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AM Brew - January 9, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 9, 2023
Contract Update
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 have been in contact with both the Office of the Mayor and City Council Offices. 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 approval has not moved 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 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.
Representative Assembly Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 10 @ 4:30
All members are encouraged to join.
Via Zoom. Passcode: 572801
Please check the Upcoming Events section below for additional upcoming meetings where your support and participation are requested.
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.
New Community Service Graduation Requirement
For the past three years, to accommodate for the impacts of the pandemic, DC Council has waived the requirement that high school students complete 100 hours of community service to graduate. This year, OSSE is promulgating regulations to stagger the reimposition of the community service requirement over four years. In addition, the regulation will permanently reduce the hours requirement for transfer students new to the District. Find a complete summary of the changes to the graduation requirements here.
For students graduating in the 2022-23 school year, the key requirements are:
- Students must have 12 hours of community service to graduate
- Graduating seniors who transferred into a District public or public charter school from a non-DCPS or DC public charter school this year are exempted from the 12-hour graduation requirement
For questions, please reach out to Andrew Gall at [email protected].
OSSE Looking for Feedback on Newly Revised Social Studies Standards by Jan. 30, 2023
OSSE is seeking public comment on the draft of the revised Social Studies State Standards. On Dec. 16, 2022, OSSE published the revised draft of Social Studies Standards, and is accepting public comment on the draft up through Monday, Jan. 30. View the revised standards here. For more information about the standards revision process and timeline, and to provide comments and input on the new standards draft, please visit the OSSE Social Studies website. For questions, please contact the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at [email protected].
AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - January 3, 2023
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, January 3, 2023
Happy New Year! We hope that you enjoyed Winter Break and are rested and ready to return to the classroom. Please ensure you've submitted your Test to Return documentation. If you have any concerns, please contact your Field Representative.
WTU Approves Contract Proposal
The contract is still waiting Council approval. The WTU is working to gather information on the approval process and will provide additional updates on when provisions in the contract will take effect in the coming days.
Rep Assembly meeting, Tuesday Jan 10 th @ 4:30
All members may attend, but only building reps and delegates may participate and vote.
K-2 Survey
Please complete this survey if you teach students in k-2.
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - December 19, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, December 19, 2022
Happy Holidays! The WTU team and I would like to wish you a safe and healthy holiday. We hope that you are able to celebrate the Holidays and New Year with your loved ones.
After the Union’s affirmative vote on the Contract last week, the administration will send the contract to the Council for approval, which we expect to occur rapidly. We are working to learn more about when provisions within the contract, including pay increases, will be implemented.
Many thanks to those who attended WTU’s Go-Go for Education Holiday Celebration on Friday! It was a joy to see so many smiling faces! Check out the WTU’s website, Instagram, and Twitter pages to see additional celebration photos and videos.
I hope that you are able to rest and recharge over the Winter Break. Please remember that DCPS has a ‘test to return' policy in place for January.
Happy Holidays!
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
Washington Teachers’ Union
*Note: The WTU will have a holiday staff celebration on Thursday, December 22nd and the office will close at 12:00pm. The WTU Office will be closed on Friday, December 23rd, Monday, December 26st and Monday, January 2nd. There will not be an AM Brew the week of Dec 26 as WTU staff celebrates the Holidays.
WTU Approves Contract Proposal
Washington Post - D.C. teachers union approves labor contract, securing raises
WTOP - DC teachers’ union ratifies new contract with overwhelming support
The contract will go to the Council for approval. The WTU will provide additional updates on when provisions in the contract will take effect when available.
International Teachers
DCPS Attorney Nicole Dillard wishes to meet with all teachers who are currently employed by DCPS on a non-immigrant visa, to include F-1, H-1B, & J-1 educators. Attorney Dillard will share important process and timelines information. Opportunity will be provided for discussion of questions. WTU President Pogue Lyons will be in attendance.
