December 14, 2022 - The Washington Post reported on WTU's approval of the tentative contract agreement with DCPS. They covered the fact that the new agreement will secure raises and other benefits for 5,500 public school teachers. The group reached a tentative agreement with the city in late November, which came after more than three years without a labor contract. Members voted on the measure Tuesday night and overwhelmingly supported it — 3,445 members approved and 29 teachers opposed, according to union officials.
AM Brew - January 30, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 30, 2023
IN MEMORIAM
Pamela Wilson – Luke C Moore
Juanita Radden – Hart Middle School
The WTU would like to express our condolences to the families of Pamela Wilson and Juanita Radden as well as to the Luck C Moore and Hart Middle School communities.
February is Black History Month
Celebrate African American heritage, tradition, and achievement & inspire young learners as we honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. The WTU endorsed the 2023 Black Lives Matter Week of Action. More details on specific WTU events will be sent in the coming days.
Save the Date – Feb 6 – 8 - BLM at School Week of Action
Update on the status of the CBA
Mayor Bowser has sent the CBA to the City Council, urging ‘prompt and favorable consideration of this legislation.’
On Wednesday, February 1, the Council will hold a Public Roundtable on PR25-0063 – The “Compensation and Working Conditions Agreement 23 between the District of Columbia Public Schools and the Washington Teachers’ Union, 24 Local #6 of the American Federation of Teachers.” WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons will be speaking.
Under DC law, the Council has 30 days from when they received the legislation to act. We have every confidence that the Council will continue to follow the process and will act expeditiously to approve the contract.
DCPS in the news
Secretary Miguel Cardona - Turner Elementary School Visit - Washington DC | Flickr
Karon Blake’s family remembers teen as ‘loving, caring, respectful’ - The Washington Post
D.C.’s ‘Safe Passage’ aims to make school commutes safer. Some say it doesn't. - The Washington Post
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in ULI.
Here are some highlights:
- DCPS budgets will be released soon. Please review your current budget https://DCPSbudget.com, meet with your LSAT so your school is prepared when the budgets are released. Contact Sharona Robinson with any questions about your LSAT, including involving parents and community [email protected]. Please contact Quibilah Huddleston to share your FY24 budget priorities ([email protected]).
- DCPS has CATs – community action teams. Contact the CAT for your school for support Community Action Team | dcps
- If you are being investigated by DCPS please contact your field rep or the WTU before you make any statements.
- The CBA allows for a Student Behavior Management Team and Morning Block Team. Please make sure your school has active SMB and MB Teams. We heard from one school that uses restorative justice to manage student behavior. The WTU won a grievance at a school where the principal was forcing teachers to have ‘morning duty.’ Reach out to your field rep if you have any questions.
AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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January 2023 - Professional Development Opportunities
Science of Reading – New Course for DC Educators (reminder)
TNTP in partnership with the OSSE has developed a 25-hour asynchronous course to support the development of pre-K through grade 3 educators. This course, designed by educators for educators, offers an equity lens when looking at the science of teaching reading, and outlines the principles of the science of reading and how these principles can be applied in the classroom. In addition to making research around reading acquisition immediately applicable, the course also includes instructional tips educators can use within early literacy instruction to ensure the success of ALL students. School leaders, there is support for you, too. This course will enhance your capacity to support literacy instruction.
Apply to participate in the course here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.
For questions, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].
Science of Reading Network for Instructional Leadership Teams at DC Schools (reminder)
In conjunction with the Science of Reading course above, OSSE is pleased to announce a new support opportunity for instructional leadership teams. To realize the potential of the course content and create a lasting impact, TNTP will partner with OSSE to select schools to receive a suite of individual and collaborative supports for school leaders on the Science of Reading. The support will include building leader and educator knowledge to diagnose the current instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading, unearth the systems and policies that are contributing to the current state and plan to refine academic strategies (vision and feedback, curriculum, assessment, intervention, etc.) in support of instructional practices aligned to the Science of Reading. Leaders receiving implementation support will have the opportunity to participate in network convenings and individual walkthroughs and strategy meetings with TNTP, in addition to taking the asynchronous course alongside a portion of their teachers.
Apply for implementation support here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.
For more information, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].
