Good Morning WTU Family!

I hope you all had a peaceful long weekend, filled with rest and relaxation. Taking time to recharge is essential, and I hope you are returning feeling refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead.

Frederick Douglass once said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." His words remind us that advocating for our rights requires persistence and collective action.

Since the ratification of our contract on January 7th, our AM Brew newsletters have highlighted new contract articles, including morning blocks and pay for coverage. We want to assure you that the WTU is committed to holding DCPS accountable for implementing the contract as agreed. If you are experiencing challenges at your school, please reach out to your school’s field representative immediately.

Our membership overwhelmingly supported this contract, with 96% voting in favor! This strong endorsement demonstrates our members' support for the hard work and dedication of our nearly 30-member bargaining team, who tirelessly fought to secure meaningful improvements in working conditions. Moreover, this CBA was ratified unanimously by DC City Council on January 7^th, 2025.

Teachers must receive four morning blocks. In shorter weeks (e.g., four-day weeks and three-day weeks), teachers should receive all the morning blocks for that week. Schools must adhere to the contract and provide proper compensation for coverage under Article 23.17.5.2.3. Our focus is on ensuring DCPS upholds its commitments. We will not tolerate violations of the contract and will take action to hold everyone accountable.

Upcoming Meetings & Events:

• VP High School Meeting – February 18, 4:30 PM (Virtual)
  We will continue discussions on the proposed high school graduation requirements as well as review the results of the student cell phone use survey. If you have not completed the survey, please take a moment to fill out the survey. Your feedback will help us understand how cell phone use affects the learning environment.
• International Teachers Meeting – February 25, 4:30 PM (Virtual)
  Attorney Nicole Dillard will provide guidance on H1-B visa requirements and U.S. employment. This is a great opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and for standing together to uphold our rights. We appreciate your commitment and engagement in shaping a better future for educators and students alike.

In Solidarity,
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons
WTU President

We have received many questions regarding whether School Leaders can use planning periods for LEAP sessions. Per an email from DCPS' Office of the General Council for the Labor Management & Employee Relations:

"Article 23.6.1.1. stipulates what planning time can be used for:

The Parties agree that planning periods shall be used for instructional purposes: planning lessons, reviewing student work, maintaining student records, holding conferences, and other similar activities.

While LEAP/PD could arguably be "other similar activities", I don't recommend planning periods be used for LEAP or programmatic meetings unless the teachers agree to attend or the teachers are otherwise getting the minimum amount of planning required in the CBA, so those LEAP meetings do not result in a loss of planning time. This should also be discussed with the SCAC first."

Elementary Planning Periods

"23.6.2. Elementary Planning Periods

23.6.2.1. General Rules

23.6.2.1.1. All Teachers serving in elementary schools shall receive two hundred twenty-five (225) minutes per week for planning periods.

23.6.2.1.2. The planning periods shall be scheduled during the normal workday, as defined in this Agreement.

23.6.2.1.3. The Supervisor, in consultation with the SCAC, shall implement the following options, in the order provided below, to achieve the two hundred twenty-five (225) minutes for planning periods. The Supervisor shall proceed to the next option only if the previous option cannot be achieved."

*The four weekly Teacher-initiated morning blocks (120 minutes weekly), your planning time (225 minutes weekly), and your lunch (225 minutes weekly) are three separate rights you are entitled to under the contract. Teachers should not be told by their administrator that they will be receiving less planning time or lunch because they are receiving four morning blocks. *

Secondary Planning Period

"23.6.5. Secondary Planning Periods

23.6.5.1. All secondary school teachers shall be given at least five (5) daily planning periods per week that are equal in length to a class period, except as may be mutually agreed between the Supervisor and the Teacher.

