Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, September 27, 2021

Last week D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser announced that all District of Columbia Public School personnel must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. Unlike the current vaccination requirement, there is no test out option, but employees with legitimate medical and religious concerns can request an exemption. As I stated in my response to the mandate, the Washington Teachers’ Union supports the principle of a vaccine mandate, but there must be accommodations, bargained with the union, for those with legitimate religious and medical exemptions and an agreement on how to handle people who don’t fall under these exemptions.  

We conducted a poll of the WTU membership shortly after the mandate was announced and found that while approximately 76% of respondents are fully vaccinated 24% are not and will be requesting various exemptions, some of which are not covered under the mayor’s order. My responsibility is to all our members, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not. I have made a request to DCPS to bargain over the impact and effects of the mandate, especially for members who do not qualify for any of the two exemptions. 

If you have any concerns regarding this mandate or other issues at your school, contact your field services specialist.

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

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

Professional Development

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN---WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU including these classes which start within the next two weeks ($150 registration fee; 1 FREE class for new members):

• English Language Learners 101 (starts 10/2)
• Instructional Strategies that Work for All Disciplines (starts 10/2)
• Integration of Computer Technology (starts 10/2)
• Managing Behavior in School Communities (starts 9/22)
• Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children (starts 9/20)
• Reading Comprehension Instruction (starts 10/2)
• Social and Emotional Learning (starts 10/2)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts In Your Classroom (starts 9/25)

FREE WTU Workshops starting in September:

• Excel with ELL’s (9/23 and 9/30)
• The Game Factor (9/25)
• PRAXIS I Core Preparation Class (starts 9/22)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

AETNA Wellness Webinar

The Self-Care Playbook, September 22, 3:00PM-4:00PM

What does it mean to practice good self-care? In this seminar, learn about how you can put together your own personal self-care playbook to make sure you are tending to every aspect of your overall wellbeing in order to feel happier, be more productive and support the ones you love.

Meeting Link: https://lcah.webex.com/lcah/j.php?MTID=m967b90c7fd6549bc01a35069472a3662
Access Code: 1805 56 6538; Password: J9Fcetrfu24

Please Congratulate our SY2021-22 WTU Teacher Leaders

• Staci Adams, Smothers ES
• Fatima Baig, Reed ES
• Dawn Brodus-Yougha, Beers ES
• Amanda D'Angelo, Seaton ES
• Julia DiPiazza, Langdon ES
• Dorothy Graves, Langdon ES
• Hsuan-Ying Liu, Bard Early College HS
• Shaunta Morris, Stanton ES
• Joy Newman, McFarland MS
• Daniel Osborne, CW Harris ES
• Raymond Pyle, Murch ES
• Katie Phillips, Anacostia HS
• Desiree Raught, McKinley Tech HS

“Underreported Stories from Latin America”

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Join the WTU and Pulitzer Center for “Underreported Stories from Latin America” Series (5:30-6:30pm) featuring journalists who have extensive experience reporting on underreported issues facing communities throughout Latin America. The journalists are fluent in English and Spanish, and plan to utilize both languages for the presentations. The reporting they will feature is also available in both English and Spanish.

Underreported Stories from Latin America

• Thursday, September 23 (Ana Maria Arevalo- Exploring the criminal justice system in El Salvador and the impact of the system on women)
• Thursday, September 30 (Pablo Albarenga- Elevating the stories of Indigenous rainforest defenders in the Amazon)

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/ma9rNQwZWubQqBNAA

WTU Professional Learning Abroad

There is still time to sign up for the WTU Professional Learning trip to Morocco in July 2022, based on travel guidance. 5% discount through the end of September!!! Check out the itinerary here: https://geeo.org/tour/wtumorocco/.

Energy Curriculum: Energizing Student Potential

Pepco and the Exelon Foundation, in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, are offering the Energizing Student Potential (ESP) program all schools in DC. Designed for grades 3-8, but flexible for early elementary or high school grades, this program brings together a standards-based energy curriculum for use by educators and afterschool program leaders. ESP is designed to help educators bring energy into the school and provide all the tools and resources necessary for students and educators to learn together, explore energy together, and teach their local communities about energy while learning about energy careers as well. The program includes teacher training, hands-on materials kits, grants for classrooms, and lots of great opportunities for networking and engaging with STEM professionals in the region. Visit www.need.org/programs/espdcmd/ to learn more and apply by Oct. 1, 2021.