Teacher Wellness, Emotional Health and Self Care
OSSE is pleased to announce a new professional learning for teachers and school staff who need an emotional charge. This session is designed to offer proven strategies to help alleviate stress and anxiety, mental burnout, compassion fatigue and to preserve emotional health for the long haul. Participants will reflect on the ways in which personal triggers, pain points and conflict resolution impact instructional practices. Instructional coaches, classroom teachers and specialists are strongly encouraged to participate.
Audience: Grade K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, program specialists and teacher leaders.
This training will take place virtually on Monday, Jan. 23, from 4–6 p.m. Register here.
Participants will receive two PLUs for full participation. For questions, please contact Marcus Hughes at [email protected].
Dyslexia Awareness Module
OSSE is pleased to announce a new three-part dyslexia awareness module that will focus on the characteristics and identification of dyslexia; understanding and recognizing reading difficulties; and implementation of instruction that is systemic, cumulative, explicit, diagnostic, multi-sensory and evidence-based to meet the educational needs of students with reading difficulties as required by DC Code §§ 38-2581.02 and 38-2581.03.
This interactive course is ideal for all educators serving kindergarten through grade 12 who lead and support literacy instruction and language development.
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Learn how to define dyslexia and reading difficulties.
- Gain awareness about characteristics and indicators of dyslexia and reading difficulties.
- Learn the importance of universal screening tools.
- Learn the components of Structured Literacy and evidence-based practices for supporting students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
Participants can earn up to 16 professional learning units (PLUs) for completion of all three modules. Please register here. For questions, please contact Charmelle Smith, dyslexia specialist, at [email protected].
WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
WIDA offers free virtual Professional Learning for all educators that can be completed at your own pace. Take advantage of interactive learning and enjoy relevant, practical content you can put into action immediately. These eight on-demand eWorkshops will be available through Aug. 31:
- Home Languages in the Classroom
- Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena
- Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers
- Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics
- Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry
- The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach
- Making Language Visible in the Classroom: Explore the Key Language Uses
- Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners (LTELs)
To start, log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account and click on the “Professional Learning” icon. For support or to set up a new account contact the WIDA Client Services Center at [email protected] or 1-866-276-7735.
Read moreUS Secretary Visits DC School Awarded Grant
News4’s Juliana Valencia reported on U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona's visit to Turner Elementary School, a recipient of the Full-Service Community Schools grant program.
Watch the full news story here.
AM Brew - January 23, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 23, 2023
Wishing you a good year, good health and good memories for the new year!
Last month the WTU membership overwhelming voted to ratify a new contract. We continue to monitor the progress of the contract through the ratification process and wait for the Mayor to forward the contract to the Council for approval. The mayor has 60 days to put the contract before the city council and the council has another 30 days to vote on the contract. While the process is not moving as quickly as we’d like, it is moving according to the legal timelines.
We have every confidence contract will be approved and we expect to you to see pay increases within 30 days after the contract is approved by the council. We will share any new information as it becomes available.
US Secretary of Education Visits DC School Awarded Grant
Teacher Certification and Licensing
DCPS is the hiring agency. OSSE is the licensing agency. Please check to ensure your license is up to date and if it is expiring. Contact your Field Representative if you have any questions about your license or license renewal.
WTU Surveys
Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.
Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.
Please complete this form to report facility concerns
AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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DC elementary students celebrate 19-years of reading 'I Have a Dream' MLK speech
Washington, D.C. (7News) — Watkins Elementary School students marked a 19-year-old tradition on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Friday afternoon to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The students recited MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech at the very spot where he stood in 1963.
Read the full story here.
AM Brew - January 17, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Update on the status of the CBA
Last month the membership overwhelming voted to ratify the contract. The Mayor has 60 days to put the contract before the City Council. The Council has 30 days to act on the contract. Although the process is not moving as quickly as we’d like, it is moving according to the legal timelines. We have every confidence that the mayor and council will continue to follow the process. We will share any new information when we have it.
Teacher Certification and Licensing
DCPS is the hiring agency. OSSE is the licensing agency. Please check to ensure your license is up to date and if it is expiring. Contact your Field Representative if you have any questions about your license or license renewal.
WTU Surveys
Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.
Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.
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.
DCPS in the news
DC elementary students celebrate 19-years of reading 'I Have a Dream' MLK speech
Vigil for Karon Blake
AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - January 9, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 9, 2023
Contract Update
Last month the WTU membership overwhelming voted to ratify a new contract. We continue to monitor the progress of the contract through the ratification process and have been in contact with both the Office of the Mayor and City Council Offices. The Mayor has 60 days to put the contract before the City Council and the Council has another 30 days to vote on the contract. While the approval has not moved as quickly as we’d like, it is moving according to the legal timelines.
