Dear WTU Family,

I want to begin by thanking everyone who joined us for our 2025 Shared Vision Conference last week. Your presence and passion for literacy continues to inspire all of us as we work together to shape a brighter future for public education in D.C.

Friday’s kickoff event at @busboysandpoets was electric. A special thank you to Kimball Elementary School, Takoma Park Elementary School, Whittier Elementary School, and Ward 4 SBOE representative T. Michelle Colson for helping us launch the weekend with energy and joy. Our students were thrilled to meet and speak with NYT bestselling author and illustrator Brian Pinkney, whose work continues to light imaginations on fire.  Our young learners also had lunch with their classmates, and everyone took home a Brian Pickney book.

On Saturday morning, we continued the conference with a virtual conversation live from Brian’s art studio in New York, followed by a powerful session on how parents can support literacy at home. Later, the D.C. State Board of Education Representatives joined our conference and highlighted their commitment to improving literacy outcomes. We thank SBOE members Jacque Patterson, LaJoy Johnson-Law, Robert Henderson, T. Michelle Colson and Eboni-Rose Thompsonfor participating in our Shared Vision Conference and for their continued support—especially around initiatives in early literacy funding.

The WTU is proud to invite all WTU members to participate in the World Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 7^th and Sunday, June 8^th. Please use this link to sign up! All participants will receive a free WTU 2025 World Pride T-shirt!

Thank you for all you do. I’m incredibly proud of what we continue to achieve together, and I look forward to marching forward—literally and figuratively—with all of you.

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

🌈 World Pride Is Almost Here – Get Ready to Celebrate! 🌈

World Pride is just a few weeks away, and we couldn’t be more excited! There are so many ways for YOU to get involved and show your pride. Our dedicated PRIDE Committee has been working hard to plan an unforgettable week of events, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Here’s what’s coming up:

🎉 Thursday, June 5
Kick off the celebrations with a Happy Hour at the beautiful rooftop pool at Hotel Zena. Enjoy stunning views, great company, and refreshing drinks as we launch into Pride week!

🚛 Friday, June 6
Join us at WTU Headquarters for a Truck Decorating Party. Bring your creativity and help us deck out our float for the parade!

🏳️‍🌈 Saturday, June 7
It’s the WORLD PRIDE Parade, the main event! March with us and show the world what community, love, and unity look like.

📚 Plus, don’t miss the expanded two-day World Pride Festival, where we’ll be giving away books to attendees all weekend long!

🌟 Want to get involved? This is your chance!

Please sign up using the link below for any events that interest you.

Teachers who sign up to volunteer for PRIDE events will receive a Limited-Edition World Pride T-Shirt AND be entered for a chance to win a ticket to see Shakira live at the World Pride Music Festival on May 31st!

If you are interested in attending, please email WTU Organizer at [email protected]with your name, personal email address, and phone number.

Please note that you must pick up the physical tickets at the WTU Office and those waitlisted will be called for unclaimed tickets on Thursday, June 12th.

On April 30th, the WTU Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum occurred 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.

This decision was unanimously supported by the WTU Representative Assembly this past Tuesday, May 13th, at the May WTU Representative Assembly Meeting.

• June 2 @ 5:00 pm - COPE meeting. Join by clicking here.
• June 5 - WorldPride Rooftop Kickoff Party @ Zena Hotel
• June 7- WorldPride Parade
• June 7 and June 8- WorldPride Street Festival 
• June 14 @4:05 pm - Labor Night with the Nats

• Microsite Community Changemakers Grant
• LEA Look Forward for May 16, 2025: DC Educator Workforce Summit, HHI Data Collection and More

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Greetings WTU Members,

On Tuesday May 13, 2025 the 2025 WTU Presidential Candidates were given an opportunity to speak and respond to a few (2) questions at the Representative Assembly. If you were unable to attend, the mini forum was recorded and can be accessed in the attached pdf. 

