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A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and humility for the privilege of representing the incredible DCPS teachers. You are the best and brightest educators in the world, shaping the future right here in our nation’s capital.

This year has not been without its challenges, but it has also been filled with remarkable progress. Our 29-member bargaining team worked tirelessly throughout the year—and even through the summer—advocating for you. They listened closely to your concerns about improving working conditions and turned those concerns into action. Together, we secured significant provisions that honor and respect educators.

Your participation and advocacy made all the difference. WTU members joined contract actions, advocated before the DC City Council and DC State Board of Education, marched with passion, and garnered support from other local unions and community members. Your dedication demonstrated the collective power of our union and ensured our voices were heard. And I am pleased to say our Collective Bargaining Agreement is now under DC City Council review (PR25-1095) and will be deemed approved on January 15^th, 2024.

Beyond contract negotiations, this year was filled with many memorable events and accomplishments. From the New Educator Orientation to banned book distributions, the Union Leadership Institute, Shared Vision, professional development courses, Teacher Appreciation festivities, and last Friday’s Holiday Party—we have strengthened our union and built a community of solidarity. You also stood in solidarity with other unions, supporting their efforts to secure better working conditions and policies for their families.

Our celebration at Hotel Zena last Friday brought me so much joy! Seeing so many of you enjoying the festivities—whether eating, playing pool, creating artwork on the lightboard, listening to the live jazz band, or dancing the night away—was the perfect way to close out 2024. Thank you to everyone who joined us on that chilly night for an event so warm and lively! We’re thrilled we could accommodate everyone from the waitlist and celebrate together!

As 2024 comes to a close, I remain deeply honored and humbled to represent this incredible group of educators. Thank you for your hard work, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the students and families of DC. I look forward to continuing this important work with all of you in the year ahead.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright, successful New Year!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

WTU’s 2024 Video Highlights & Photos by Month

Take a moment to explore the photos and videos highlighting memorable moments from 2024! Visit WTU’s website to find a monthly gallery of images. Click to reveal the photo hidden below. Enjoy!

Photo Caption: WTU staff and leadership visit schools to help members better understand the details of the contract.

A Message from WTU’s President

WTU President Pogue Lyons joined Delta Kappa Gamma to celebrate 89 years of Excellence in Education at their festive holiday party.

Good morning WTU Family,

As a proud member of the Washington Teachers’ Union, you have a meaningful opportunity to support fellow union members and their families through the Community Services Agency (CSA). This nonprofit organization provides critical assistance for emergencies like evictions, utility shut-offs, or food insecurity.

Each year, CSA helps hundreds of workers and families, brightening the holidays for over 50 families through their Holiday Family Support Project. They also offer job training and career development programs to empower workers with family-sustaining wages.

Join in making a difference by donating through a simple payroll deduction or directly online. Every contribution strengthens our union community and brings hope to those in need. Visit communityservicesagency.org/donate to learn more or to give today! Together, we can uplift and support one another. We will give you more information on how you can participate at WTU’s Membership Meeting tomorrow.

DC’s Chief Financial Officer Lee has completed the final review of the WTU’s Tentative Contract Bargaining Agreement. The contract is now with the DC City Council for a vote and approval. We’ll keep you updated on the voting timeline and process. WTU is optimistic that the contract will be approved before the end of the year! Stay tuned for more updates!

Thank you for your incredible enthusiasm for WTU’s Holiday Party! Our party, this coming Friday, promises to be a festive and memorable event for everyone. It's a perfect opportunity for us all to come together, celebrate the year's achievements and look forward to the new year with enthusiasm! Due to overwhelming demand, the event is currently sold out! We are so grateful for the support and excitement from you - our amazing members.

Already Registered but Can’t Make It?

If you’ve already reserved your spot but realize you can’t attend, please log in to your confirmation email and cancel your reservation. This will allow another member to join in the festivities.

Haven’t Registered Yet? Join the Waiting List!

We’ve opened a waiting list for those who want to be notified if spots become available. Joining the list ensures you’ll be among the first to know if tickets open!

How to Join the Waiting List:

• Click here to sign up.
• If a spot becomes available, we’ll contact you immediately.

We truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at this or another exciting event soon. Thank you for being an essential part of the WTU community!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

Welcome back from what I hope was a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving break! If you didn’t have a chance to RSVP for our holiday party, please take a moment to RSVP here so we may plan appropriately. The party will be held on Friday, December 13 from 4:30PM-8:30PM at Hotel Zena. (Please Note: Change in Date) Remember, the password to log in to WTU’s Members-Only website is WTU4u.

Our tentative WTU/DCPS Contract Bargaining Agreement has been reviewed by the Attorney General and the City Administrator. We are waiting for final review and approval by the City Financial Officer. We are hopeful that it should be completed by mid-week. As always, we will continue to keep you in the loop regarding next steps. 

Teachers are also welcome to offer live or pre-recorded testimony before the DC City Council on Academic Achievement in the District of Columbia. Please click here to register to testify (either in-person or virtually) at 1 PM on Wednesday, December 4. If you need help in preparing your testimony, please reach out to WTU’s organizer Mike Roland, [email protected] for assistance.

I wish you a peaceful week as we prepare to enjoy the upcoming holiday season. I know it is challenging but please remember to take time out for self-care. You deserve it!

Thank you, as always, for your support!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Related Teacher Provider Concerns & WTU’s Response

In earlier communications this week, we heard and responded to related service providers’ concerns about DCPS’ new requirement to register with D.C. Medicaid and complete the ORP Attestation form supplied by DCPS. We believe this request violates our contract as it is imposed without bargaining with the Union. We’ve sent DCPS a list of questions from providers and requested that DCPS collectively bargain with the Union about the requirement. We then filed a grievance and a demand for arbitration, alleging that DCPS’s actions violate the contract.

The arbitration case that WTU filed is currently pending. Unfortunately, it will likely take at least several months for the case to be resolved. In the meantime, we understand that DCPS has threated to discipline providers if they refuse to complete the registration and attestation forms. WTU believes that DCPS’s actions are unacceptable and that if DCPS were to discipline providers for refusing to comply with the requirement it would violate the contract. A disciplined provider could choose to file a grievance regarding such discipline. However, while WTU believes the new requirement is improper, there is a risk that an arbitrator will ultimately disagree with that view and uphold discipline issued to providers for refusing to comply with the requirement. For those reasons, providers should understand that there is a risk that they may be disciplined if you choose not to complete the registration. WTU will continue to take all legal actions available to challenge DCPS’s actions.

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

As we head into the holiday season, I want each one of you to know how grateful I am for your hard work, perseverance, and resilience this year. I’m proud to stand among professionals who have approached constant challenges and setbacks with passion and compassion. Step by step, we’ve pulled together to do what it takes to make our voices heard. Thank you for being loud and proud when needed to earn and ratify the contract we deserve. Thank you for showing the power of this Union through your participation in the entire election process this year. I pray you enjoy some rest on Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. You deserve it!

I hope to see many of you at WTU’s Annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 13^th from 4:30 PM-8:30 PM at Hotel Zena. (Please Note: Change in Date) To help us to plan appropriately, please take a moment to RSVP here. Remember, the password to log in to WTU’s Members-Only website is WTU4u.

In earlier communications this week, we heard and responded to related service providers’ concerns about DCPS’ new requirement to register with D.C. Medicaid and complete the ORP Attestation form supplied by DCPS. We believe this request violates our contract as it is imposed without bargaining with the Union. We’ve sent DCPS a list of questions from providers and requested that DCPS collectively bargain with the Union about the requirement. We then filed a grievance and a demand for arbitration, alleging that DCPS’s actions violate the contract.

The arbitration case that WTU filed is currently pending. Unfortunately, it will likely take at least several months for the case to be resolved. In the meantime, we understand that DCPS has threatened to discipline providers if they refuse to complete the registration and attestation forms. WTU believes that DCPS’s actions are unacceptable and that if DCPS were to discipline providers for refusing to comply with the requirement it would violate the contract. A disciplined provider could choose to file a grievance regarding such discipline. However, while WTU believes the new requirement is improper, there is a risk that an arbitrator will ultimately disagree with that view and uphold discipline issued to providers for refusing to comply with the requirement. For those reasons, providers should understand that there is a risk that they may be disciplined if you choose not to complete the registration. WTU will continue to take all legal actions available to challenge DCPS’s actions.