We have every confidence contract will be approved and we expect you to see pay increases within 30 days after the contract is approved by the Council. We will share any new information as it becomes available.
Representative Assembly Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 10 @ 4:30
All members are encouraged to join.
Via Zoom. Passcode: 572801
Please check the Upcoming Events section below for additional upcoming meetings where your support and participation are requested.
Teacher Certification and Licensing
DCPS is the hiring agency. OSSE is the licensing agency. Please check to ensure your license is up to date and if it is expiring. Contact your Field Representative if you have any questions about your license or license renewal.
WTU Surveys
Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.
Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.
New Community Service Graduation Requirement
For the past three years, to accommodate for the impacts of the pandemic, DC Council has waived the requirement that high school students complete 100 hours of community service to graduate. This year, OSSE is promulgating regulations to stagger the reimposition of the community service requirement over four years. In addition, the regulation will permanently reduce the hours requirement for transfer students new to the District. Find a complete summary of the changes to the graduation requirements here.
For students graduating in the 2022-23 school year, the key requirements are:
- Students must have 12 hours of community service to graduate
- Graduating seniors who transferred into a District public or public charter school from a non-DCPS or DC public charter school this year are exempted from the 12-hour graduation requirement
For questions, please reach out to Andrew Gall at [email protected].
OSSE Looking for Feedback on Newly Revised Social Studies Standards by Jan. 30, 2023
OSSE is seeking public comment on the draft of the revised Social Studies State Standards. On Dec. 16, 2022, OSSE published the revised draft of Social Studies Standards, and is accepting public comment on the draft up through Monday, Jan. 30. View the revised standards here. For more information about the standards revision process and timeline, and to provide comments and input on the new standards draft, please visit the OSSE Social Studies website. For questions, please contact the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at [email protected].
AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - January 3, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 3, 2023
Happy New Year! We hope that you enjoyed Winter Break and are rested and ready to return to the classroom. Please ensure you've submitted your Test to Return documentation. If you have any concerns, please contact your Field Representative.
WTU Approves Contract Proposal
The contract is still waiting Council approval. The WTU is working to gather information on the approval process and will provide additional updates on when provisions in the contract will take effect in the coming days.
Rep Assembly meeting, Tuesday Jan 10 th @ 4:30
All members may attend, but only building reps and delegates may participate and vote.
K-2 Survey
Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - December 19, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, December 19, 2022
Happy Holidays! The WTU team and I would like to wish you a safe and healthy holiday. We hope that you are able to celebrate the Holidays and New Year with your loved ones.
After the Union’s affirmative vote on the Contract last week, the administration will send the contract to the Council for approval, which we expect to occur rapidly. We are working to learn more about when provisions within the contract, including pay increases, will be implemented.
Many thanks to those who attended WTU’s Go-Go for Education Holiday Celebration on Friday! It was a joy to see so many smiling faces! Check out the WTU’s website, Instagram, and Twitter pages to see additional celebration photos and videos.
I hope that you are able to rest and recharge over the Winter Break. Please remember that DCPS has a ‘test to return' policy in place for January.
Happy Holidays!
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
Washington Teachers’ Union
*Note: The WTU will have a holiday staff celebration on Thursday, December 22nd and the office will close at 12:00pm. The WTU Office will be closed on Friday, December 23rd, Monday, December 26st and Monday, January 2nd. There will not be an AM Brew the week of Dec 26 as WTU staff celebrates the Holidays.
WTU Approves Contract Proposal
Washington Post - D.C. teachers union approves labor contract, securing raises
WTOP - DC teachers’ union ratifies new contract with overwhelming support
The contract will go to the Council for approval. The WTU will provide additional updates on when provisions in the contract will take effect when available.
International Teachers
DCPS Attorney Nicole Dillard wishes to meet with all teachers who are currently employed by DCPS on a non-immigrant visa, to include F-1, H-1B, & J-1 educators. Attorney Dillard will share important process and timelines information. Opportunity will be provided for discussion of questions. WTU President Pogue Lyons will be in attendance.
