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Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, August 29, 2022
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!
Every new school year brings great joy and happiness, not only for our students but for you, our teachers. As you open our classroom doors today to welcome your students, I hope that you will remember the optimism that made you an educator. And, I know that you will bring that joy and optimism to your students today and every day this school year.
As we start a new year, I'm reminded of the power of optimism. From COVID-19 to politician's censoring classroom discussion and curriculum, we have faced a lot together and as individuals over the past several years. Through it all, I have seen educators go above and beyond and remain optimistic despite all that has been thrown at our profession. It is because of the work that I've seen - opening your homes to students through virtual lessons, fighting to ensure our school librarians are funded, and winning protections for your health and that of your students - that I am optimistic about the future.
Today, as we start the new school year, I'm asking you asking you to get more involved with our Union to help us win a new - and fair - contract that will ensure that you are able to be effective and grow as educators and, most importantly, meet the needs of our students. I also ask that you welcome your new colleagues, whether they are new to your building or new to the profession, and encourage them to join the WTU if they are not already members. And, if new educators or other colleagues aren't receiving the AM Brew, please ask that they send their personal email to [email protected] asking to subscribe to the AM Brew and other important updates from our Union.
We can and will continue to overcome the challenges facing us. Your team at the WTU looks forward to serving you this year! Reach out to your Building Rep or Field Representative should you have any questions or concerns about working conditions or your Union.
Together, we can and will make this the best school year yet!
In solidarity,
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
Washington Teachers' Union
WTU members in the news
WTOP - Support, career growth: Educators talk about what could solve teacher shortages
Axios Washington - DCPS scrambles to prep buildings and students for another school year
Enroll Now – Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks
LAST CHANCE FOR VETERAN TEACHERS TO ENROLL / WITHDRAWL.
The WTU has extended the Open Enrollment Season for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks through September 2, but after that veteran teachers will not be able to join for the 2022-2023 school year. New Hires will be able to join during the entirety of the 2022-2023 school year. Also, if any members want to opt out of either bank they have until 9/2/2022 to do so.
The 8 hour donation required to join either bank will be taken out of your account on or after October 1, 2022, the beginning of the fiscal year.
Click here to submit your information to enroll: https://forms.gle/3fP8XwSiU8kYXjiW9
If you are choosing to opt-out of either bank, please do so by September 2, by sending a formal request to Charmaine Wilks at [email protected]. If you miss the Open Enrollment dates, you will not be able to enroll in "the Banks" until the next Open Seasons in June 2023 and August 2023. This is strictly for the use of the Sick Leave and Maternity/Paternity Leave Banks and not the Dental/Vision enrollment.
Laptops
Every teacher in our bargaining unit should receive a laptop. If you have not received your laptop yet, please contact your principal. Supply card were distributed last week! Please contact your business manager if you did not receive your supply card. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact your Field Representative.
Back-To-School Events
Thanks to everyone who volunteered at Back-To-School events this weekend in Wards 5 & 6. The WTU will be attending future events and we’d like you to volunteer. If you’d like WTU support at your Back-To-School events, please contact Regina Bell at [email protected].
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
Professional Development
Teacher Leaders
Click here to join: https://aft.zoom.us/j/92524589891?pwd=UG1wTXA3NGZFSDYyWVk2WGduQlU2QT09
Fall Course Preview
Sign-up: https://forms.office.com/r/i6LF64kK8m
Upcoming events
WTU Committee on Political Education (COPE)
Save the date: WTU COPE will be holding candidate forums for the November General Election open to all WTU Members:
- Wednesday, September 7th at 7PM via Zoom: Council At-Large Independent Seat
- Thursday, September 8th at 7PM via Zoom: Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6 State Board of Education seats.
Read the Candidate Questionnaires at this link and send any questions you want asked of candidates to [email protected]
Zoom link for both candidate forums:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84609027856?pwd=RklIc2htamVGdUZxNldaTHdJLy9xUT09
Meeting ID: 846 0902 7856; Passcode: 213880
Council Hearings
DC Council Committee of the Whole will be holding hearings on the School First in Budgeting Act and Teacher Turnover and the Data Warehouse.
Schools First in Budgeting
The hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 16, 2022 at 1:00pm
Teacher/Principal Turnover
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 1:00pm.
For more details: https://chairmanmendelson.com/testify/
Reminders:
We’re continuing to update our database.
Please help us ensure we have your current personal contact information on file. Email [email protected] to provide us with updated information.
Be sure to follow the WTU on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up on the latest from your Union.