Planet Word’s Night for Educators

Planet Word’s special evening event just for educators will be 9/30 @ 5:30pm. You can read more about the event here: https://planetwordmuseum.org/events/planet-word-loves-teachers/

Additional PD Opportunities are available by clicking on the PD Blog.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, September 20, 2021

As we continue to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in our communities, I want to reassure you that the health and safety of all our members and their students is front and center. We have held or supported immunization and vaccination events in wards 5, 7, and 8, and will continue until we exhaust the grant that we received from the AFT. We are also responding to issues of safety at individual schools as they are reported to us. Be sure to work with your building leaders to guarantee that the HVAC systems are equipped with Merv-13 filters. In the absence of Merv-13 filters, each classroom must have a HEPA filter in accordance with the terms of the MOA. I urge you to report any health and safety concerns at your schools using the reporting form or by contacting your field services specialist directly. I will be meeting with the chancellor or his designee every Tuesday in the Situation Room to resolve your concerns.  

I would like to thank all newly elected and veteran site based WTU teams who took the time this weekend to participate in our fall Union Leadership Institute. I hope you will use the acquired tools to organize your buildings and to engage your building leadership in resolving matters pertaining to the enforcement of our collective bargaining agreement. 

I wish you a safe and productive week.  

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers’ Union

Class Coverage Survey

Please let us know how often you are pulled from your regular duties to cover another class by completing the survey below:

https://bit.ly/CLASSCOVERAGESURVEY

Dunbar HS teacher, Alex Clark changing lives one bike ride at a time.

Click here to learn more: Forever Prime - Trek Blog | Trek Bikes

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, September 13, 2021

Hello and welcome to Week 3 of the new school year. Congrats on making it through the first two weeks. I hope things have gone as smoothly as possible. If you are having any problems, reach out to your WTU building representative or the WTU field representative assigned to your school. They are listed on the back of the WTU Welcome Back newsletter.

We just passed a very sad and tragic 20^th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. As many of you know, among the passengers on the flight that crashed into the Pentagon were three 11-year-old DCPS students and three DCPS teachers. The students had been chosen to participate in a trip to study ecology in California with National Geographic Society researchers. Less than 35 minutes into the flight, it was hijacked and slammed into the Pentagon. As we reflect on the tragedy and those who perished, it gives us an opportunity to remember that our schools are filled with outstanding students who are pursuing excellence and with educators who go the extra mile to help their students reach and exceed their potential. We will keep these six souls and their families in our thoughts.

DCPS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 19. DCPS continues to work out the details for employees to apply for vaccination exemptions through Peoplesoft. If you need an exemption from the vaccination mandate based on medical or religious reasons, email the ADA Team at [email protected].

Have a terrific week.

Jackie Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers' Union

General Membership Meeting

All WTU members are invited to participate in the first General membership meeting for the 2021-22 school year on Tuesday, September 14 from 4:30 - 6:30 PM (Via Zoom). Please click here to register.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Union Leadership Institute - Fall 2021

Friday, September 17 from 4:30 - 6:00pm

All Newly Elected 2021-2022 Building Leaders

Please register here 

Saturday, September 18 from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

All 2021-2022 Building Representatives, SCAC, Personnel Committee, LSAT members, and Delegates to Representative Assembly

Please register here 

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

Professional Development Highlights 

September 12, 2021

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN---WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU including these classes which start in September ($150 registration fee; 1 FREE class for new members):

• Accessible Literacy Framework (Starts 9/18)
• CLASSIC: Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching & Learning (starts 9/18)
• The Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I (starts 9/18)
• NEWLY ADDED: Managing Behavior in School Communities (starts 9/22)
• Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children (starts 9/20)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts In Your Classroom (starts 9/25)

FREE WTU Workshops starting in September:

• The Game Factor (9/25)
• PRAXIS I Core Preparation Class (starts 9/22)
• Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Join the WTU and Pulitzer Center for “Underreported Stories from Latin America” Series (5:30-6:30pm)

Please join Washington Teachers Union (WTU) and Pulitzer Center for a series of webinars featuring journalists who have extensive experience reporting on underreported issues facing communities throughout Latin America. The journalists are fluent in English and Spanish, and plan to utilize both languages for the presentations. The reporting they will feature is also available in both English and Spanish.