December 20, 2022, 4 – 5 pm
Meeting ID: 939 669 4583; Passcode: 148566; Dial: 305-224-1968
Let the SBOE hear your teacher voice on mayoral control
The State Board of Education started a governance committee two years ago and has finally produced a list of recommendations. They met as a committee on Monday and the full State Board will debate them and vote on Dec 21st at their public meeting! Here is what was discussed and how they voted on here. Take a look.
Please sign up to testify at the Dec 21st SBOE public meeting. The meetings are now in person and typically public comment/ testimony begins around 7 pm at the Judiciary Square Marion Barry Building.
AFT TEACH workshop proposal due by Jan. 17
TEACH 2023 is all about supporting educators and focusing on what kids need for successful futures. Priority areas for the workshops include:
- Instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students;
- Teaching subject-area content;
- Student and educator safety and well-being; and
- Collaborating and working with colleagues, families and communities to make sure kids feel safe and welcome in their public schools and have access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
For the full list of priority areas and topics, view the Workshop Proposal Guidelines
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - December 12, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, December 12, 2022
Tuesday, December 13th is the last day to vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement.
There is a recording of the two Town Hall sessions from last week available here: Members Only Minutes
On Dec. 5th, all WTU members received an email to their DCPS email account from TrueBallot, Inc. We realize that some of these emails landed in DCPS' spam, archive or other folders. If you have not received a ballot via your DCPS email from [email protected], please do the following:
- Please check your DCPS emailand DCPS junk or archive mail folders. The sender of this email is [email protected] which your computer may classify as suspicious and send to a different file folder instead of your inbox.
- Please search for the email by typing [email protected] and "WTU Contract Ratification" into the Search box of your email account.
- Check to ensure you are a WTU dues-paying member. Only due-paying members will receive the Contract Voting package. To make sure you are a member, please check your paystub to make sure DCPS classified you as a WTU-Dues paying member.
If you are not a member, you can join the WTU if you enroll by Noon on December 13th. Contact Carlton Nettles to ensure your membership paperwork is expedited. - After completing these steps, please contact Carlton Nettles - [email protected] – if you have not received your ballot. In rare cases, you may need to call OCTO and see if your email is blocking [email protected] as a last resort.
Please note when you receive your ballot email, you must click on the voting link to see all the documents in the contract voting package. The documents contained in the ballot are also posted on the WTU members-only website under Meeting Minutes. Recordings of all Ballot Town Meeting are posted there as well. Security is provided through the use of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), which were sent in the ballot email to all WTU dues-paying members. Regardless of how many ballot emails you receive, only one response will be logged into the system.
WTU Membership Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 04:30 PM
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We Look forward to Seeing you on Friday!
WTU’s GO-GO for Education Celebration!
When: Friday, December 16th
Time: 7-11PM
We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you!
AFT TEACH workshop proposal due by Jan. 17
TEACH 2023 is all about supporting educators and focusing on what kids need for successful futures. Priority areas for the workshops include:
- Instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students;
- Teaching subject-area content;
- Student and educator safety and well-being; and
- Collaborating and working with colleagues, families and communities to make sure kids feel safe and welcome in their public schools and have access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
For the full list of priority areas and topics, view the Workshop Proposal Guidelines
TEACHER DISCOUNT available for Eddie B. Teachers Only Comedy Tour
Saturday, December 17, 2022 (7pm Doors)
Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Use code THANKYOU on purchase page to receive 25% off tickets here:
https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/eddie-b-teachers-only-comedy-tour
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - December 5, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, December 5, 2022
The vote on the tentative contract begins today! The WTU attorneys and staff spent this past week examining and preparing the tentative contract and documents for your review. Beginning today, you will have an opportunity review these documents and vote.
