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.

Upcoming Events

• August 23-27 – Pre-Service Week
• August 30 – First Day of School (K-12)

Save the Date

Pick up your WTU Swag -- 3:00pm – 5:00pm

• Monday, August 23^rd @ Anacostia HS
• Tuesday, August 24^th @ Capitol Hill Montessori
• Wednesday, August 25^th @ Luke C Moore HS
• Thursday, August 26^th @ Coolidge HS
• Friday, August 27^th @ CHEC (Columbia Heights Education Campus)
• Thursday, September 2^nd @ WTU Office (1239 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE)

Partner events and other upcoming events of interest are also posted to the AMBrew Blog.

Reminders:

2021-2022 Vacancies

Open positions for the 2021-2022 School Year are posted here.

ICYMI: DC Educator Wellness Center

In partnership with EVERFI, a social impact educational technology company, the WTU is pleased to share with you the DC Educator Wellness Center. The funding for the DC Educator Wellness Center is provided by Johnson & Johnson. In the DC Educator Wellness Center you will find access to a prevention-forward, self-guided, digital microlearning experience designed to provide you with on-demand content related to mental health. The growing list of topics includes Mental Health Basics, Managing Mental Health Challenges, Developing Resilience, Supporting Loved Ones With Mental Health Challenges, and Mindful Living. You can read more here.

We’re continuing to update our database.

Please help us ensure we have your current personal contact information on file.

Click here or email [email protected] to provide us with updated information.

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