Please reach out with any questions. Again, I wish you all a restful and joyous Thanksgiving Day filled with friends and family and a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you, as always, for your support!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Photo shows WTU staff signing up our WTU Retirees for Membership, Dental, Vision and Legal Benefits on 11/13/24.

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful weekend. It’s hard to believe the start of Thanksgiving Break is just eight days away! Please consider giving testimony before the City Council for the Oversight Hearing on Special Education on Wednesday, November 20^th. The City Council really appreciates and respects testimony given by educators who work in the field every day. If you need talking points for this hearing, please reach out to WTU’s organizer Mike Roland at [email protected].

If your children are currently applying for college, please consider applying for the 2025 Scholarship for Union families. Union Plus Scholarships help union families with the cost of applying to college and has awarded more than $5 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. Award amounts vary between $500 to $4000 per student. Applicants can apply every year. The deadline to apply is Noon on Friday January 31, 2025. To learn more, please click here.

WTU’s leadership and staff continue to focus on our primary objective which is getting our contract fully approved through DC City Council prior to the start of the New Year. Right now, our tentative contract is under review by the Chief Financial Officer of the District of Columbia, the Office of the Attorney General as well the Office of the DC City Administrator. Once the review is completed, our tentative contract will be presented to the DC City Council. We will continue to keep you in the loop regarding our progress.

As we look to the days ahead, please mark your calendars for WTU’s fun and lively holiday party. This year, instead of an evening event, we are planning a more casual after-work soiree from 4:30-9PM on Thursday, December 12^th. Please save the date! The invitations will go out shortly. I look forward to seeing you at school visits!

Thank you, as always, for your support!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Let the Council hear your Teacher Voice! Register to testify at upcoming hearings

• Nov 20 @ 12:30 PM, Special Education Oversight, register here
• Nov 20 @ 6:00 PM, DCPS FY26 Budget Hearing, register here
• Nov 21 @ 10:30 AM, Oversight of Out of School Time Programs, register here
• Dec 4 @ 12:30 PM, Academic Achievement, register here

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

I hope everyone had a chance to rest and reflect during this Veterans Day weekend. Yesterday’s holiday offered us a chance to recognize our veterans especially those WTU members who have served and continue to serve this country. Thank you for your courage, strength, and dedication to keeping us safe.

Last week took a toll on many of us as we worked hard and hoped for a different election outcome. Please know the WTU is proud of the work you did to try to elect VP Kamala Harris and our other endorsed candidates! Despite a very tough loss, we were pleased to announce that the following endorsed candidates won: Robert White (At-Large, D.C. Council), Christina Henderson (At-Large, D.C. Council), Janeese Lewis George, (Ward 4, D.C. Council), Allister Chang (Ward 2, D.C. State Board of Education), Eboni-Rose Thompson (Ward 7, D.C. State Board of Education), La Joy Johnson-Law (Ward 8, State Board of Education), and Angela Alsobrooks (U.S. Senate, Maryland). We extend our congratulations to all the winners and look forward to working with them in the future!

Last week, WTU leadership and staff also welcomed the opportunity to visit members at Seaton Elementary School and Luke C. Moore High School. Thank you to the teachers for the chance to fellowship and share important news about our newly ratified contract as well as Union concerns. As you may have heard from your Building Representatives, one of our primary concerns right now is getting our contract fully approved through DC City Council prior to the start of the New Year. Right now, our tentative contract is under review by the Chief Financial Officer of the District of Columbia, the Office of the Attorney General as well the Office of the DC City Administrator. Once the review is completed, our tentative contract will be presented to the DC City Council. We will continue to keep you in the loop regarding our progress.

As we look to the days ahead, please mark your calendars for WTU’s fun and lively holiday party. This year, instead of an evening event, we are planning a more casual after-work soiree from 4:30-9PM on Thursday, December 12^th. Please save the date! The invitations will go out this week. I look forward to seeing you at school visits and please remember to attend the WTU Representative Assembly meeting today at 4:30PM.