As a reminder the upcoming WTU Elections will be open on Friday May 23, 2025 and will close on Monday June 16, 2025 at 5:00pm. If you do not have a personal email on file with the WTU we urge you to contact membership coordinator, Donita Jackson no later than Monday May 19, 2025 to provide that information. We will be sending the most current file to the election company on Tuesday May 20, 2025. This is the file that will be used to send out the ballot. 

You should have received a test email on May 6, 2025 from WTU Election Admin <[email protected]> with the subject line: IMPORTANT Information Upcoming WTU Officers Election. If you have checked your inbox and spam folders and do not have this email, please reach out to membership coordinator, Donita Jackson no later than Friday May 16, 2025 so that she can provide you with next steps in order for you to receive your ballot. 

Membership Coordinator Donita Jackson can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (202) 517-0728.  If you have any questions about the upcoming elections please do not hesitate to reach out to the WTU Elections Committee by emailing [email protected].

In Unity, 

WTU Elections Committee. 

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If you would like to hear the candidates speak, join the WTU Representative Assembly today, Tuesday, May 13; candidates come on at 5:00 pm. Members can join the Representative Assembly by clicking here.

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Dear WTU Family,

To all our incredible mothers and educators — I hope your Mother’s Day was filled with joy, rest, and love. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the Teacher Appreciation Party on May 7! Celebrating your dedication and passion was truly inspiring, and your presence lit up the evening. If you haven’t already, I invite you to take a moment to relive the fun in the photos below and watch my message from the evening here.

Looking ahead, I hope to see many of you at our upcoming Shared Vision event featuring the acclaimed author and illustrator Brian Pinkney. We’ll gather in person on May 16th and virtually on May 17th to reflect and dream together about the future of public education in D.C. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to connect with colleagues and elevate our shared voice. Please register HEREto join us.

I also want to speak from the heart about something incredibly important: your right to vote in the upcoming WTU elections. In previous election cycles, fewer than 1,000 of our members participated. This means less than one in six members decided who would lead our union. These numbers are published in the Washington Post and followed closely by all city leaders—and frankly, it's disheartening to see such low participation from a union as vibrant and vital as ours. The process is simple—you don’t even need to leave your home. Voting is fully electronic, and your vote demonstrates the power of our Union.

Lastly, as the school year winds down, please know our kids are just as excited as you are about the warm and sunny days which can make them more active than usual. This time of year, we see an uptick on accidents and younger children escaping school campus grounds.  Please keep an extra eye on everyone and reach out to us if we can help to support you in keeping everyone safe. With appreciation for all you do.

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

On April 30th, the WTU Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum occurred 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 tomorrow's, Tuesday, WTU Representative Assembly.  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.

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. To register for the virtual session on May 17th, please click 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
• May 17- WTU Shared Vision (Virtually). Register by clicking here.

• May 6th, WUSA9, DC violence prevention programs at risk after federal funding cuts
• May 8th, Fox5, 3 suspects wanted in connection to shooting near Northeast DC high school
• May 9th, The Washington Post. D.C.-area economy starts to show deep impacts of federal spending cuts

• LEA Look Forward for May 9, 2025: Home and Hospital Instruction Data Collection, Restorative Justice Technical Assistance and More

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Dear WTU Members,

On Tuesday May 6, 2025 YesElections sent a test email, to the personal email address on file with the WTU, to all WTU members. Attached are screenshots of the email (how it shows up in your email and actual contents). If you do not see the message in your inbox,  please ensure you check your spam. If found in your spam, indicate that messages from that sender (YesElections) are not spam so that the election email with voting instructions will come directly to your mailbox. If you do not have the message in your Inbox or Spam, please email or call Ms. Donita Jackson ([email protected]; 202 517 0728) to update your personal email address with the WTU so you can exercise your democratic right to vote in the upcoming elections.

All candidates have been verified and Presidential Candidates' information will be shared with the membership soon. As always, if you have any questions about the upcoming WTU elections, please email the Elections Committee at [email protected]. 

In Unity, 

WTU Elections Committee.