All WTU Members should receive an email to your DCPS email account with the WTU Tentative Contract Voting package which includes the following information:
- The tentative agreement signed by President Pogue Lyons and Chancellor Ferebee
- A tentative contract fact sheet
- A review of the tentative changes to Articles 6 and 7 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
- A copy of the tentative CBA
- A copy of the current CBA (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2019)
- A tentative contract salary schedule
- A Q&A document on the tentative contract
The vote will open Monday, December 5, 2022 and votes must be received by Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 7:30pm. The election service company, TrueBallot, Inc., will handle the administration of the vote.
WTU will host virtual Town Hall Meetings to discuss the contract and answer any questions on Monday, December 5th and Wednesday, December 7th.
- Dec 5 Town Hall @ 4:30PM via Zoom. Meeting ID: 939 669 4583; Passcode: 148566
- Dec 7 Town Hall @ 4:30PM via Zoom. Meeting ID: 939 669 4583; Passcode: 148566
Please watch your DCPS email for your ballot and make sure you vote. Please contact Carlton Nettles at [email protected] if you did not receive a ballot. If you are not a member, you can join by Tuesday, December 13, 2022 by 12:00pm and still have your vote counted. Contact your Field Representative or Carleton Nettles at [email protected] to become a WTU member.
YOU ARE INVITED to WTU’s GO-GO for Education Celebration!
When: Friday, December 16th from 7 - 11 PM
Where: Kaiser Permanente Center for Total Health
Please REGISTER HERE for this FREE event no later than Friday, December 9th!
Space is limited! We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you!
Let the Council hear your teacher voice!
Register by 5 pm today, December 5th to testify before the Committee of the Whole: Literacy and the NAEP and PARCC Assessments. Hearing is Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00am
Committee Hearing Signup: Literacy and the NAEP and PARCC Assessments (google.com)
Gun violence continues to plague our schools and communities
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/11/28/teen-killed-shot-before/
“Ricochet: An American Trauma,” a documentary examining the US gun violence crisis and the people it impacts most - https://youtu.be/VIf7gfTSB7w
TEACHER DISCOUNT available for Eddie B. Teachers Only Comedy Tour
Saturday, December 17, 2022 (7pm Doors)
Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Use code THANKYOU on purchase page to receive 25% off tickets here:
https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/eddie-b-teachers-only-comedy-tour
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - November 28, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, November 28, 2022
We hope you enjoyed the Holiday weekend. We are thankful and grateful for all the organizing and rallying you’ve done to get us to a tentative agreement.
The WTU negotiating team will provide details in a Member Town Hall on Tuesday, November 29 at 4:30PM. The tentative agreement includes a 12.5% raise over 4 years though FY 2023, 4% retention bonus for all teachers, increase in ‘teacher startup funds,’ 2 morning blocks reserved for teacher lead planning, and additional bonuses for teachers in hard to fill positions.
Member Town Hall - Tuesday, November 29 @ 4:30
Meeting ID: 930 4869 7561
Passcode: 797288
Dial in: 301-715-8592
WTU in the news
- Statement from Mayor Bowser, Chancellor Ferebee, and WTU President Pogue Lyons on Tentative Contract Agreement
- Tentative contract agreement reached to provide DC teachers raises - WUSA
- D.C. reaches long-awaited deal with teachers union - The Washington Post
- D.C. School Teachers, Mayor Bowser Reach Tentative Deal – Washington Informer
- DCPS and Washington Teachers' Union reach tentative contract agreement - Axios
- DCPS reaches tentative contract agreement with teachers' union after 3 years - WJLA
- DC Public Schools reaches tentative agreement with teachers' union - FOX
- After Three-Year Impasse, D.C. Public Schools Reach Tentative Agreement With Teachers’ Union - DCist
- Parents Rally Behind DCPS Teachers in Demand for Better Conditions – Washington Informer
- D.C. public school teachers walk out in frustration, no new contract since 2019 – AFRO News
The WTU is deeply concerned about gun violence in our community
Akira Wilson fatally shot at NoMa's Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday - The Washington Post
Teen shot near annual Turkey Bowl in Northeast DC
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - November 21, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, November 21, 2022
I am thankful and grateful to the entire WTU community for participating in the action last Thursday. It was truly a beautiful sight to see us all united in our efforts to get a contract. Although the city leaders are listening and we are back at the negotiating table, we do not have a contract yet. Please help us keep putting pressure on the Mayor and DCPS leadership over the coming weeks. Your voice matters!
