Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Spring 2022 PD Trainer Search!!!

Here is the APPLICATION to join our team of highly engaging and knowledgeable PD Trainers.

Find out more information about this amazing opportunity at the Spring 2022 WTU Trainer Recruitment Information Session, which will be held virtually April 7, 2022 @ 6:30pm-7:15pm. Please register HERE today!!!!

• Application Deadline: 4/30 @ 11:59pm
• There will be opportunities to interview with a panel between 5/1 and 5/13/2022
• Accepted Applicants will be notified by 5/20/2022.

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Hispanic Culture & Spanish Language II (starts 4/23)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Donors Choose Information Session (TODAY April 4 @ 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)

Register HERE to attend a Donors Choose Information Session with Donors Choose Ambassador & DCPS Teacher Claire Battle who has gotten 87 projects funded!!!

SAVE THE DATE: 2022 WTU Teacher Leader Virtual Research Symposium (Sat., May 14 @ 9am-2pm)

Register HERE for an amazing lineup of research presentations on topics ranging from mental health to diversity in the curriculum to the certification/licensure process.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 28, 2022

Social Work Month 2022 -- The Time is Right for Social Work.

For almost 60 years, Social Work Month has helped increase awareness around the profession and champion the cause of social workers. By shining a light on social work, the month long celebration creates an opportunity to improve the lives of social workers and the communities they support in several ways.

DC Early EdX

DC Early EdX, held during the D.C. Month of the Young Child, is a virtual event designed by educators for educators. Take the day to decompress, connect with and learn from your peers, raise your voice, and celebrate the important role you play for children, families, and the entire community. DC Early EdX 2022 is free to all participants. Download the flyer here. Register today at dcearlyedx.org!

FMLA

If you are waiting to hear back from DCPS about your FMLA request, email your Field Representative and include the date you applied for FMLA.

Laptops

If you have not received a laptop or your laptop is more than 3 years old, please complete this form.  WTU Laptop Survey

Shoutout to KC Boyd – 2022 School Librarian of the Year

Read more: https://www.slj.com/story/ace-advocate-kc-boyd-is-2022-school-librarian-of-the-year

Teacher Leader Surveys

Please support our Teacher Leaders by completing these surveys.

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckP_Otg_Fj1KIV1gTGoBcsb-U7wicXj5UIqTaMqzPXrwlnfQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SELinDCPS4real
• https://forms.office.com/r/VR4n2G4zNU
  
  

ELECTION NEWS

The Washington Teachers’ Union will soon be conducting internal elections for several positions in accordance with the WTU Constitution and By-Laws.

The WTU Elections Website has been updated to include a document detailing the collection process for nomination petitions. Please click here to access this document as well as the Elections Packet (Cover letter, Election Notice and Nominating Petitions). Content may also be accessed through the main WTU Website. As the Elections Committee receives questions from members about the nomination and election processes we will continue to update the elections FAQ.

If you have any questions or concerns for the WTU Elections Committee please email [email protected] or leave a message by calling 2025053309. 

COVID CORNER

Please continue to report COVID related issues to the situation room - http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings
And any testing or reporting issues to OSSE (OSSE Online Complaint Form (dc.gov).

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

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Hispanic Culture & Spanish Language II (starts 4/23)
• Social and Emotional Learning (starts 4/2)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2-part series 4/2 and 4/9)
• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Donors Choose Information Session (April 4 @ 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)

Register HERE to attend a Donors Choose Information Session with Donors Choose Ambassador & DCPS Teacher Claire Battle who has gotten 87 projects funded!!!

SAVE THE DATE: 2022 WTU Teacher Leader Virtual Research Symposium (Sat., May 14 @ 9am-2pm)

Register HERE for an amazing lineup of research presentation on topics ranging from mental health to diversity in the curriculum to the certification/licensure process.

Wellness Series with Aetna (all sessions are virtual @ 7:00pm-8:00pm)

Each session below is a one-hour “gift of self care” with unique perspectives and tools. Participants will find value in attending one, a few, or all the sessions to support yourself in creating a robust practice of Self Care.

