LOGIN
SEARCH
A Message from WTU President
Good Morning WTU Members,
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful and safe Halloween last Tuesday! For the WTU staff, this past week has been a whirlwind of advocating activities. Monday started with testimonies before the DC City Council on the urgency of reducing violence in our Washington DC schools and communities. Vice President Bell, Secretary Fuchs, and I testified on the effects of school violence on teachers, students and the community. We consider violence reduction an urgent matter and it is critical that the District work with schools, parents, and the community to deal with this issue. To read my testimony, click here.
On Tuesday, WTU helped to support State Board of Education President Eboni-Rose Thompson’s Ward 7 Trunk or Treat. We gave away treats, a free book of choice to every child and advocated for our Safe Schools petition. Ward 7 community members responded positively, but we need all our members to show their support! If you haven’t yet, please sign the petition and forward it to friends via your social media accounts.
On Wednesday, the WTU, AFT and the New Republic hosted a book reading, allowing students from Dunbar HS, Cardozo HS, and Columbia Heights Education Campus, to ask questions of The New York Times-bestselling author, Elizabeth Acevedo. Her book, The Poet X, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. It was an exciting event and we’re so happy that Elizabeth Acevedo gave generously of her time. All students were able to take home free autographed copies of this writer’s book. Please remember to support banned books authors. To see a short clip of her answer to student questions, click here.
Although by law we operate in a closed bargaining environment, WTU’s legal team agreed to release this Contract Bargaining Team summary to all WTU members. Please keep in mind that we are releasing this document to WTU’s membership only given the complex and confidential process of contract negotiations.
As we celebrate Veterans Day later this week, I want to thank you, our WTU veterans, for your service, and bravery to our country. Enjoy a Happy Veteran’s Day!
In solidarity,
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
Washington Teachers’ Union
Weekly Update - WTU’s Contract Action Team
Thank you to the many WTU members who continue to wear Red for Ed on Fridays! Although it may seem that the negotiations process is slow, WTU’s Contract Action Team sees real progress in the rising levels of support from the community. Please keep emailing selfies and photos of members in red to [email protected]! Re-post your photos along with the petition link to your social media accounts. Look for your photos on our website here.
Also, please consider testifying at one of the two public hearings below:
· November 14: DCPS Public Budget Hearing (School Yr. 24-25) online @6PM: INFORMATION
-
-
The registration deadline is 3:00PM on Friday, November 10, 2023.
-
- November 28: DC Council - Oversight Hearing – Teacher and Principal Retention: INFORMATION
Retirement Session Handouts Available
Read More about Teacher Retirement
Download Handout
In the News
- 10/31/23 – AXIOS DC – D.C. Public Schools Scramble Amid Migrant Student Influx – “D.C. says it faces challenges providing high-quality bilingual mental health services in particular due to staffing shortages”
- 11/03/23 – Channel 7 News – DCPS Team Up with GWU to Shape Future Ed Leaders
“Teachers can earn either a masters’ degree or ed specialist degree in 18 months.” - 11/04/24 – The Washington Post – Everyone is talking about D.C. Teens. A new book lets them be heard.
UPCOMING
Events, Activities & Meetings
- November 6: TODAY! COPE Committee @6PM: INFORMATION
- November 9:Ward 4 Education Alliance @6PM:INFORMATION (Email for link)
- November 13: Virtual Session – How Should the Report Card Display the Summative Score? INFORMATION
- November 14: DCPS Public Budget Hearing (School Yr. 24-25) online @6PM: INFORMATION
- November 15: “The Right to Read” (WTU’s Hybrid screening In-person & Virtual): INFORMATION
- November 21: DC Council Hearing on Educator Retention and Loan Repayment Assistance: INFORMATION
- November 28: DC Council - Oversight Hearing – Teacher and Principal Retention: INFORMATION
- December 4: Virtual Session – How Should Visual Elements and Features be Displayed? INFORMATION
- December 15: WTU’s Holiday Party, MLK Library Rooftop Terrace
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.