December 20, 2022, 4 – 5 pm
Meeting ID: 939 669 4583; Passcode: 148566; Dial: 305-224-1968
Let the SBOE hear your teacher voice on mayoral control
The State Board of Education started a governance committee two years ago and has finally produced a list of recommendations. They met as a committee on Monday and the full State Board will debate them and vote on Dec 21st at their public meeting! Here is what was discussed and how they voted on here. Take a look.
Please sign up to testify at the Dec 21st SBOE public meeting. The meetings are now in person and typically public comment/ testimony begins around 7 pm at the Judiciary Square Marion Barry Building.
AFT TEACH workshop proposal due by Jan. 17
TEACH 2023 is all about supporting educators and focusing on what kids need for successful futures. Priority areas for the workshops include:
- Instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students;
- Teaching subject-area content;
- Student and educator safety and well-being; and
- Collaborating and working with colleagues, families and communities to make sure kids feel safe and welcome in their public schools and have access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
For the full list of priority areas and topics, view the Workshop Proposal Guidelines
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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DC teachers’ union ratifies new contract with overwhelming support
December 14th, 2022 - WTOP News reported on the overwhelming approval of the new contract by union members by a vote of 3,445 to 29. They highlight the new 12% retroactive raise for the past three years, when teachers worked under an expired contract, and for the current school year, plus a 4% retention bonus for every teacher.
Highlights from the contract lists nine items Union members will receive:
- Salary increases are 2%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4% for each year, respectively, starting in 2019, totaling 12%, plus interest and an additional 4% “signing” bonus for every teacher.
- Administrative premium, for overtime, increases 50% to $60 an hour.
- Starting salary goes from $56,313 to just over $63,373. The top salary (for teachers with more than 21 years of service and at least a master’s degree) goes from $116,408 to around $131,000.
- Beginning teachers will receive a $7,060 increase, and teachers at the top salary step will receive a $14,595 boost.
To learn more, read the Full story here.
D.C. teachers union approves labor contract, securing raises The agreement includes raises, stipends and more planning time for teachers
ShareAM Brew - December 12, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, December 12, 2022
Tuesday, December 13th is the last day to vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement.
There is a recording of the two Town Hall sessions from last week available here: Members Only Minutes
On Dec. 5th, all WTU members received an email to their DCPS email account from TrueBallot, Inc. We realize that some of these emails landed in DCPS' spam, archive or other folders. If you have not received a ballot via your DCPS email from [email protected], please do the following:
- Please check your DCPS emailand DCPS junk or archive mail folders. The sender of this email is [email protected] which your computer may classify as suspicious and send to a different file folder instead of your inbox.
- Please search for the email by typing [email protected] and "WTU Contract Ratification" into the Search box of your email account.
- Check to ensure you are a WTU dues-paying member. Only due-paying members will receive the Contract Voting package. To make sure you are a member, please check your paystub to make sure DCPS classified you as a WTU-Dues paying member. If you are not a member, you can join the WTU if you enroll by Noon on December 13th. Contact Carlton Nettles to ensure your membership paperwork is expedited.
- After completing these steps, please contact Carlton Nettles - [email protected] – if you have not received your ballot. In rare cases, you may need to call OCTO and see if your email is blocking [email protected] as a last resort.
Please note when you receive your ballot email, you must click on the voting link to see all the documents in the contract voting package. The documents contained in the ballot are also posted on the WTU members-only website under Meeting Minutes. Recordings of all Ballot Town Meeting are posted there as well. Security is provided through the use of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), which were sent in the ballot email to all WTU dues-paying members. Regardless of how many ballot emails you receive, only one response will be logged into the system.
WTU Membership Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 04:30 PM
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We Look forward to Seeing you on Friday!
WTU’s GO-GO for Education Celebration!
When: Friday, December 16th
Time: 7-11PM
We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you!
AFT TEACH workshop proposal due by Jan. 17
TEACH 2023 is all about supporting educators and focusing on what kids need for successful futures. Priority areas for the workshops include:
- Instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students;
- Teaching subject-area content;
- Student and educator safety and well-being; and
- Collaborating and working with colleagues, families and communities to make sure kids feel safe and welcome in their public schools and have access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
For the full list of priority areas and topics, view the Workshop Proposal Guidelines
TEACHER DISCOUNT available for Eddie B. Teachers Only Comedy Tour
Saturday, December 17, 2022 (7pm Doors)
Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Use code THANKYOU on purchase page to receive 25% off tickets here:
https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/eddie-b-teachers-only-comedy-tour
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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