this school year.

As we start a new year, I'm reminded of the power of optimism. From COVID-19 to politician's censoring classroom discussion and curriculum, we have faced a lot together and as individuals over the past several years. Through it all, I have seen educators go above and beyond and remain optimistic despite all that has been thrown at our profession. It is because of the work that I've seen - opening your homes to students through virtual lessons, fighting to ensure our school librarians are funded, and winning protections for your health and that of your students - that I am optimistic about the future.

Today, as we start the new school year, I'm asking you asking you to get more involved with our Union to help us win a new - and fair - contract that will ensure that you are able to be effective and grow as educators and, most importantly, meet the needs of our students. I also ask that you welcome your new colleagues, whether they are new to your building or new to the profession, and encourage them to join the WTU if they are not already members. And, if new educators or other colleagues aren't receiving the AM Brew, please ask that they send their personal email to [email protected] asking to subscribe to the AM Brew and other important updates from our Union.

We can and will continue to overcome the challenges facing us. Your team at the WTU looks forward to serving you this year! Reach out to your Building Rep or Field Representative should you have any questions or concerns about working conditions or your Union. 

Together, we can and will make this the best school year yet!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers' Union

WTU members in the news

WTOP - Support, career growth: Educators talk about what could solve teacher shortages

Axios Washington - DCPS scrambles to prep buildings and students for another school year

Enroll Now – Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks

LAST CHANCE FOR VETERAN TEACHERS TO ENROLL / WITHDRAWL.

The WTU has extended the Open Enrollment Season for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks through September 2, but after that veteran teachers will not be able to join for the 2022-2023 school year. New Hires will be able to join during the entirety of the 2022-2023 school year. Also, if any members want to opt out of either bank they have until 9/2/2022 to do so.

The 8 hour donation required to join either bank will be taken out of your account on or after October 1, 2022, the beginning of the fiscal year.

Click here to submit your information to enroll: https://forms.gle/3fP8XwSiU8kYXjiW9

If you are choosing to opt-out of either bank, please do so by September 2, by sending a formal request to Charmaine Wilks at [email protected]. If you miss the Open Enrollment dates, you will not be able to enroll in "the Banks" until the next Open Seasons in June 2023 and August 2023. This is strictly for the use of the Sick Leave and Maternity/Paternity Leave Banks and not the Dental/Vision enrollment.

Laptops

Every teacher in our bargaining unit should receive a laptop. If you have not received your laptop yet, please contact your principal. Supply card were distributed last week! Please contact your business manager if you did not receive your supply card. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact your Field Representative.

Back-To-School Events

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at Back-To-School events this weekend in Wards 5 & 6. The WTU will be attending future events and we’d like you to volunteer. If you’d like WTU support at your Back-To-School events, please contact Regina Bell at [email protected].

AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

August 24, 2022 | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Biden announced an historic action to cancel student debt for tens of millions of Americans. Today’s action will provide up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to people with student debt who used a Pell Grant to pay for college and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation for all other borrowers, so long as borrowers earn less than $125,000 per individual or $250,000 per household. More information about this historic announcement is available here.