I hope that you are able to take some time for yourself this Thanksgiving break you truly deserve it. There was an article published last week, ‘Teachers Experienced More Anxiety than Healthcare Workers During the Pandemic,’ we know this is true. Please be careful as you travel this holiday weekend. COVID is still with us and other respiratory viruses are circulating widely. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
TEACHERS DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT
We’re bent on keeping the pressure on until we receive a FAIR contract! To see interviews of participants, visit WTU’s Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FaceBook sites. Please retweet, forward, and retweet again!
Upcoming Events. Details coming soon.
- Town Hall Week of November 28th
- Holiday Go-Go for Education, December 16th
Also, we need your photos/videos! They serve as priceless reminders of how determined we remain in getting a FAIR contract. You can see our efforts in the pictures compiled on the Photos_2022 page of the WTU website here. If you’ve taken photos and video you don’t see pictured, please take a moment to email them to [email protected].
Contact your Building Rep or Field Representative for more information about on-going contract negotiations. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ANY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE YOUR TOUR OF DUTY. DCPS is watching!
WTU in the news
-
Brenda Douyon’s class in the Kidspost - November Class of KidsPost: Garrison Elementary in Washington, D.C. - The Washington Post
- DCPS teachers walkout over contract, building standards | wusa9.com
- 'Overlooked and overdue.' Parents demand DCPS renovate 100-year-old Whittier Elementary | WJLA
- There’s ‘An End in Sight’ for the Lengthy Contract Fight Between DCPS and the Teachers’ Union. But Plenty of Bad Blood Remains. - Washington City Paper
- D.C. Teachers March For New Contract As Union Bargaining Resumes
KC Boyd winner of Excellence in Equity 2022
Excellence in Equity 2022 | The Winners | Equity & Access Pre K-12 | The American Consortium for Equity in Education (ace-ed.org). Recognizing the companies, leaders, authors, and educators whose tremendous efforts are helping schools achieve equity everywhere
DCPS in the news
- D.C. Gets Federal Funds To Help Homeless Students. But Many Schools In Need Are Shortchanged
- D.C. gets federal funds to help homeless students. But many schools in need are shortchanged (wamu.org)
Field Trip Guidance
Earlier this month DCPS released new guidelines on field trips. The administration in your school is responsible for checking the driver’s license of the bus driver.
- Click here for information on how to check credentials.
- Click here for a Day-of Field Trip Checklist.
Open Positions
Looking for a new position? Check out the November listings of instructional and non-instructional vacancies posted here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/open_positions
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - November 14, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, November 14, 2022
November Representative Assembly
The November Rep Assembly meeting is on Tuesday, November 15th at 4:30. All members are encouraged to attend. Building Representatives and Delegates to the Representative Assembly can participate.
Dial: 301-715-8592; Meeting ID: 98080484945; Passcode: 546066
TEACHERS DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT
NEXT CONTRACT ACTION - Thursday, November 17, 3:30 or after your contractual day
We'd like all teachers to leave school together and march around your school or congregate in an area, take and tweet group pictures or email them to [email protected]. Wear your WTU t-shirt. Please encourage, parents, students and other community members to march with you in solidarity! Please participate - these actions make a difference. A flyer is available here.
Please click here to register, to let us know that you’ll be participating: https://mobilize.us/s/Ht5jWD
Contact your Building Rep or Field Representative for more information about on-going contract negotiations. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ANY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE YOUR TOUR OF DUTY. DCPS is watching!