23.6.5.2. The planning periods shall be scheduled during the normal workday, as
defined in this Agreement."

*The four weekly Teacher-initiated morning blocks (120 minutes weekly), your planning time (at least five (5) daily planning periods per week that are equal in length to a class period), and your lunch (equal in length to a full teaching period. However, in no case shall a Teacher’s lunch period be less than 45 minutes or exceed 60 minutes) are three separate rights you are entitled to under the contract. Teachers should not be told by their administrator that they will be receiving less planning time or lunch because they are receiving four morning blocks. *

Four of the Morning Blocks each week are reserved for Teacher-initiated planning. Please refer to the Monday Morning Brew from January 13, 2025, which goes into detail about Article 23.8. Thirty-Minute Morning Block. If you would like to view the Monday Morning Brew from January 13th, 2025, you may do so by clicking here. Remember, the password to log in to WTU’s Members-Only website is WTU4u and you will need to log in to view this.

Yes. Everyone under Article 1, is a part of the Washington Teachers' Union and falls within the collective bargaining agreement between WTU and DCPS. 

Please refer to the Monday Morning Brew from January 21, 2025, which goes into detail about the new changes in Article 23.17. Class Coverage. If you would like to view the Monday Morning Brew from January 21, 2025, you may do so by clicking here.

We are happy to announce that the new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between WTU and DCPS is now available electronically on our website. If you would like an electronic copy of the CBA, you may do so by clicking here. Printed copies of the CBA will be available as soon as possible.

At 4:30 pm on Thursday, February 25th, the WTU will be hosting a virtual informational session with attorney Nicole Dillard for WTU's international teachers with an H1-B visa. If you are a WTU international teacher with an H1-B visa, you will be able to join the meeting by clicking here.

DCPS has verbally informed the WTU that the recent guidance from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia on Immigration Enforcement for District Schools will supersede the DCPS Immigration Guidance from 2016. If you would like to access the OAG Guidance on Immigration Enforcement for DC Schools, you may do so by clicking here. The guidance is available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. 

The WTU has been working closely with our attorneys to advise WTU members on the legal protections and risks for teachers in the area of immigration. We strongly recommend that teachers read an FAQ document prepared by WTU’s attorneys, which was expanded on February 13, 2025. The update FAQ is available by clicking here.

Thank you to all the members who attended the virtual AFT Urgent Town Hall on Immigration on Thursday, January 30th. If you were unable to attend the virtual town hall but would like to watch it, you may do so by clicking here. Additionally, 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. 

At 10 am on Thursday, February 27th, there will be a DC Council Performance Oversight Hearing on DCPS.  You will be able to testify virtually.

You can register to testify, by clicking here. If you need talking points, please reach out to WTU Organizer ([email protected])

Please note that your testimony will help improve DCPS and ensure DCPS follows our new collective bargaining agreement.

Last week, we reached out to DCPS regarding the possibility of a settlement and getting an extension to the February 14th deadline; however, we have not heard from DCPS. Since we have not received a response from DCPS, please refer to the guidance previously shared below. 

The arbitration case that WTU filed over the new requirement is currently pending. Unfortunately, it will likely take at least several months for the case to be resolved. In the meantime, we understand that DCPS has threated to discipline providers if they refuse to complete the registration and attestation forms. WTU believes that DCPS’s actions are unacceptable and that if DCPS were to discipline providers for refusing to comply with the requirement it would violate the contract. A disciplined provider could choose to file a grievance regarding such discipline. However, while WTU believes the new requirement is improper, there is a risk that an arbitrator will ultimately disagree with that view and uphold discipline issued to providers for refusing to comply with the requirement. For those reasons, providers should understand that there is a risk that they may be disciplined if you choose not to complete the registration. WTU will continue to take all legal actions available to challenge DCPS’s actions. 

This winter, the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) is offering innovative and engaging professional development courses designed to enhance your teaching strategies and fulfill recertification requirements. 

New winter classes include: 

• Experiential Learning Techniques (hands-on strategies to bring learning to life)
• Understanding IMPACT (deepen your knowledge of performance frameworks), and
• Civics 101: What is Truth? (explore critical thinking and civic engagement). 