Use this link to register for all or some of the four sessions:

https://artofliving.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkf-mgrD0qEtfZQOKQy_UwiRpBfShnBeLC

• April 6^th Supporting Your Mental Health and Preventing Burnout
• May 4^th Making the Impossible, Possible - Setting and Achieving Your Goals
• June 8^th Courageous Conversations: Healing Conversations about Systemic Racism

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 21, 2022

April 9^th 10-3 - Reading Opens the World Book Palooza & Community Fair

Interested in volunteering? Help sort books April 5-9 and take your books then! To volunteer, sign up at https://bit.ly/3GQrEIf

Download the flyer to learn more.

Highlights from 2022 Shared Vision

Rethinking Children’s Anger: Understanding, Embracing and Retooling Your Interpretation - Google Slides

The Real Supply (Retention) Chain Crisis

Teacher Leader Surveys

Please support our Teacher Leaders by completing these surveys.

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckP_Otg_Fj1KIV1gTGoBcsb-U7wicXj5UIqTaMqzPXrwlnfQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SELinDCPS4real
• https://forms.office.com/r/VR4n2G4zNU

ELECTION NEWS

The Washington Teachers’ Union will soon be conducting internal elections for several positions in accordance with the WTU Constitution and By-Laws.

1. The WTU Elections Website has been updated to include a document detailing the collection process for nomination petitions. Please click here to access this document as well as the Elections Packet (Cover letter, Election Notice and Nominating Petitions). Content may also be accessed through the main WTU Website. 
2. As the Elections Committee receives questions from members about the nomination and election processes we will continue to update the elections FAQ.
3. A text was sent to membership on Wednesday March 16, 2022 informing of the Open Elections Window. If you did not receive a text please ensure your personal information is correct by emailing Ms. Valerie Kilby at [email protected] or calling 202-517-0728. 

Notice for Aspiring WTU Presidential Candidates!

If you plan on running for President of the Washington Teachers’ Union, along with your nomination petition(s) please submit the following to the WTU Elections Committee by 5pm Friday April 29, 2022, via emailing [email protected].

• A professional profile photo (headshot)
• An official statement not to exceed 150 words that speaks to your professional training teaching experience, union service and a statement of policies you intend to pursue.
  
  *Please be advised that photos and statements may be returned for resubmission if they do not meet with the above-mentioned guidelines. 

If you have any questions or concerns for the WTU Elections Committee please email [email protected] or leave a message by calling 202-505-3309. 

COVID CORNER

February Air Quality report

February-2022—DGS-IAQ-Monthly-Report.pdf (netdna-ssl.com)

Please continue to report COVID related issues to the situation room - http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings
And any testing or reporting issues to OSSE (OSSE Online Complaint Form (dc.gov).

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

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

Share My Lesson’s Virtual Conference Starts TODAY!

With nearly 50 free, for-credit webinars from trusted partners and education professionals, you’ll find engaging sessions that will help you feel re-energized, professionally supported, and set up for success with your students.

The 2022 Virtual Conference offers innovative sessions at no cost to participants—and you still get professional development credit! So, if you aren’t excited yet, check out these tips to ensure you get the most out of your sessions this year.

Choose Your Sessions

• Share With Your School Team
• Make Sure the Bottom Toolbar is Visible
• Utilize the Group Chat Box
• Ask Questions in the Q&A Widget
• Do Your Technology Check
• Answer the Poll Questions So You Don’t Miss Out on PD Credit
• Rate Your Experience
• Keep the Conversation Going

Register for All Sessions Now

Shout out to WTU PD Instructors!

Tina Bradshaw-Smith, Joy Newman, Eulyn Thomas, and Nadia Torney offered amazing, engaging PD sessions on the DCPS PD Day on 3/11 to approximately 350 DCPS educators. Thank you to our instructors and all our members who participated in their sessions.

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Social and Emotional Learning (starts 4/2)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Game Factor (next session TODAY 3/26)
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2-part series 4/2 and 4/9)
• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Reclaiming Assessments (new start date: starts 3/19)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts (starts 3/19)

Free WTU PD Workshop:

• Flagway Math League (next session TODAY 3/14)
• Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Donors Choose Information Session (April 4 @ 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)

Register HERE to attend a Donors Choose Information Session with Donors Choose Ambassador & DCPS Teacher Claire Battle who has gotten 87 projects funded!!!

Ignite My Future Spring Global Innovations Project

This spring our Global Innovations Project will focus on Green Infrastructure using the Ignite My Future lesson Resilient Cities as a basis for the project. Students will use computational thinking to design solutions to enhance their communities leveraging green infrastructure. Please reach out if you have any questions. More details and info session meeting links will be shared with teachers that register for the project.

• (Optional) Info session - March 16^th
• Kickoff Meeting for Teachers- March 22^nd
• If you're interested in joining us for this project please register here

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 14, 2022

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2022 Shared Vision Conference!

ELECTION NEWS

The Washington Teachers’ Union will soon be conducting internal elections for several positions in accordance with the WTU Constitution and By-Laws.

Click here to view the election notice and obtain nominating petitions.

Sick & Maternity Leave Banks

ICYMI - DCPS failed to withdraw and allocated leave donated to the Sick and Maternity Leave Banks over the past two years. Adjustments were made to your leave balances, a benefit the WTU has negotiated to help members during an illness or having a baby, in your last paycheck. We will continue to monitor the situation and work to ensure that leave was properly deducted. We will update you as the WTU receives further information from DCPS. If you have any questions, please contact your field representative.

COVID CORNER

Starting Wednesday, March 16 -- and consistent with the latest health guidance and the current low levels in DC -- masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors in DC Public Schools, DCPS offices, and on OSSE-DOT transportation.

The WTU is continuing to push DCPS to:

• Increase the vaccination rate of all students;
• Continue tracking school and community transmission rates and be ready to pivot back to masks if cases go up especially where vaccination rates are low in accordance with the CDC’s latest guidelines.
• Put protocols in place to ensure students are not shamed for wearing or not wearing masks.

The city also remains obligated to continue to adhere to the protocols and procedures outlined in our MOAs, including COVID testing, monitoring HVAC systems in schools, cleaning protocols, and timely reporting of cases in school communities. We will ensure they meet their obligations to you and our students.

We encourage you to contact your Field Representatives if you have any questions.

Report COVID- related issues

Please continue to report COVID related issues to the situation room - http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings
And any testing or reporting issues to OSSE (OSSE Online Complaint Form (dc.gov).

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 7, 2022

REGISTER NOW - 2022 Shared Vision – Saturday March 12th

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Reclaiming Assessments (new start date: starts 3/19)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts (starts 3/19)

Free WTU PD Workshop:

• Flagway Math League (next session 3/14)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

DMV Black Educators Story Lounge

D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice and EmpowerEd are co-hosting a DMV Black Educators Story Lounge on Thursday, March 10th from 6pm - 8pm at Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar (3630 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010)! Register to attend and D.C. area Black educators, sign up to tell your story.

The Center for Inspired Teaching March Institute, “What Else Might Be Possible?”

Over the course of this FREE program, participants will learn techniques to balance achieving students’ academic goals with nurturing their inquiry, imagination, and integrity. Along with renewed motivation, participants will leave the Institute with four student-led projects ready for implementation in their classroom.

We’re offering three sessions of “What Else Might Be Possible?”:

• Wednesday, Mar. 9 at 4 PM (ONLINE)
• Wednesday, Mar. 9 at 7 PM (ONLINE)
• Saturday, Mar. 12 at 10 AM (IN PERSON | NATIONAL ARBORETUM)

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

Discovery Education: Read Across America Day

Discovery Education will be hosting a Virtual Read Aloud event on March 2, 2022 featuring Alice Walker and her book, Sweet People Are Everywhere. Registration is OPEN! Please share with your colleagues, we can’t wait!  https://www.discoveryeducation.com/learn/read-across-america/

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• English Language Learners 101 (starts 3/5)
• Instructional Strategies (starts 3/5)
• Reading Comprehension (starts 3/5)
• Reclaiming Assessments (starts 3/5)

FREE WTU Workshops starting soon:

• IMPACT PD Workshop on EP’s 3-5 (3/5)
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2 parts: 3/5 and 3/12)
• Flagway Math League (next session 3/7)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Ignite My Future Spring Global Innovations Project

This spring our Global Innovations Project will focus on Green Infrastructure using the Ignite My Future lesson Resilient Cities as a basis for the project. Students will use computational thinking to design solutions to enhance their communities leveraging green infrastructure. Please reach out if you have any questions. More details and info session meeting links will be shared with teachers that register for the project.

