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

Opportunity to Support DC-Area Families in Need

As an active Union member, you have an exciting opportunity to support fellow Union members in need through a payroll deduction. This program aids eligible workers for emergency situations, like evictions, utility cut-offs, no food, and inability to pay for needed prescriptions as examples. Annually CSA has assisted approximately 80 individuals with job-training, placement, and retention assistance. You can conveniently donate via a payroll deduction or via a check made payable to “Community Services Agency” and mailed to 815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Suite 1100, Washington DC 20006. Please click on the photo or here to learn more.

DCPS Calendar – Feedback Needed

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.  

Upcoming Events, Activities & Meetings

• Dec 12 @ 6 PM - 7 PM - EmpowerEd Rest + Rise Social Group for Black Educators is holding a Wellness Flow Yoga Session at Bikram Yoga Ivy City. Gather with other Black educators in fellowship for a special wellness yoga session. Mats provided and beginner’s welcome!
• Dec 14 @ 10 AM - 1 PM, EdFEST (PK3 - Grade 8),  DC Armory, Free admission, and parking, REGISTRATION

In the News

• Dec 2, 2024 - NPR, School Special Ed Staff are sometimes hurt by students 

PD and other opportunities

LEA Look Forward for Dec. 6, 2024: DC School Report Card, Course Data Collection Updates and More

Fund for Teachers

Program Dates: Summer 2025
Application Deadline: January 23, 2025

We strongly recommend this professional opportunity, so we're giving you plenty of time to get your proposals together!! Fund for Teachers enriches the personal and professional growth of teachers by recognizing and supporting them as they identify and pursue opportunities around the globe that will have the greatest impact on their practice, the lives of their students, and their school communities. Full-time PK-12 teachers, with at least 3 years teaching experience, may apply for up to $5,000 individually or a team of teachers may apply for up to $10,000 for a summer learning experience of their own design. The Fund for Teachers website provides extensive resources to assist teachers prepare their applications. Go to www.fundforteachers.org for additional information and to apply online. Questions? Contact Salma Zaky at [email protected] or 346-258-6207.

Membership Update

Make sure you are eligible to vote & receive WTU Communications!

The AM Brew is distributed as a benefit to members of the WTU. In the coming weeks, we’ll be updating our database removing non-members from the distribution for the AM Brew. To ensure that you’re not inadvertently removed from the distribution list, please confirm your personal email address by emailing [email protected].

Your ability to vote in WTU elections and receive WTU Communications depends on our ability to reach you. We must have your personal email address for all communications.

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

Be sure to follow the WTU on X, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest from your Union.