WTU In the News
DC News Now - Petition for fair teacher contract delivered to Mayor’s office
WTOP - ‘Stop playing games’ — DC mayor, teachers’ union remain at odds as contract talks reach arbitration
Accuracy in Academia - D.C. public schools’ woes continue as teachers lack contract for third straight year
Surveys
Heads up, the DCPS teacher Insight Survey is now open. An email was sent your email. DCPS Instructional Superintendents and the Chief of Schools will be looking at the data. The email would've come from the Insight Team ([email protected]).
EmpowerEd is asking for your help in filling out a 10 minute survey on flexible scheduling for educators and teacher retention. As you may already know, DC has the highest teacher turnover rate in the country and the pandemic has made this crisis worse. So many careers that teachers are qualified to move into pay at least as much if not more and are now significantly more flexible- so we're pushing hard to get the city leaders to invest in flexible teacher scheduling and other retention strategies. We need to hear from you.
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - November 6, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, November 7, 2022
Contract negotiation update … The WTU and DCPS are still working out the details for arbitration. We will update the membership as soon as the details are available.
Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract
- Nov 17th – Day of Action - https://mobilize.us/s/Ht5jWD
- Town Hall – TBD
Thanks to all members who participated in the contract event at DCPS Central Office on Thursday. The mayor is watching, and it is important that she sees we’re united in our efforts to get a fair contract. Your voice matters!
Our next event is Thursday, November 17 at 3:30 or at the end of your tour of duty. We'd like all teachers to leave school together and march around your school or congregate in an area, take and tweet group pictures or email them to [email protected]. Wear your WTU t-shirt. Please encourage, parents, students and other community members to march with you in solidarity! Please participate - these actions make a difference. A flyer is available here.
Please click here to register, to let us know that you’ll be participating: https://mobilize.us/s/Ht5jWD
Contact your Building Rep or Field Representative for more information about on-going contract negotiations. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ANY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE YOUR TOUR OF DUTY. DCPS is watching!
CSO / DCPS Contract
The contract the between CSO and DCPS, subject to Council approval, is available here: https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/51455/Introduction/PR24-0991-Introduction.pdf
WTU in the news
Washington Informer - Teacher Contract Negotiations at a Standstill
ABC - 'Worst I've seen it': DC teachers call on Bowser for contract as arbitration nears
National Right to Read
School Librarians KC Boyd, Christopher Stewart and Angela Faulkenburg went to Capitol Hill to promote the National Right to Read Bill introduced by Sent Jack Reed and Rep Raul Grijalva
Volunteer opportunity at the Air and Space Museum (see flyer)
We’ve piloting 45-60 minute Engineering & Design challenges starting in January and are actively recruiting volunteers to facilitate this programming. Here is a link to the volunteer position description (clicking on the link will cause you to make a copy of the Google Doc), and a link to apply for this opportunity. Applications are completed through our volunteer management software. Contact Laura Blanton if you have any questions [email protected]
Vote – Election Day is Tuesday
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 volunteer for WTU endorsed candidates on Election Day!
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - October 31, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Monday, October 31, 2022
Thank you to all who testified last Tuesday on teacher turnover! Now, more than ever we need you to – “Use Your Outside Voices” – to ensure the Council hears our demands!
Although we couldn’t capture everyone’s testimony, we captured more than 30 testimonies which are available WTU’s YouTube channel. I encourage you to watch my testimony where I discuss the results of a poll the WTU conducted on teacher retention where we report that more than 79% of teachers are not satisfied with current workplace conditions and 69% say they are more likely to leave in the next three years.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to SIGN our petition to Mayor Bowser. Please share the petition, ask your family and friends! We plan to deliver this petition BEFORE the November Election and hope to have thousands of signatures. In addition, we hope you’ll call, email and tweet to the Mayor, demanding that she return to the bargaining table. And, of course, we hope you’ll join us at upcoming Contract Events.
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President
Washington Teachers' Union
Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract
Thanks to all members who participated in the contract rally at the Anacostia Metro. Your presence and voice at these rallies matter! We hope that you can join us in upcoming contract campaign events.
Contract Campaign action –
- Nov 3rd – Rally 4 pm at DCPS Central Office. 1200 1st Street, NE - https://mobilize.us/s/1aV3Tc
- Nov 17th – Day of Action - https://mobilize.us/s/Ht5jWD
- Town Hall – TBD
TELL THE MAYOR … Why we need a fair contract now
Sign and share our petition.
Contact your Building Rep or Field Representative for more information about on-going contract negotiations. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ANY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE YOUR TOUR OF DUTY. DCPS is watching!
An apple can’t pay the rent
Between Covid and culture war bullshit, America’s teachers are burned out—but DC Public School teachers rallied at the Anacostia Metro stop to change that. DCPS teachers haven’t had a contract for three years, and many feel underpaid and overworked—and some haven’t been receiving their paychecks at all—in the midst of a teacher shortage that’s really not a shortage at all.
While teachers wait on Mayor Bowser’s response, they’ve got a petition residents can sign to help get a fair contract.
WTU in the news
- District tries to find ways to retain teachers, as teachers’ union waits for new contract to be finalized
- DC teacher’s union holds rally asking for new contract | DC News Now
- 'Time to end arbitration': DC teachers union holds rally for new contract (msn.com)
- Survey shows low morale, frustration among D.C. teachers - The Washington Post
- https://www.telemundowashingtondc.com/noticias/local/maestros-del-distito-piden-mejoras-salariales/2158550/
- Allyson Criner Brown and Emily Roderer: What DCPS schools need to help students thrive — and to attract and keep teachers – TheDCLine.org
- School Librarians Fight the Clock on 'Students' Right to Read Amendment Act' - The Washington Informer
2022 National Association of State Boards of Education, "Policy Leader of the Year Award."
CONTRACT CORNER
Article 23.3 in our CBA states you MUST sign in and out every day. The timesheet is what the timekeeper uses to input the hours you worked.
23.3 Signing In and Out
23.3.1 Teachers shall, immediately upon their arrival, record in the main office of their school the time of their arrival, and shall report to their classroom or place duty at least thirty-five (35) minutes prior to the start of the official school day for students.
23.3.2 Teachers shall record in the main office of their School the time of their departure at the end of the school day.
23.3.3 Itinerant Teachers shall record the time of their arrival and departure in the main office of each of their assigned Schools.
23.3.4 Teachers shall not be required to use time clocks.
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!
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
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AM Brew - October 24, 2022
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.
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AM Brew - October 17, 2022
Here's What's Brewing Today
Tuesday, October 17, 2022
Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract
Many thanks to the teachers, parents and public who came out to support our need for a new Teachers Contract at the Teachers Voice Festival on Saturday. We hope you have a moment to view this short clip from our supporters!
And check out this great coverage of teachers advocating for a new contract as well:
- WTU's March for DC Teachers Contract!
- DC Deal MS Walkout
- ‘It's Difficult': DC Teachers Rally to Mark 3 Years Without Contract, Pay Raise
Save the Date:
- Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 7:00 am - March for the Washington D.C. Teachers Contract at the Anacostia Metro Station
TELL THE MAYOR … Why we need a fair contract now
Sign and share our petition.
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!
Student Debt Clinic
Debt clinic at Ballou High School on October 20th – Click here for more details and to register!
Virtual Student Debt Clinic
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.
#RedforEd
Please wear red each Friday and post photos to social media. Please tag us @WTUTeacher
Member Emails
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, as well as other important Member –Only emails.
To ensure that you’re not inadvertently removed from the distribution list, please update your member information by clicking here.
AM Brew News and Notices will be archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.
Read more