WTU members enjoy rates starting at $150, with the opportunity to earn 45 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) or three graduate credits from Trinity University, which can also advance you on the salary scale. Click here to enroll today!

If you are a current DCPS teacher looking to transfer schools, please complete the SY 2025-26 teacher application. When applying, please register with your k12.dc.gov email and complete the pre-employment questions on the teacher application. Read more here about the internal teacher transfer process.

• February 18th @ 4:30 pm, WTU VP of High School Committee Meeting. Online via Zoom.  We will continue discussions on the proposed high school graduation requirements as well as review the results of the student cell phone use survey. If you have not completed the survey, please take a moment to fill out the survey. Your feedback will help us understand how cell phone use affects the learning environment. 
• February 18th @ 4:30 pm, WTU Legislative Committee Meeting. Online via Zoom.
• February 18th, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Ward 5 Education Equity Committee Meeting. Register here.
• February 21st, @ 9:30 am, Register to testify at the DC Council Committee on Facilities Performance Oversight Hearing on DGS (Public Witness). Register by clicking here
• February 25th @ 4:30 pm, WTU Virtual Information Session For International Teachers. Online via Zoom. Attorney Nicole Dillard will provide guidance on H1-B visa requirements and U.S. employment. This is a great opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have.
• February 27th @ 10:00 am, Register to testify at the DC Council Committee of the Whole Performance Oversight Hearing on DCPS (Public Witness). Register by clicking here
• February 27th, @ 4:30 pm, WTU Call To Action Meeting to Respond to the New Administration’s Actions (Attacks on Immigration, DEI, Education, LGBTQ Rights, Democracy). Online via Zoom 

• Feb. 7, 2025, WTOP News, "She gives kids in DC space to discuss mental health. Now, she’s a national teacher of the year finalist"
• Feb. 7, 2025, 7 News, "BOWSER Act: New bill aims to repeal DC Home Rule Act, return congressional control"

• OSSE'S "LEA Look Forward for Feb. 14, 2025: DCTAG, Mayor’s Scholars Applications and More."

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. 

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at AMBrew.

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Good Morning WTU Family!

I hope everyone had an exciting and amazing Super Bowl weekend! Thank you to all of our WTU school leaders and WTU members who came out to the virtual Union Leadership Institute on Saturday. The turnout was amazing! Our WTUBuilding Representatives, Executive Board Members, and staff presented dynamic and engaging presentations and workshops on the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

We hope everyone will have the opportunity to attend the virtual WTURepresentative Assembly Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, at 4:30 pm. Our WTUattorneys from James and Hoffman P.C. will be present at the meeting to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the recent guidance from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for the District of Columbia on Immigration Enforcement for District Schools. Below, please find the OAG guidance and the FAQ from our WTU Attorneys regarding protecting teachers while assisting Immigrant Students and Communities. Please also take time to review the AFT's resources on immigration.

We've heard your questions and concerns regarding the implementation of our new CBA. Once again below, we are highlighting articles in our new contract that pertain to planning, morning blocks, and class coverage. I would particularly like to point out an email (see below) from the DCPS' Office of the General Council for Labor Management & Employee Relations. This email supports that LEAP or programmatic meetings should not be held during a teacher's planning period unless the teacher agrees to attend, or the teachers are otherwise getting the minimum amount of planning required in the CBA. Please reach out to your school's WTU Field Representative if you have any questions or concerns regarding the improper use of teacher planning in your school.

Thank you for all that you do to support your colleagues, students, and family. I hope you have a peaceful and productive week.

We have received many questions regarding whether School Leaders can use planning periods for LEAP sessions. Per an email from DCPS' Office of the General Council for the Labor Management & Employee Relations:

"Article 23.6.1.1. stipulates what planning time can be used for:

The Parties agree that planning periods shall be used for instructional purposes: planning lessons, reviewing student work, maintaining student records, holding conferences, and other similar activities.

