Dear WTU Family,

Thank you to everyone who stood in solidarity at last Thursday’s May Day Rallies. Your presence was powerful and a strong reminder of what we can achieve together. Click here to listen to my speech at the May Day Labor Solidarity Rally at Freedom Plaza.

This week, as we honor Cinco de Mayo, let us take a moment to recognize its historical importance. This day commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862—a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. It’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions of Mexican-American communities in our schools and beyond. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

As we continue to celebrate and uplift each other, I warmly invite you to join us for our Teacher Appreciation Celebration on Wednesday, May 7th, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Sports and Social DC (1314 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009). This is a special evening exclusively for WTU members. Be sure to register in advance here.

Please also save the dates for our Shared Vision two-day event on May 16th (in-person) and May 17th (virtual). We’re thrilled to welcome Brian Pinkney, an award-winning illustrator known for his vibrant, expressive artwork in children's literature that celebrates African American culture and stories. Brian’s insights and creativity will inspire and energize our shared commitment to education and equity.

Wishing you a week full of wonder and learning, powered by the magic only your teaching can bring and again, Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

In solidarity,
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons
President, Washington Teachers’ Union

From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm this Wednesday, May 7th, WTU will be hosting our annual Teacher Appreciation Event at Sports and Social DC (1314 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009). This event is for WTU members only and you need to register in advance by clicking here.

This past Wednesday, April 30th, was the WTU Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum in which the following candidates for the upcoming Ward 8 race participated:

• Mike Austin
• Salim Adofo
• Sheila Bunn
• Khadijah Clark
• Mary Roach

After listening to the candidates at the forum, the COPE committee members decided to recommend a "no endorsement" for the Ward 8 special election.

Now, the WTU Representative Assembly must decide whether to support the decision that was made or to endorse a candidate at the upcoming WTU Representative Assembly on Tuesday, May 13th.  As a friendly reminder, the WTU delegates for the WTU Representative Assembly receive a personalized Zoom link via their personal email. 

You may read the Ward 8 CM Special Election Completed Questionnaires by clicking here.

This past Thursday, May 1st, was International Workers' Day. The WTU participated in two May Day Rallies:

1. May Day National Day of Action at Franklin Park
2. May Day Labor Solidarity Rally at Freedom Plaza

President Pogue Lyons spoke at the May Day Rally at Freedom Plaza about the harmful actions of this administration and the importance of solidarity within the labor community. Thank you to the WTU members who attended this rally. When we fight together, we win together!

Please save May 16th and May 17th on your calendar for our annual WTU Shared Vision with illustrator Brian Pinkney. May 16th will be in-person and May 17th will be virtual.

Today, Monday, May 5th at 6pm ET, seniors, unions, advocates, and lawmakers will hold a rally calling on the Senate to vote no on the nomination of billionaire Frank Bisignano for commissioner of the Social Security Administration. This rally will take place at Senate Swamp (East Capitol Street Northeast & First Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20004). If you will be attending, please RSVP by clicking here.

• May 13 @ 4:30 pm- WTU Representative Assembly. Members can join by clicking here.
• May 13 @ 7:00 pm-  W3EdNet is hosting Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, at Jackson-Reed High School Library

• April 30th, DC News Now. ‘If it somehow sounds like there’s anger in my voice, there is’: Tensions rise as DC Council waits for the 2026 budget
• May 1st, The 51st. Why this Columbia Heights elementary school is facing massive budget cuts

• LEA Look Forward for May 2, 2025: Reimaging High School Feedback, Chromebooks Available for Distribution and More

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