Underreported Stories from Latin America

• Thursday, September 16 (Perla Trevizo- The role of poverty and intergenerational trauma in fueling migration from Guatemala)
• Thursday, September 23 (Ana Maria Arevalo- Exploring the criminal justice system in El Salvador and the impact of the system on women)
• Thursday, September 30 (Pablo Albarenga- Elevating the stories of Indigenous rainforest defenders in the Amazon)

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/ma9rNQwZWubQqBNAA

WTU Professional Learning Abroad

There is still time to sign up for the WTU Professional Learning trip to Morocco in July 2022, based on travel guidance. 5% discount through the end of September!!! Check out the itinerary here: https://geeo.org/tour/wtumorocco/.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Union Leadership Institute - Fall 2021

Calling all school -level elected officers.  Join us to learn more about how to ensure your voice and that of your members are heard!

Friday, September 17 from 4:30 - 6:00pm

All Newly Elected 2021-2022 Building Leaders, Please register here 

Saturday, September 18 from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

All 2021-2022 Building Representatives, SCAC, Personnel Committee, LSAT members, and Delegates to Representative Assembly, Please register here 

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

WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU including these classes which start in September ($150 registration fee; 1 FREE class for new members):

• Accessible Literacy Framework (Starts 9/18)
• CLASSIC: Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching & Learning (starts 9/18)
• The Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I (starts 9/18)
• NEWLY ADDED: Managing Behavior in School Communities (starts 9/22)
• Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children (starts 9/20)
• BRAND NEW: Reclaiming Assessments: Using a Balanced Classroom Assessment System to Strengthen Student Learning (started 9/4)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts In Your Classroom (starts 9/25)

FREE WTU Workshops starting in September:

• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (9/11)
• Flagway Math League (soft launch 9/8)
• The Game Factor (9/25)
• PRAXIS I Core Preparation Class (starts 9/22)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

FREE SERIES: Excel with ELL's

Working with ELL’s one-on-one or in small groups to accelerate learning? Then this workshop series is for you! Register HERE if you are interested!). Thursdays @ 5-6pm; 9/9, 9/23, 9/30 (2 PLU’s possible per session)

• 9/9-“Foundational Reading Skills”
• 9/23-“Academic Vocabulary”
• 9/30-"Building ELL Background Knowledge”

Based on research by Dr. Diane August, participants will learn research-based practices on how to support the literacy development of English Language Learners with digital learning resources and individualized instruction. Dr. August and other researchers have found that remote individualized instruction and mentoring coupled with small-group instruction for children struggling in reading has been effective in improving educator capacity and student learning. For more information, email [email protected]

SEL & Journalism Series (5:30-6:30pm)

Please join Washington Teachers Union (WTU) and Pulitzer Center for a series of webinars with award-winning journalists on journalism skills that students can apply to tell underreported stories from their communities. The sessions will also explore how journalism skills can support students' social-emotional learning.

1. Visual storytelling with photojournalist Allison Shelley (September 8)
2. Interview skills with Politico reporter Brittany Gibson (September 9)

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/k7MPqir2WJxW2cu99

Here's What's Brewing Today

August 30, 2021

Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year! I know you're excited to welcome your students to our schools and your classrooms. While this year will not be a "return to normal," we're excited to return to our classrooms after more than a year of virtual instruction.

While we're all excited for the start of the year, I know that you may also be nervous to be returning to in-person instruction. The WTU and DCPS signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlining health and safety protocols for schools and classrooms, details about possible simultaneous in-person and virtual instruction and how to handle leave for teachers contracting COVID-19. A FAQ is available here. As part of the agreement to safely reopen schools, the WTU and DCPS agreed on a #ReopenStrong: School Building Readiness Checklist outlining the protections for student and staff health guaranteed by DCPS as we return to full in-person learning. If you have any health and safety concerns, please report them here http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings or contact your Field Representative immediately.

Last week, OSSE and DCPS announced a change to testing protocols for students. Students will now be automatically enrolled in the testing program which supports asymptomatic testing, symptomatic testing and testing for close contacts. The test will be a non-invasive, saliva-based PCR test; DCPS plans to test 10% of students each week.

If you are having any issues or concerns regarding your Office Depot card, please contact [email protected]. Information regarding the COVID Emergency Leave Policy will be forthcoming from DCPS this week.