As a reminder, the WTU is urging all members to follow the OAG Guidance on Immigration Enforcement for DC Schools. The guidance is available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Additionally, we strongly recommend our members read and familiarize yourself with the FAQ document prepared by WTU’s attorneys to advise WTU members on the legal protections and risks for teachers in the area of immigration. The FAQ is available by clicking here. We would like to particularly emphasize:

Question # 3. What should Teachers do if they encounter ICE agents at school?

• Direct all ICE requests for entry or any other inquiries to the Principal, who should contact the DCPS Office of General Counsel.  

• Do not consent to letting ICE agents into non-public school areas. Tell ICE agents that you are not authorized to let them into non-public school areas, state that DC policy requires law enforcement to have a warrant, and direct them to the Principal, who should contact DCPS Office of Legal Counsel. Do not try to determine for yourself whether ICE is legally permitted to enter non-public areas.  

• If you are asked directly by ICE agents about your knowledge of a student’s immigration status, respond that DCPS policy is not to inquire into the immigration status of students and report the inquiry to the Principal.  

• If you are asked for any records relating to a student, cite FERPA (the law that protects the confidentiality of student educational records) and direct the request to the Principal, who should contact DCPS’s Office of Legal Counsel.

AFT has a compilation of resources for educators related to immigration. If you would like to access these resources, you may do so by clicking here. Lastly, if you would like to view the ACLU of DC Empowering Educators: Know Your Rights Webinar for Educators of Immigrant Students Webinar, you may do so by clicking here.

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As a reminder, the WTU is urging all members to follow the OAG Guidance on Immigration Enforcement for DC Schools. The guidance is available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Additionally, we strongly recommend our members read and familiarize yourself with the FAQ document prepared by WTU’s attorneys to advise WTU members on the legal protections and risks for teachers in the area of immigration. The FAQ is available by clicking here. We would like to particularly emphasize:

Question # 3. What should Teachers do if they encounter ICE agents at school?

• Direct all ICE requests for entry or any other inquiries to the Principal, who should contact the DCPS Office of General Counsel.  

• Do not consent to letting ICE agents into non-public school areas. Tell ICE agents that you are not authorized to let them into non-public school areas, state that DC policy requires law enforcement to have a warrant, and direct them to the Principal, who should contact DCPS Office of Legal Counsel. Do not try to determine for yourself whether ICE is legally permitted to enter non-public areas.  

• If you are asked directly by ICE agents about your knowledge of a student’s immigration status, respond that DCPS policy is not to inquire into the immigration status of students and report the inquiry to the Principal.  

• If you are asked for any records relating to a student, cite FERPA (the law that protects the confidentiality of student educational records) and direct the request to the Principal, who should contact DCPS’s Office of Legal Counsel.

AFT has a compilation of resources for educators related to immigration. If you would like to access these resources, you may do so by clicking here. Lastly, if you would like to view the ACLU of DC Empowering Educators: Know Your Rights Webinar for Educators of Immigrant Students Webinar, you may do so by clicking here.

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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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Calendar & Current Candidates: https://dcboe.org/elections/ward_8_special_election

• Today, Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 pm: Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum. Click here to join the Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. You may read the Ward 8 CM Special Election Completed Questionnaires by clicking here.
• May 3: E-board Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement
• May 13 at 4:30 pm: Rep Assembly Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement

At 5:00 pm tomorrow, Thursday, May 1st "May Day", there will be a labor solidarity rally at Freedom Plaza (1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 US).

If you will be attending, please make sure to wear your red WTU t-shirt and inform our WTU Organizer via email ([email protected]) that you will be attending.

Lastly, due to this May Day rally, we will not be having the May WTU Building Representative Meeting with President Pogue Lyons which was previously scheduled on this day.

From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on 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.

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.

Our national union, AFT, is urging us to submit a written comment as an individual to protect the Public Student Loan Forgiveness because the U.S. Department of Education is currently starting a new negotiated rulemaking to shape the future of critical student loan programs.

Important Information Related to Submitting a Written Comment:

• Any AFT member can submit their own comment as an individual through Regulations.gov during the comment period.
• Do not claim to be speaking on behalf of AFT.
• Instead, identify yourself as an “AFT member” or “[job title] and AFT member,” for example, as part of your personal context.
• Comments should be submitted once.
• Comments are due by May 5.