While LEAP/PD could arguably be "other similar activities", I don't recommend planning periods be used for LEAP or programmatic meetings unless the teachers agree to attend or the teachers are otherwise getting the minimum amount of planning required in the CBA, so those LEAP meetings do not result in a loss of planning time. This should also be discussed with the SCAC first."

Elementary Planning Periods

"23.6.2. Elementary Planning Periods

23.6.2.1. General Rules

23.6.2.1.1. All Teachers serving in elementary schools shall receive two hundred twenty-five (225) minutes per week for planning periods.

23.6.2.1.2. The planning periods shall be scheduled during the normal workday, as defined in this Agreement.

23.6.2.1.3. The Supervisor, in consultation with the SCAC, shall implement the following options, in the order provided below, to achieve the two hundred twenty-five (225) minutes for planning periods. The Supervisor shall proceed to the next option only if the previous option cannot be achieved."

*The four weekly Teacher-initiated morning blocks (120 minutes weekly), your planning time (225 minutes weekly), and your lunch (225 minutes weekly) are three separate rights you are entitled to under the contract. Teachers should not be told by their administrator that they will be receiving less planning time or lunch because they are receiving four morning blocks. *

Secondary Planning Period

"23.6.5. Secondary Planning Periods

23.6.5.1. All secondary school teachers shall be given at least five (5) daily planning periods per week that are equal in length to a class period, except as may be mutually agreed between the Supervisor and the Teacher.

23.6.5.2. The planning periods shall be scheduled during the normal workday, as
defined in this Agreement."

*The four weekly Teacher-initiated morning blocks (120 minutes weekly), your planning time (at least five (5) daily planning periods per week that are equal in length to a class period), and your lunch (equal in length to a full teaching period. However, in no case shall a Teacher’s lunch period be less than 45 minutes or exceed 60 minutes) are three separate rights you are entitled to under the contract. Teachers should not be told by their administrator that they will be receiving less planning time or lunch because they are receiving four morning blocks. *

Four of the Morning Blocks each week are reserved for Teacher-initiated planning. Please refer to the Monday Morning Brew from January 13, 2025, which goes into detail about Article 23.8. Thirty-Minute Morning Block. If you would like to view the Monday Morning Brew from January 13th, 2025, you may do so by clicking here. Remember, the password to log in to WTU’s Members-Only website is WTU4u and you will need to log in to view this.

Please refer to the Monday Morning Brew from January 21, 2025, which goes into detail about the new changes in Article 23.17. Class Coverage. If you would like to view the Monday Morning Brew from January 21, 2025, you may do so byclicking here.

We are happy to announce that the new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between WTU and DCPS is now available electronically on our website. If you would like an electronic copy of the CBA, you may do so by clicking here. Printed copies of the CBA will be available as soon as possible.

DCPS has verbally informed the WTU that the recent guidance from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia on Immigration Enforcement for District Schools will supersede the DCPS Immigration Guidance from 2016. If you would like to access the OAG Guidance on Immigration Enforcement for DC Schools, you may do so by clicking here. The guidance is available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. 

Additionally, click here to read the Urgent FAQ from WTU Attorneys Regarding Protecting Teachers While Assisting Immigrant Students and Communities. Our WTU attorneys will be present at the upcoming WTU Representative Assembly Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11th, at 4:30 pm to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the OAG immigration guidance. WTU members can join the upcoming WTU Representative Assembly Meeting tomorrow Tuesday by clicking here. If you are a WTU delegate for your school, you should have received an individualized link to your personal email address and you should use that link to join the WTU Representative Assembly Meeting tomorrow. 

Thank you to all the members who attended the virtual AFT Urgent Town Hall on Immigration on Thursday, January 30th. If you were unable to attend the virtual town hall but would like to watch it, you may do so by clicking here. Additionally, 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. 