Thank you, as always, for your support!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Let the Council hear your Teacher Voice! Register to testify at upcoming hearings

• Nov 13 @ 2:30 PM, Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy, register here
• Nov 20 @ 12:30 PM, Special Education Oversight, register here
• Nov 20 @ 6:00 PM, DCPS FY26 Budget Hearing, register here
• Nov 21 @ 10:30 AM, Oversight of Out of School Time Programs, register here
• Dec 4 @ 12:30 PM, Academic Achievement, register here

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

I hope you enjoyed the warm summer temperatures on Halloween night and the start of Diwali! WTU leadership and staff spent this Halloween distributing more than 200 books to kids at DC State Board of Education Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson’s Ward 7's Trunk or Treat. Seeing the kids' faces light up with excitement as they picked out their favorite stories made it all worthwhile!

Thank you to those who joined us to help as we continue the push to increase literacy rates in our DC children. We also thank those members who joined us last Wednesday to hear Vice President Harris deliver a major closing address at the Ellipse! Lastly, WTU would also like to thank all our members who gave compelling testimony before the DC City Council at the hearing on the Retention of Teachers and Principals. We will post the riveting testimony by your colleagues throughout the week.

As we countdown to the one day left before our national election, please continue to do something to help our local and national endorsed candidates to win. Please reach out to those in your network and remind them to vote. Looking for other ways to help? Join us in canvassing for our local officials! Please reach out to WTU’s organizer Mike Roland to learn more. Thank you, as always, for your support! May this Diwali illuminate your life with peace, joy, and happiness!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Let the Council hear your Teacher Voice! Register to testify at upcoming hearings

• November 6 @12 PM, Math Improvement Act, register here
• November 12 @ 6 PM, Brookland MS, DCPS, and DC Local School Advisory Team Collective (DCLC) FY26 Budget Forum, register here
• November 13 @2:30PM, Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy, register here
• November 20 @ 12:30 PM, Special Education Oversight, register here
• November 20 @6PM, DCPS FY26 Budget Hearing, register here
• November 21 @10:30AM, Oversight of Out of School Time Programs, register here
• December 4 @ 12:30 PM, Academic Achievement, register here

A Message from WTU’s President

Good morning WTU Family,

First, thank you for voting! Last week, 96% or 2880 members voted to approve a five- year Tentative Contract Agreement with DCPS. With this contract, we were able to fight back and keep rights we have had since the late 1960s as well as gain important provisions that should help alleviate some of the challenging conditions that have frustrated us and inhibited recruitment and retention.

Highlights of the package include provisions that improve the sick leave bank, allow teachers to retain up to 10 sick days while still being eligible for the maternity/paternity leave bank, provide wellness days, provide four non-teaching morning blocks each week for teachers to prepare and plan lessons, create a more equitable distribution of work for related-service providers and provide athletic trainers with the equipment and support they need to keep student athletes safe.

As for wage increases, members will receive a 4 percent bonus for the past year (in which WTU members were working under an expired contract), a 2 percent raise for FY2025, a 3 percent raise for FY2026 and FY2027, and a 4 percent raise for FY2028. It is also important to note we were able to maintain our dental, legal, and vision benefits.

While our work is not done as we know we need to eliminate the racism and bias inherent in our current evaluation system, we take pride in getting our members a NEW contract that not only includes pay increases but better working conditions.  

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the WTU members who joined us on Saturday to canvass with our AFL-CIO brothers and sisters for VP Harris for President and Angela Alsobrooks for US Senate. This Tuesday, Vice President Harris will deliver a major closing address in Washington on the Ellipse. Please join us by RSVPing here. If you'd like to attend this exciting and historic event, please sign up here.

As we countdown the days left before our national election, please continue to do something to help our local and national endorsed candidates to win. Phone bank with us on Wednesday, October 30^th. U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 5^th Congressional District Steny Hoyer will be a special guest. Please encourage others to vote. Looking for other ways to help? Join us in canvassing for our local officials! Please reach out to WTU’s organizer Mike Roland to learn more. Thank you, as always, for your support!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Let the Council hear your Teacher Voice! Register to testify at upcoming hearings 

• Nov 6 @ 12 PM, Math Achievement Oversight, register here
• Nov 20 @ 12:30 PM, Special Education Oversight, register here
• Dec 4 @ 12:30 PM, Academic Achievement, register here

DCPS Calendar 2026-2029

Please take a moment to review and give feedback to DCPS on the 2026-2029 calendar here. The WTU will be working with DCPS to ensure that our two contractual wellness days are added.