The WTU will also be hosting a meeting with Building Representatives on Thursday, Sept 2 to discuss the first week of school and answer any questions about the MOA. Building Representatives will receive an email with further information about the meeting and a link to join.

We hope you have a great first week of the 2021-22 school year. Please reach out if you have any concerns as we kick off the new year!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers' Union

Critical #MissingPerson

31-year-old Ian Solheim, a Wilson HS teacher, was last seen in the 1300 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Sunday, July 25, 2021.

Have info? Call (202) 727-9099/ text 50411

CLOSES SOON – 2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

August 23, 2021

Attention School Counselors

As we move towards solidifying language specific to school counselors during contract negotiations the WTU would like you to review some language DCPS has proposed. Specifically, DCPS is proposing that principals and Local School Advisory Teams (LSAT) have the option to transition 10-month school counselors to 11-month school counselors; and 11-month school counselors to 12-month school counselors. Please complete the following brief survey to let the WTU know your desire regarding the proposed language. Click here to compete the survey.

CLOSES SOON – 2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Professional Development

Together We Can Heal Webinar (in partnership with Kaiser Permanente)

Thursday, August 26, 4pm – 5pm (1 PLU). Register here.

WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU.

Early Bird Discount available until 8/27!!! Learn more and Register HERE.

Math Teacher Advisory Council

Are you looking to connect policy to practice, elevate teacher voice and grow your leadership at the state level this SY? In partnership with @OSSEDC, DCCTM is launching the inaugural cohort of the Math Teacher Advisory Council. Apply HERE by Sept 10th!

WTU Teacher Leader Program SY2021-22

The Washington Teachers' Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for school year 2021-2022. Educators from the District of Columbia Public Schools who are union members with full-time responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders' network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy.

Virtual Info Session this Wednesday, 8/25 @5-6pm.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/EUZa5T5zve383THb8 

We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide.

Apply by 9/3/21. Click for additional information, including mandatory workshop dates and to Apply.

Days of Action: Educators Pledge to Teach the Truth

From August 27 - 29, educators and allies will pledge to teach the truth in actions across the country. In the face of right-wing attacks on the teaching of history and antiracism, we are coming together to say we won’t lie to children and we will teach the truth. Learn more.

Day of Action for Washington, D.C. Malcolm X Park. Friday, Aug. 27, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT.

Additional Professional Development opportunities are also posted regularly to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog.

Professional Development

WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU.

Early Bird Discount available until 8/27!!! Learn more and Register HERE.

WTU Teacher Leader Program SY2021-22

The Washington Teachers' Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for school year 2021-2022. Educators from the District of Columbia Public Schools who are union members with full-time responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders' network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy.

We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide. ·

Apply by 9/3/21. Click for additional information, including mandatory workshop dates and to Apply.

Next Generation Personal Finance Back to the Classroom PD Conference 8/21

Next Generation Personal Finance is hosting their annual back-to-school conference on Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 10AM - 4:30PM EST. The event will be held virtually and is free for all educators to attend. Learn more and register HERE

Think Local, Crank Global: Go-Go Workshop for Educators 

Through this 2 1/2 hour virtual workshop, educators will learn how to:

- Use instruments we shake, scrape, and strike to enhance curriculum and teach the art of go-go music

- Make music from items within their environment using the JunkYard Band as an example

- Make something out of nothing; go-go through body percussion, tables, and more!

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 (10:00 AM  12:30 PM). Learn more and register here. 

Math Alliance Announcements

In Class with Carr and Hunter, episode 73, on YouTube - to view their discussion of Bob Moses, scroll forward to 1 hour, 6 minutes and 10 seconds into this episode: https://youtu.be/xY8xPkabX0I

Caste in the Classroom - a documentary film by the Data for Better Schools group with the Young People’s Project - has been selected for the Bronze Lens Film Festival August 17th -22nd, 2021 (in Atlanta)! To register for the 2021 Bronze Lens Film Festival, please visit: https://bronzelens.com/registration/. To see Caste in the Classroom and related resources, visit: https://www.typp.org/dbs. This is recognized as a leading film festival for especially African-American film-makers.

NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition - empowering the voice of teachers - from critical conversations to intentional actions, Atlanta, GA, Sept. 22-25, 2021. See: https://www.nctm.org/atlanta2021/

Additional Professional Development opportunities are also posted regularly to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog.