Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 20, 2023

Pay Check for March 24^th

President Pogue Lyons has been in touch with leaders from DC & DCPS to ensure that all teachers receive their raise plus 4% bonus on Friday, March 24^th.  New salaries were loaded into the system this week and into the weekend. Your salary under the new contract will be available for your review in Peoplesoft by Tuesday, March 21th.  We will continue to update you as information becomes available.

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA Town Halls in Ward 5 and Ward 6/7.

The Current CBA is available below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are available here: 2023 Elections Notice, AFT & MD/DC Petition, Election Committee Petition

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023

Social Work Month 2023

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

National Social Workers Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Teacher Leader Mental Health Survey

Survey on the social studies task force

Click here to take the survey

In the news

• DC Councilmember to introduce new bill to recruit, retain teachers
• Nearby shooting locks down DC school with chancellor inside | wusa9.com
• DC educators grapple with the impact that youth violence is having on students
• Kennedy Street Documentary by Duke Ellington Students
• DC school celebrates Pi Day the way it’s intended - WTOP News
• Schools sue social media companies over youth mental health crisis

Teacher Retention Bill Introduced by Councilmember Robert White

Educator Retention for Student Success Act of 2023.pdf (dropbox.com)

School Budgets

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget!

Committee Hearing Signup: Education (google.com)

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

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

In an interview with Channel 9 News, WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons discussed the effect of violence on students. She advocated for DCPS to increase the socio-emotional learning supports for students. To read the full story, click here.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 13, 2023

Representative Assembly Meeting

Tuesday, March 14 @ 4:30

We encourage all members to attend the Representative Assembly Meeting; however, only building reps and delegates may participate and vote.

Via Zoom.  
Passcode: 220352

A report from WTU DCPS Secondary Grading Committee will be discussed at the rep assembly meeting. Click here to view.

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA at the Ward 7 & Ward 4 Town Halls

Current CBA is available via the link below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

In memory Mark McCants

The WTU would like to extend our condolences to the family of Mark McCants, first grade elementary school teacher at Stoddert Elementary School for his sudden loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023

Social Work Month 2023

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

National Social Workers Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The theme for Social Work Month 2023 is Social Work Breaks Barriers.

President Pogue Lyons at rally for Fairfax County teachers to get collective bargaining rights.

Admin Premium Pay

The admin premium rate has been corrected.  The HR team will submit a retro request to pay the difference due to employees. Please keep track of your admin premium hours and let your field representative know if there are any issues.

DCPS in the News

• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/anacostia-high-breaks-ground-on-greenhouse-to-grow-food-for-the-community/3294049/
  SEE IT: GW surprises DC high school senior with full scholarship (msn.com)
  
  

School Budgets

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget! Committee Hearing Signup: Education (google.com)

There is a form you can fill out on the Mayor's Budget Engagement webpage: https://mayor.dc.gov/page/2023-budget-engagement-forums. Providing comments in the education section is very quick and easy to do. If you're looking for inspiration, suggested language is below: 

Our community's elementary, middle and high schools are facing deep cuts under the Mayor's proposed budget. The cuts can only be addressed through the elimination of staff, and this is coming at a time when our schools are already stressed to meet the needs of students. Please address the shortfall and fully fund all DCPS schools.

There are also Council oversight meetings scheduled for April 5 -- you can find more details at https://chairmanmendelson.com/testify. Click here to register to speak: Committee Hearing Signup: Education) You can also email the chancellor and copy your Ward and At-Large Councilmembers and encourage them to fully find DCPS. Click here for contact information.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 27, 2023

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA at Ward 3 Town Hall

• March 7^th Deal MS, 4:30-6:00 pm.

Current CBA is here: PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)
The end of the document has the new salary scale

Please join us at an upcoming Contract Town Hall to tell us what you and your school community would like to see in the next CBA.

School Budgets

Many schools are not receiving sufficient funding in their school budgets. Please get your community involved!

There is a form you can fill out on the Mayor's Budget Engagement webpage: https://mayor.dc.gov/page/2023-budget-engagement-forums. Providing comments in the education section is very quick and easy to do. If you're looking for inspiration, suggested language is below: 

Our community's elementary, middle and high schools are facing deep cuts under the Mayor's proposed budget. The cuts can only be addressed through the elimination of staff, and this is coming at a time when our schools are already stressed to meet the needs of students. Please address the shortfall and fully fund all DCPS schools.

You can submit written testimony to past and future budget hearings by emailing [email protected], or record a statement (up to 3 minutes long) via voicemail by calling 202-430-6948 - written and recorded statements for the Feb. 24th hearing on the DCPS budget will be made part of the official record for the hearing and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday March 10.

There are also additional Council oversight meetings scheduled on April 5th -- you can find more details at https://chairmanmendelson.com/testify. You can still submit written testimony for the hearing that was held on 3/1 and there is still time to register to testify live for the 4/5 hearing (click here: Committee Hearing Signup: Education) You can also email the chancellor and copy your Ward and At-Large Councilmembers and encourage them to fully find DCPS. Click here for contact information.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

Admin Premium Pay

A change in the admin premium rates started on February 8^th and some teachers are not being paid the correct rate for admin premium. The matter is being worked on by DCPS Human Resources and OCTO to confirm which Payroll codes for teachers didn’t process correctly and making those changes. Once that is completed, there’ll be a plan as how to pay out the rate difference. Please keep track of your admin premium hours.

Survey for School Psychologists

School Psychologist Job Retention Ideas survey: https://forms.gle/TL8E5oG47mbuEamw6

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 27, 2023

Contract Town Hall

Please join us at an upcoming Contract Town Hall to tell us what you and your school community would like to see in the next CBA.

• March 2^nd CBA Town Hall at Anacostia HS, 4:30-6:00pm
• March 7^th CBA Town Hall at Deal MS, 4:30-6:00pm

In memory

Mark McCants, teacher at Stoddert Elementary passed away suddenly on Feb 19^th

School Budgets

Last week, President Pogue Lyons testified at the Council oversight hearing on the School Year 2023-2034 budgets, along with dozens of parents and advocates. The official record for the hearing is open for two weeks and we encourage you to submit any concerns you have with your budget to the Council via email [email protected] or contact LeKisha Jordan, Senior Policy Advisor, at (202) 724-8137.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com, speak with your LSAT about your school’s budget. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

We also ask that you contact your Field Representative if you have concerns or if your LSAT has not met. Please note that LSAT meetings are subject to Open Meeting Act regulations, meaning they are open for all to attend (though only LSAT members are allowed to speak, unless the LSAT votes to allow non-member participation).

DC Council – Education Oversight Hearing

Please Sign-up here to testify at the DC Council’s oversight hearing on the performance of Education Agencies (Public Witnesses) during the 2022-2023 year. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 9:30am. The deadline to register is 5pm on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Teacher Leader Survey on Professional Development

Please click here to take a survey on Professional Development for one of the WTU’s Teacher Leaders.

DCPS in the news

• Enrollment Season Compels Conversation About Educational Equity - The Washington Informer
• Black Male Teachers Represent 2 Percent of Education Workforce - The Washington Informer
• Council Clashes with DCPS on Budget Deadlines and Transparency  - The Washington Informer
• D.C. public school budget proposal criticized for cuts - The Washington Post
• D.C. schools granted millions in contracts without required council approval - The Washington Post
  
  

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 13, 2023

Last week the DC Council voted unanimously to approve the WTU’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. You can expect to receive the following increases to your base salary, effective October 1 of each of the following years:

• 2.0 percent in fiscal year 2020;
• 2.5 percent in fiscal year 2021;
• 3.5 percent in fiscal year 2022; and
• 4.0 percent in fiscal year 2023 and 4% retention bonus on March 24.

There will be a delay in the retroactive pay because it requires a supplemental budget submission that the Council will vote on in May. You should receive that payment on May 19. Full details are available here: Memorandum: Washington Teachers’ Union Collective Bargaining Agreement Compensation

While we should pause to celebrate this achievement and the impact it will have on teachers and students, we still have a lot of work ahead. This agreement will end on September 30, 2023 and our schools continue to face many challenges. I hope that you’ll join us for the next Representative Assembly on Tuesday, February 14 at 4:30 PM to learn more about our plans for to gather input for our next contract through surveys and town halls.