How To Submit a Written Comment:

• All comments must go through the Federal Rulemaking Portal at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/04/2025-05825/intent-to-receive-public-feedback-for-the-development-of-proposed-regulations-and-establish#open-comment
• Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0016 must be included at the top of the comment.
• Alternative ways to comment:
  • By phone at 1-866-498-2945. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.
• The Department will not accept comments submitted by fax or by email or comments submitted after the comment period closes.
• Comments will be publicly viewable, so members should avoid including private or third-party identifying information unless they consent to it being public​.

Calling All Educators! Sign up this summer with Modern Classrooms Project for their Virtual Mentorship Program through the DC Educator Scholarship!

Here's what you'll get through the program:

• $500 completion stipend, 45 clock hours, and free enrollment.
• Freedom to work virtually and at your own pace from either May 19th - June 22nd or June 23rd - July 27th.
• Receive 1-on-1 mentorship and feedback on materials and structures you create for your classroom.

Learn more and sign up at DC Virtual Mentorship Program — Modern Classrooms Project.

Congratulations to all the teachers and students who participated in the All City Honor Chorus.  Almost 200 students from all over the district performed together.

The 2025 WTU Elections are upon us! Click the link to access the 2025 WTU Elections Packet. Hard copies are available at the WTU Office. On April 1, 2025, the Election Notice will be mailed (via US Mail) to members' addresses on file with the WTU. If you do not receive the notice by April 7, 2025, contact membership coordinator Ms. Donita Jackson at [email protected] to ensure your information is correct. To participate in electronic voting, you must have a PERSONAL email address on file with the WTU. If you do not, please email [email protected] to rectify this. If you have any questions, contact the elections committee at [email protected]! 

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Dear WTU Family,

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend filled with sunshine and warmer temperatures! As we move into another busy week, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates and invite you to a few important upcoming events.

This past Saturday, the WTU had the honor of attending the 46th Annual Evening with Laborcelebration hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO. It was truly inspiring to stand alongside so many dedicated union leaders and advocates who are fighting every day for the rights of working people across our region. I was humbled to receive the JC Turner Award for Outstanding Trade Unionist of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work we are all doing together as a union. Our strength comes from the collective efforts of every one of our members, and I am proud to continue standing with you in solidarity.

Looking ahead, I encourage all of you to join us at the Labor Solidarity Rally on May 1st, also known as May Day, at 5:00 p.m. at Freedom Plaza (1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). Let’s come together in support of workers’ rights and public education. If you plan to attend, please wear your red WTU t-shirt and let our WTU Organizer, Mike Roland, know at [email protected]. Please note that because of the rally, the monthly WTU Building Representative meeting previously scheduled for May 1st has been canceled.

Also, don't forget to register for our 2025 WTU Teacher Appreciation Event, happening on Wednesday, May 7th, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sports and Social DC (1314 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009). This special evening is our chance to celebrate you—our incredible educators—and all that you do. Advance registration is required, so please be sure to sign up!

Thank you for all you do each day. Wishing you a productive week ahead, full of growth, joy, and learning for your students.

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

The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO honored WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons at the 46^th Annual Evening With Labor on Saturday, April 28th.  The Council's Nomination Committee identified President Pogue-Lyons as a unionist who embodies the values of the JC Turner Award for Outstanding Trade Unionist of the Year for 2025. Her tireless advocacy, commitment to educators, and transformative leadership have strengthened not only WTU but also broader labor and education movements. The WTU members and staff, as well as our AFT partners, enthusiastically congratulate President Pogue-Lyons on the esteemed award bestowed upon her by our siblings in the labor movement.

The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, brings together union locals in Washington, DC, and five counties in Maryland to advocate, educate, and organize to improve the lives of all working people in our region.

Congratulations President Pogue-Lyons !

On Friday, April 18th, you should have received your FY 25 retroactive salary payment backdated to October 6, 2024. If your retroactive pay was not reflected in your paycheck, please reach out to your WTU Field Representative.