• (Optional) Info sessions - March 10^th and March 16^th
• Kickoff Meeting for Teachers- March 22^nd
• If you're interested in joining us for this project please register here

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 28, 2022

Welcome Back!  We hope you enjoyed your mid-winter break. As a reminder, both you and your students must submit evidence of a negative COVID test prior to returning to your classrooms. If you have any questions, please contact your Field Representative.

Join us for 2022 Shared Vision.  March 12, 2022

For more information, click here.

Register for Shared Vision Here.

Wellness Series with Aetna

Each session below is a one-hour “gift of self-care” with unique perspectives and tools. Participants will find value in attending one, a few, or all the sessions to support themselves in creating a robust practice of Self Care. Starts Wed. 2/2; all sessions @ 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Each session includes different sets of:

• Powerful physiological tools of the breath that can be incorporated into one’s day to instantly reduce tension.
• Guided relaxation for deep restoration and quieting of the thoughts in the mind.
• Cognitive tools for navigating thoughts and emotions as they arise.

Use this link to register for all or some of the upcoming sessions: https://artofliving.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkf-mgrD0qEtfZQOKQy_UwiRpBfShnBeLC

• March 2^nd - Energy and Breath: Powerful Tools to Increase Your Resilience
• April 6^th Supporting Your Mental Health and Preventing Burnout
• May 4^{th -} Making the Impossible, Possible - Setting and Achieving Your Goals
• June 8^{th -} Courageous Conversations: Healing Conversations about Systemic Racism

Retroactive Personal Pandemic Leave

As you know, in accordance with the DCHR communication sent on January 19, all employees who must isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test are eligible to use up to 80 hours of Personal Pandemic Leave. More details on DCPS’s Personal Pandemic Leave policy can be found in the attached guidance.

To qualify for the use of Personal Pandemic Leave, an employee must: 

• Supply proof that they have tested positive for COVID-19 (e.g., a positive test result from a healthcare provider or an at-home test);
• Be unable to work or telework due to COVID-19;
• Need leave because the employee must isolate under DC Health’s or the employee’s local health department’s guidelines; and
• Have made a request and been approved for Personal Pandemic Leave.

 Questions regarding this guidance should be directed to the Time and Labor team at [email protected].

COVID CORNER

Please continue to report COVID related issues to the situation room - http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings
And any testing or reporting issues to OSSE (OSSE Online Complaint Form (dc.gov).

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

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• English Language Learners 101 (starts 3/5)
• Instructional Strategies (starts 3/5)
• Reading Comprehension (starts 3/5)
• Reclaiming Assessments (starts 3/5)

FREE WTU Workshops starting soon:

• IMPACT PD Workshop on EP’s 3-5 (3/5)
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2 parts: 3/5 and 3/12)
• Flagway Math League (next session 3/7)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Read about AFT National trainer & WTU Teacher Leader Donald Thompson Jr.'s MindPrint action research project Case Study: Teacher Engagement for Formative Assessment

Click here: https://mindprintlearning.com/case-studies/teacher-engagement

Wellness Series with Aetna (all sessions are virtual @ 7:00pm-8:00pm)

Each session below is a one-hour “gift of self-care” with unique perspectives and tools. Participants will find value in attending one, a few, or all the sessions to support yourself in creating a robust practice of Self Care. Use this link to register for all or some of the four sessions: https://artofliving.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkf-mgrD0qEtfZQOKQy_UwiRpBfShnBeLC

• March 2 ^- Energy and Breath: Powerful Tools to Increase Your Resilience
• April 6 - Supporting Your Mental Health and Preventing Burnout
• May 4 - Making the Impossible, Possible - Setting and Achieving Your Goals
• June 8 - Courageous Conversations: Healing Conversations about Systemic Racism