Rep Assembly February 14 @ 4:30

Join Via Zoom. Passcode: 220352

Education Town Hall

AFT President Randi Weingarten will be participating in an educator town hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Complete this form if you’d like to attend the town hall on February 13^th at 7:15 PM with Randi Weingarten & Sen Bernie Sanders in person.
RSVP: Sen. Sanders' Town Hall with educators at the US Capitol (office.com)

WTU Spring 2023 Professional Development

Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday!

WTU courses are researched-based, peer-to-peer and solutions-driven courses. Successfully completing a class helps you fulfill re-certification requirements. Most courses offer 45 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) that can be used towards recertification. Alternatively, most -but not all- of the courses offer 3 Trinity University graduate credits that you can use towards re-certification instead of using the PLUs.

This spring we will be offering the following professional development courses:

• Reading Comprehension Instruction taught by Euyln Thomas
• Praxis Bootcamp – All Content taught by Nadia Torney
• SEL for Adults taught by Dr. Persephone Brown
• National Board Certification taught by Maria C. Angala
• Accessibility Literacy Framework taught by Natalie Porter McCuistion
• Beginning Reading Instruction taught by WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons & Joann Cornish

Learn More:  Spring 2023 - Professional Development Courses - WTU Local 6

Educators’ Night Out at the National’s Children’s Museum, February 15^th

Educators' Night Out at National Children's Museum (nationalchildrensmuseum.org)

School Counselor’s Week

The WTU will celebrate School Counselors with food, gifts and prizes on Monday, February 27^th at 4:15, McKinley Middle School. Please RSVP to Janice Brown Parker at [email protected]

WTU Surveys

• Secondary Grading Policy Taskforce Feedback
• Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.
• Please complete this form to report facility concerns.
  
  

DCPS in the news

D.C. is changing its 'archaic' social studies curriculum. Here's how. - The Washington Post

D.C. schools granted millions in contracts without required council approval - The Washington Post

Perspective | For D.C. teacher Bill Webb, school picture day went on for years - The Washington Post

Teacher Pay Raises Approved by the Council, with Speedy Action on Next Contract Also Urged • Council of the District of Columbia (dccouncil.gov)

Some DC Leaders Want To Keep School Resource Officers | WAMU

Mental Health

Parents worry that their kids might struggle with anxiety and depression, report says : NPR

U.S. Surgeon General on Importance of Youth Mental Health | C-SPAN.org

Scholarship opportunity for high school students who live in either Ward 5, 7, 8

The TraRon Center

PD and other opportunities from OSSE

LEA Look Forward for Feb. 10, 2023 | osse (dc.gov)

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 6, 2023

President Pogue Lyons testified at the Roundtable discussing the CBA on Feb 1^st. Watch here!

The City Council votes on the CBA on Tuesday, February 7^th. The process continues to move according to the legal timelines, and we have every confidence that the Council will vote to approve the contract. During the roundtable, Chairman Mendelson called for the District and the City Administrator Donahue to put the payment schedule for the CBA in writing and send it to WTU leadership by today. When we have additional information, we will share it with you.

The contract that is pending approval will expire on September 30, 2023. We’re preparing now to begin negotiations on our next CBA. We will be sending out an initial survey later this month and holding meetings in March. Information will continue to be sent in the Morning Brew.

School Budgets

The school budgets will be released soon. Please review your current budget https://DCPSbudget.com, meet with your LSAT so your school is prepared when the budgets are released. Please note that LSAT meetings are subject to Open Meeting Act regulations, meaning they are open for all to attend (though only LSAT members are allowed to speak, unless the LSAT votes to allow non-member participation).

WTU Retirement Workshop

Thanks to all who attended the retirement workshop. We hope to hold another workshop next month. The PowerPoint presented at the workshop can be found here.

Black Lives Matter at School

2023 Week of Action - BLM AT SCHOOL (blacklivesmatteratschool.com)

Black History Month resources created by the DCPS Library Department
February is Black History Month: School Library Reading Programs (instructure.com)

WTU Surveys

Please complete this survey from the Secondary Grading Policy Taskforce

Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.