Calendar & Current Candidates: https://dcboe.org/elections/ward_8_special_election

• Today, April 28, at 5:00 pm: COPE Meeting to Review Submitted Questionnaires. Click here to join today's COPE Meeting at 5:00 pm.
• This Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 pm: Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum. Click here to join the Ward 8 Special Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday at 6:00 pm.
• May 3: E-board Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement
• May 13 at 4:30 pm: Rep Assembly Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement

At 4:30 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29th, WTU will be hosting an important virtual follow up meeting for Related Service Providers on the District of Columbia Public Schools new Medicaid requirements with our WTU attorney. You must register in advance for this meeting by clicking here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

At 5:00 pm this Thursday, May 1st "May Day", there will be a labor solidarity rally at Freedom Plaza (1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 US).

If you will be attending, please make sure to wear your red WTU t-shirt and inform our WTU Organizer via email ([email protected]) that you will be attending.

Lastly, due to this May Day rally, we will not be having the May WTU Building Representative Meeting with President Pogue Lyons which was previously scheduled on this day.

From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on 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.

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.

At the WTU Representative Assembly Meeting on April 8, the WTU Representative Assembly unanimously endorsed the WTU Resolution on Graduation Requirement Proposals. This resolution is based on the WTU High School Committee Meeting with OSSE on Graduation Requirement Change Proposals Report.

Additionally, the WTU Representative Assembly unanimously endorsed the "Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025." You will be able to read and follow this legislation by clicking here.

The 2025 WTU Elections are upon us! Click the link to access the 2025 WTU Elections Packet. Hard copies are available at the WTU Office. On April 1, 2025, the Election Notice will be mailed (via US Mail) to members' addresses on file with the WTU. If you do not receive the notice by April 7, 2025, contact membership coordinator Ms. Donita Jackson at [email protected] to ensure your information is correct. To participate in electronic voting, you must have a PERSONAL email address on file with the WTU. If you do not, please email [email protected] to rectify this. If you have any questions, contact the elections committee at [email protected]! 

• April 28 @ 5:00 pm - WTU Cope Meeting. Click here to join.
• April 29 @ 4:30 pm - WTU Related Service Providers Follow Up Meeting on the New Medicaid Requirements. You must register in advance for this meeting by clicking here
• April 30 @ 6:00 pm- Ward 8 Candidate Forum. Click here to join. 
• May 1 "May Day" @ 5:00 pm- Labor Solidarity Rally at the Freedom Plaza.
• May 7 @ 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm- WTU Teacher Appreciation Event. Click here to register.
• May 13 @ 4:30 pm- WTU Representative Assembly. Members can join by clicking here.
• May 16 and May 17- WTU Shared Vision

• April 14, Politico. Trio of rulings freezes Trump’s anti-DEI directives for schools. 

• LEA Look Forward for April 25, 2025: Local Wellness Policy Resources, Educator Workforce Summit and More

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Welcome Back, WTU Family!

I hope you had a restful and meaningful Spring Break with time to reset and recharge with family and friends. I also hope that everyone who celebrated Passover or Easter had a week filled with peace and joy. As you return to your classrooms, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication to our students, especially during these challenging times.

This past Friday, you should have received retroactive pay backdated to October 1, 2024. Under our new contract, everyone in our bargaining unit should have received their bonus, a pay raise, as well as retro pay. This is a well-deserved recognition of your hard work. If your retroactive pay was not reflected in your paycheck, please reach out to your WTU Field Representative, or contact the Union office directly—we're here to support you.​

I understand that many of you are concerned about the proposed budget cuts and their potential impact on our schools especially since the US House of Representatives went on a two-week recess on April 11^th without bringing the District of Columbia Local Funds Act to the floor for a vote. See With DC Budget in Limbo, Families Anticipate the Worst by Sam Collins, The Washington Informer, April 8, 2025. Thank you again to all those who continue to make calls to members of the US of House Representatives and to all those who came out to show support for the Recess on the Hill Rallies on Capitol Hill on March 14^th and April 7^th.  See D.C. Faces Fiscal Meltdown as House Republicans Leave City in Budget Crisis Despite Trump’s Support by Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer, April 14, 2025.  