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ms. Marsha Yolanda Harris who passed away on January 19, 2025. Ms. Harris was very proud of the work of her students and the work completed under her tenure for over 33 years of service. Not only did she teach students but teachers as well. She was an invaluable member of the Early Childhood Education Team and the LEAP Team. She ensured all children within her reach received school uniforms including buying them with her own money. She would always host Thanksgiving dinners for the students and parents and all students received her gigantic Christmas bags for the holidays. She was instrumental in ensuring her students received exponential learning opportunities.

She was a lifelong learner with global educational experiences having visited Italy on two occasions as a participant of the Reggio Emilio Teacher Exchange Program with her Miner colleagues. 

At 3:30 pm this Wednesday, February 12th, there will be an important virtual WTUmeeting for Related Service Providers on the District of Columbia Public Schools new Medicaid requirements. Related Service Providers will be able to join the meeting on Wednesday by clicking here.

This winter, the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) is offering innovative and engaging professional development courses designed to enhance your teaching strategies and fulfill recertification requirements. 

New winter classes include: 

• Experiential Learning Techniques (hands-on strategies to bring learning to life)
• Understanding IMPACT (deepen your knowledge of performance frameworks), and
• Civics 101: What is Truth? (explore critical thinking and civic engagement). 

WTU members enjoy discounted rates starting at $125, with the opportunity to earn 45 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) or three graduate credits from Trinity University, which can also advance you on the salary scale. Take advantage of the early bird deadline by February 14th and invest in your growth as an educator today. Click here to enroll today!

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has launched an exciting Teacher Leader Alumni Program, and we’re proud to share that one of WTU’s own, Mr. Chandler Dennard, has been selected! He’s continuing his impactful Teacher Leader project on Teacher Mental Health, and your input is invaluable. Please take a moment to complete his survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MMRCRJX! Your support makes a difference! Thank you in advance

Please take a moment to fill out this survey on Student Cell Phone Use in Schools. Your responses will help us to understand how cell phone use impacts the learning environment. 

If you are a current DCPS teacher looking to transfer schools, please complete the SY 2025-26 teacher application. When applying, please register with your k12.dc.gov email and complete the pre-employment questions on the teacher application. Read more here about the internal teacher transfer process.

• February 11th, @ 4:30 pm, WTU February Representative Assembly Meeting. Online via Zoom. If you are a WTU delegate for your school, you should have received an individualized link to your personal email address and you should use that link to join the WTU Representative Assembly Meeting tomorrow. 
• February 12th @ 3:30 pm, WTU Related Service Providers Meeting on the New Medicaid Requirements. Online via Zoom.
• February 18th @ 4:30 pm, WTU VP of High School Committee Meeting. Online via Zoom. 
• February 18th @ 4:30 pm, WTU Legislative Committee Meeting. Online via Zoom.
• February 18th, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Ward 5 Education Equity Committee Meeting. Register here.
• February 21st, @ 9:30 am, DC Council Committee on Facilities Performance Oversight Hearing on DGS (Public Witness). Register by clicking here
• February 27th @ 10:00 am, DC Council Committee of the Whole Performance Oversight Hearing on DCPS (Public Witness). Register by clicking here

• Feb. 4, 2025, The Washington Informer, "Students, Parents and Elected Officials Tackle In-School Cellphone Use"
• Feb. 5, 2025, The Washington Informer, "Collins Council Report: Second Legislative Meeting of Council Period 26"
• Feb. 7, 2025, 7 News, "BOWSER Act: New bill aims to repeal DC Home Rule Act, return congressional control"

• LEA Look Forward for Feb. 7, 2025: Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Secondary Transition Compliance Webinar and More
• 2025 Belfer National Conference for Holocaust Education - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• https://constitutioncenter.org/education/professional-learning-opportunities/educator-institutes
• https://inquirygroup.org/free-pd-2025

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 membership@wtulocal6.net. 

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. 

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at AMBrew.