Please complete this form to report facility concerns

Scholarship opportunity for high school students who live in Wards 5, 7, or 8

The TraRon Center

DCPS in the news

Cordell Williams, had been a seventh-grader at Kramer Middle School was accidentally killed
Two children were accidentally shot in D.C. Police haven’t found either gun. - The Washington Post

Black Librarianship: Stories of Impact and Connection

https://www.slj.com/story/Black-Librarianship-Stories-of-Impact-and-Connection

The WTU participated in the Celebration of Black Educator Excellence:

Education as a Form of Resistance at the US Dept of Education with Secretary Cardona

Member Benefits

Free Trauma Counseling

AFT Virtual Conference

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, January 30, 2023

IN MEMORIAM

Pamela Wilson – Luke C Moore

Juanita Radden – Hart Middle School

The WTU would like to express our condolences to the families of Pamela Wilson and Juanita Radden as well as to the Luck C Moore and Hart Middle School communities.

February is Black History Month

Celebrate African American heritage, tradition, and achievement & inspire young learners as we honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. The WTU endorsed the 2023 Black Lives Matter Week of Action. More details on specific WTU events will be sent in the coming days.

Save the Date – Feb 6 – 8 - BLM at School Week of Action

Update on the status of the CBA

Mayor Bowser has sent the CBA to the City Council, urging ‘prompt and favorable consideration of this legislation.’

On Wednesday, February 1, the Council will hold a Public Roundtable on PR25-0063 – The “Compensation and Working Conditions Agreement 23 between the District of Columbia Public Schools and the Washington Teachers’ Union, 24 Local #6 of the American Federation of Teachers.” WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons will be speaking.

Under DC law, the Council has 30 days from when they received the legislation to act. We have every confidence that the Council will continue to follow the process and will act expeditiously to approve the contract.

DCPS in the news

Secretary Miguel Cardona - Turner Elementary School Visit - Washington DC | Flickr
Karon Blake’s family remembers teen as ‘loving, caring, respectful’ - The Washington Post
D.C.’s ‘Safe Passage’ aims to make school commutes safer. Some say it doesn't. - The Washington Post

Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in ULI.

Here are some highlights:

1. DCPS budgets will be released soon. Please review your current budget https://DCPSbudget.com, meet with your LSAT so your school is prepared when the budgets are released. Contact Sharona Robinson with any questions about your LSAT, including involving parents and community [email protected] Please contact Quibilah Huddleston to share your FY24 budget priorities ([email protected]). 
2. DCPS has CATs – community action teams. Contact the CAT for your school for support Community Action Team | dcps
3. If you are being investigated by DCPS please contact your field rep or the WTU before you make any statements.
4. The CBA allows for a Student Behavior Management Team and Morning Block Team. Please make sure your school has active SMB and MB Teams. We heard from one school that uses restorative justice to manage student behavior. The WTU won a grievance at a school where the principal was forcing teachers to have ‘morning duty.’ Reach out to your field rep if you have any questions.

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

Science of Reading – New Course for DC Educators (reminder)

TNTP in partnership with the OSSE has developed a 25-hour asynchronous course to support the development of pre-K through grade 3 educators. This course, designed by educators for educators, offers an equity lens when looking at the science of teaching reading, and outlines the principles of the science of reading and how these principles can be applied in the classroom. In addition to making research around reading acquisition immediately applicable, the course also includes instructional tips educators can use within early literacy instruction to ensure the success of ALL students. School leaders, there is support for you, too. This course will enhance your capacity to support literacy instruction.

Apply to participate in the course here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.

For questions, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].

