Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, October 24, 2022
Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract
ICYMI:
In August, the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) determined that the WTU and DCPS were at impasse in contract negotiations and referred the case to mediation. I am disappointed to inform you that mediation with DCPS was not successful. We will now move to interest arbitration.
Although this is disheartening news, we will continue to press forward. The WTU will never compromise your interests or those of the students we serve. Teachers deserve a fair contract that will protect your rights and ensure you receive fair wages and benefits as inflation and the costs of living in our nation’s capital continue to rise.
I hope you will continue to stand with the WTU as we demand a Fair Contract. Please watch for updates on upcoming contract events in the weekly Morning Brew.
We will continue to keep you informed. If you have any questions, please reach to your Field Representatives.
Upcoming Events…
Rally at Anacostia Metro on Thursday Oct 27, 7 am.
If you are not able to attend the rally, please wear red as a sign of solidarity, take pictures, and tweet them or send to your Field Rep.
TELL THE MAYOR … Why we need a fair contract now
Contact your Building Rep or Field Representative for more information.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ANY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE YOUR TOUR OF DUTY. DCPS is watching!
Members in the news …
Librarians want a permanent spot in DC Public Schools
Tell the Council to move forward the “Student Right to Read Amendment Act of 2021.”
Tweet to @ChmnMendelson asking him to hold a vote on the legislation.
Sign their petition: https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/dcschoollibrarian
Council Hearing on Teacher Turnover
The DC Council wants to hear your Teacher Voice! – October 25 at 1PM
We hope that we’ll see many of you speaking to the Council tomorrow. But, if you can’t make it (we know you’re all teaching), we hope you’ll at least consider tweeting to @ChmnMendelson letting him know that Teachers need a #FairContract and that the Council must take action to improve working conditions and pay for DC educators!
Are you a WTU Member?
Check your pay stub on Peoplesoft to see if you are a member of the WTU.
Member benefits
include access to 1000s of lesson plans at Share My Lesson
AFT Student Debt clinics
Deadline to apply for student loan forgiveness is October 31st
AFT will continue to host a student debt clinic webinar Thursday evenings. Register at https://cvent.me/17XZka Webinar will include information about how to enroll in the free AFT Summer student loan member benefit. Additional information can be found at www.forgivemystudentdebt.org – this website contains all of the information on how to access PSLF in an easily digestible and understandable format.
STUDENT DEBT CLINIC RESOURCE GUIDE
After attending a Student Debt Clinic, we want to make sure you’ve got all the tools and information you need to take the next steps to start reducing how much you pay every month and get on a path towards a debt-free future! See attached for more information.
Pay
Please contact your field rep if you are having any problems getting paid.
#Vote
Early voting has started. Please support for the WTU endorsed candidates.
City Council
- At-Large: Elissa Silverman
- At-Large: Karim Marshall
- Ward 1: Brianne Nadeau
- Ward 3: Matthew Frumin
- Ward 5: Zachary Parker
- Ward 6: Charles Allen
DC State Board of Education
- Ward 1: Ben Williams
- Ward 3: Michael Sriqui
- Ward 5: Robert Henderson
- Ward 6: Joshua Wiley
Read more here. And watch for opportunities to help Get Out The Vote for WTU endorsed candidates!
#RedforEd
Please wear red each Friday and post photos to social media. Please tag us @WTUTeacher
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
Professional Development
Register Now -- Fall 2022 Professional Learning from the WTU
TO VIEW AND REGISTER FOR FALL COURSES, PLEASE DOWNLOAD WTU'S 2022 FALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BROCHURE.
Starting soon – Register Now!
Psychology and Education of Exceptional – Oct 25
This course is designed to provide opportunities that specifically meet the needs of special educators and other school personnel. Participants will acquire knowledge regarding the psychological development and characteristics for children and youth.
https://www.wtulocal6.net/fall_pd_2022_psychology_and_education_of_exceptional
Upcoming events
In addition to the events listed below, we encourage you to check out the WTU Members –Only Calendar where you can find a condensed list of upcoming WTU events.
November Representative Assembly
The November Rep Assembly meeting will be on Tuesday, November 15th at 4:30. DCPS is closed on November 8th.
Reminders:
Facility Concerns SY 22-23
Over the past two years, the WTU has met regularly to discuss facility issues with DCPS. Yet, many schools continue to have health and safety concerns. We ask that you let the WTU know of any health or safety concerns in your building by completing this brief form.
We’re continuing to update our database.
Please help us ensure we have your current personal contact information on file. Please click here to update your member information. Email [email protected] with any questions or to be added to member mailings.
Be sure to follow the WTU on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up on the latest from your Union.