Good Morning WTU Family!
This has been a difficult and heartbreaking week for our country. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and families affected by last week’s airline tragedies. We also recognize the deep concerns surrounding the new national administration and the uncertainty it brings.
We continue to work with the Chancellor, DCPS, and our WTU attorneys to bring you clear procedures and protocols regarding DCPS and the District's immigration policy.
As a social justice union, we believe it is vital that the students, staff, and community are safe, protected, and productive in the school building and surrounding environment. Additionally, we would like to thank all of our members who attended AFT's virtual Town Hall on immigration enforcement.
Despite all of our challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and progress. Happy Black History Month! This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” honors the vital role Black workers have played in shaping our nation—from early struggles for fair labor to today’s ongoing fight for economic justice.
As a union, we must continue advocating for fair wages, job security, and the right to organize. Honoring Black history means pushing for a future where fairness and dignity are realities for all workers.
This past week, Chancellor Ferebee and I proudly signed the ratified 5-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Washington Teachers’ Union and the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Copies of the signed CBA will be posted online once the WTU attorneys complete their final review. All members will receive an official hard copy of the CBA as soon as possible. We will spotlight another important part of this year's contract in this week's Brew To-Go. Be sure to check it out!
At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are under attack, our union must remain unwavering in our fight for a just and inclusive society.
Thank you for your dedication to our students and our union.
In solidarity,
WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons
On Sunday, WTU members had a fantastic time connecting with one another and our union brothers and sisters at the "Bowling for Gold" Tournament, hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! This event was not just about strikes and spares—it was about solidarity and supporting the Community Services Agency's Emergency Assistance Fund.
We appreciate your participation in making a difference! #UnionStrong
- Feb 3rd, @5PM, C.O.P.E. ONLINE VIA ZOOM
- Feb 8th, Union Leadership Institute ONLINE VIA ZOOM
- Feb 11, @4:30PM, Rep Assembly ONLINE VIA ZOOM
- Feb 27th, @10AM, DC Council City Management Hearings REGISTER HERE
- Watch the recap of the January 20th AFT Urgent Town Hall: We Protect Kids in an Era of Escalating Immigration Enforcement
- To support our shared vision for inclusive school environments, please review AFT and DCPS' policies.
This winter, the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) is offering innovative and engaging professional development courses designed to enhance your teaching strategies and fulfill recertification requirements.
New winter classes include:WTU members enjoy discounted rates starting at $125, with the opportunity to earn 45 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) or three graduate credits from Trinity University, which can also advance you on the salary scale. Take advantage of the early bird deadline by February 14th and invest in your growth as an educator today.
Please take a moment to fill out this survey on Student Cell Phone Use in Schools. Your responses will help us to understand how cell phone use impacts the learning environment.
- Jan 22, 2025, The Slate Board, Do District Schools Have an Air Quality Problem?
- Jan 27, 2025, Axios, D.C. would ban phones in public schools under new bill
- Jan 29, 2025, WJLA - Channel 7, DC students show improvement in math, reading scores on national assessment
- Jan 29, 2025, WJLA - Channel 9, DC, Maryland among 23 attorneys general suing Trump administration over OMB memo Maryland's Attorney General Anthony Brown called the order "unconstitutional."
- Jan 29, 2025, AFT Press Release, AFT’s Weingarten on Trump Order Attacking Public Schools
- Jan 29, 2025, DC News Now, DC school community mourns loss of 14-year-old student killed in Southwest shooting
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