Science of Reading Network for Instructional Leadership Teams at DC Schools (reminder)

In conjunction with the Science of Reading course above, OSSE is pleased to announce a new support opportunity for instructional leadership teams. To realize the potential of the course content and create a lasting impact, TNTP will partner with OSSE to select schools to receive a suite of individual and collaborative supports for school leaders on the Science of Reading. The support will include building leader and educator knowledge to diagnose the current instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading, unearth the systems and policies that are contributing to the current state and plan to refine academic strategies (vision and feedback, curriculum, assessment, intervention, etc.) in support of instructional practices aligned to the Science of Reading. Leaders receiving implementation support will have the opportunity to participate in network convenings and individual walkthroughs and strategy meetings with TNTP, in addition to taking the asynchronous course alongside a portion of their teachers.

Apply for implementation support here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.

For more information, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].

Teacher Wellness, Emotional Health and Self Care

OSSE is pleased to announce a new professional learning for teachers and school staff who need an emotional charge. This session is designed to offer proven strategies to help alleviate stress and anxiety, mental burnout, compassion fatigue and to preserve emotional health for the long haul. Participants will reflect on the ways in which personal triggers, pain points and conflict resolution impact instructional practices. Instructional coaches, classroom teachers and specialists are strongly encouraged to participate.  

Audience: Grade K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, program specialists and teacher leaders. 

This training will take place virtually on Monday, Jan. 23, from 4–6 p.m. Register here. 

Participants will receive two PLUs for full participation. For questions, please contact Marcus Hughes at [email protected].

Dyslexia Awareness Module

OSSE is pleased to announce a new three-part dyslexia awareness module that will focus on the characteristics and identification of dyslexia; understanding and recognizing reading difficulties; and implementation of instruction that is systemic, cumulative, explicit, diagnostic, multi-sensory and evidence-based to meet the educational needs of students with reading difficulties as required by DC Code §§ 38-2581.02 and 38-2581.03.   
   
This interactive course is ideal for all educators serving kindergarten through grade 12 who lead and support literacy instruction and language development.    
 
By the end of this course, participants will:  

• Learn how to define dyslexia and reading difficulties.   
• Gain awareness about characteristics and indicators of dyslexia and reading difficulties.   
• Learn the importance of universal screening tools.
• Learn the components of Structured Literacy and evidence-based practices for supporting students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.   

Participants can earn up to 16 professional learning units (PLUs) for completion of all three modules. Please register here. For questions, please contact Charmelle Smith, dyslexia specialist, at [email protected]. 

WIDA Self-Paced Workshops

WIDA offers free virtual Professional Learning for all educators that can be completed at your own pace. Take advantage of interactive learning and enjoy relevant, practical content you can put into action immediately. These eight on-demand eWorkshops will be available through Aug. 31:  

• Home Languages in the Classroom 
• Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena 
• Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers 
• Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics 
• Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry 
• The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach 
• Making Language Visible in the Classroom: Explore the Key Language Uses 
• Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners (LTELs) 

To start, log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account and click on the “Professional Learning” icon.  For support or to set up a new account contact the WIDA Client Services Center at [email protected] or 1-866-276-7735.

News4’s Juliana Valencia reported on U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona's visit to Turner Elementary School, a recipient of the Full-Service Community Schools grant program.

Watch the full news story here.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, January 23, 2023

Wishing you a good year, good health and good memories for the new year!

Last month the WTU membership overwhelming voted to ratify a new contract. We continue to monitor the progress of the contract through the ratification process and wait for the Mayor to forward the contract to the Council for approval. The mayor has 60 days to put the contract before the city council and the council has another 30 days to vote on the contract. While the process is not moving as quickly as we’d like, it is moving according to the legal timelines.

We have every confidence contract will be approved and we expect to you to see pay increases within 30 days after the contract is approved by the council. We will share any new information as it becomes available.

US Secretary of Education Visits DC School Awarded Grant

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/us-secretary-of-education-visits-dc-school-awarded-grant/3257690/

Teacher Certification and Licensing

DCPS is the hiring agency. OSSE is the licensing agency. Please check to ensure your license is up to date and if it is expiring. Contact your Field Representative if you have any questions about your license or license renewal.

WTU Surveys

Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.

Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.

Please complete this form to report facility concerns

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

Washington, D.C. (7News) — Watkins Elementary School students marked a 19-year-old tradition on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Friday afternoon to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The students recited MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech at the very spot where he stood in 1963.

Read the full story here.