We will continue to keep you informed and make sure that teachers' voices are heard as the DC Council reviews the mayor’s proposed budget. No educator or those who work hard every day for our DC citizens should fear the loss of their position because of flawed funding models or vanishing federal support.

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons
President, Washington Teachers' Union

Calendar & Current Candidates: https://dcboe.org/elections/ward_8_special_election

• Today, April 21 at 5:00 pm: COPE Meeting to Prep & Edit & Send Out Questionnaire & Save the Date to Candidates. Click here to join today's COPE Meeting at 5:00 pm.
• April 28 at 5:00 pm: COPE Meeting to Review Submitted Questionnaires
• April 30 at 6:00 pm: Ward 8 Special Election Forum Date
• May 3: E-board Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement
• May 13 at 4:30 pm: Rep Assembly Meeting for Nominations for Endorsement

At 4:30 tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22nd, there will be a WTU VP of High School Committee Meeting. You will be able to join the meeting by clicking here.

At 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 23rd, WTU will be hosting a virtual planning committee meeting for the World Pride Parade and Festival. You can register for the meeting by clicking here.

Please be aware that at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, April 29th, WTU will be hosting an important virtual follow up meeting for Related Service Providers on the District of Columbia Public Schools new Medicaid requirements with our WTU attorney.

At 5:00 pm on May 1st "May Day", there will be a labor solidarity rally at Freedom Plaza (1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 US).

If you will be attending, please make sure to wear your red WTU t-shirt and inform our WTU Organizer via email ([email protected]) that you will be attending.

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.

This is a formal research study designed to analyze DCPS teacher-leader motivation. If you choose to participate, you will take part in a virtual interview where you will discuss your experiences and perspectives. Your participation is voluntary, and your responses will be kept confidential. Sign up to participate in study here: https://forms.office.com/r/HbHjURR3Gg

The 2025 WTU Elections are upon us! Click the link to access the 2025 WTU Elections Packet. Hard copies are available at the WTU Office. On April 1, 2025, the Election Notice will be mailed (via US Mail) to members' addresses on file with the WTU. If you do not receive the notice by April 7, 2025, contact membership coordinator Ms. Donita Jackson at [email protected] to ensure your information is correct. To participate in electronic voting, you must have a PERSONAL email address on file with the WTU. If you do not, please email [email protected] to rectify this. If you have any questions, contact the elections committee at [email protected]! 

• April 21 @ 5:00 pm - WTU Cope Meeting. Click here to join.
• April 21 @ 7:00 pm- Ward 5 Education Equity Committee Meeting (Chairman Mendelson will attend). Click here to join.
• April 22 @ 4:30 pm - VP of High School Committee Meeting. Click here to join.
• April 23 @ 4:30 pm - WTU World Pride Planning Committee. Click here to register. 
• April 29 @ 4:30 pm - WTU Related Service Providers Follow Up Meeting on the New Medicaid Requirements. 
• May 1 - May Day Action. More information is forthcoming.
• May 7 - WTU Teacher Appreciation Event
• May 16 and May 17- WTU Shared Vision

• April 7, WUSA 9. DC leaders demand action from Congress over District budget 
•  April 8, The Washington Informer. With D.C. Budget in Limbo, Families Anticipate the Worst. Students, Parents and Organizers Host Another ‘Recess at the Capitol’
•  April 14, The Washington Informer. D.C. Faces Fiscal Meltdown as House Republicans Leave City in Budget Crisis Despite Trump’s Support.
•  April 15, Fox 5. New audit shows DCPS spending increased to $25K per student; staffing outpacing enrollment.
• April 16, The Washington Informer. Mayor Bowser Starts Spending and Hiring Freezes
• April 16, NBC 4. DC, Commanders close to $3B deal for new stadium at RFK site

• LEA Look Forward for April 11, 2025: DC Health Measles Resources, Stronger Connections Grant Continuation and More

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