WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU including these classes which start in September ($150 registration fee; 1 FREE class for new members):

• Accessible Literacy Framework (Starts 9/18)
• CLASSIC: Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching & Learning (starts 9/18)
• The Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I (starts 9/18)
• NEWLY ADDED: Managing Behavior in School Communities (starts 9/22)
• Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children (starts 9/20)
• BRAND NEW: Reclaiming Assessments: Using a Balanced Classroom Assessment System to Strengthen Student Learning (started 9/4)
• Successfully Integrating the Arts In Your Classroom (starts 9/25)

FREE WTU Workshops starting in September:

• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (9/11)
• Flagway Math League (soft launch 9/8)
• The Game Factor (9/25)
• PRAXIS I Core Preparation Class (starts 9/22)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

FREE SERIES: Excel with ELL's

Working with ELL’s one-on-one or in small groups to accelerate learning? Then this workshop series is for you! Register HERE if you are interested!). Thursdays @ 5-6pm; 9/9, 9/23, 9/30 (2 PLU’s possible per session)

• 9/9-“Foundational Reading Skills”
• 9/23-“Academic Vocabulary”
• 9/30-"Building ELL Background Knowledge”

Based on research by Dr. Diane August, participants will learn research-based practices on how to support the literacy development of English Language Learners with digital learning resources and individualized instruction. Dr. August and other researchers have found that remote individualized instruction and mentoring coupled with small-group instruction for children struggling in reading has been effective in improving educator capacity and student learning. For more information, email [email protected]

SEL & Journalism Series (5:30-6:30pm)

Please join Washington Teachers Union (WTU) and Pulitzer Center for a series of webinars with award-winning journalists on journalism skills that students can apply to tell underreported stories from their communities. The sessions will also explore how journalism skills can support students' social-emotional learning.

1. Visual storytelling with photojournalist Allison Shelley (September 8)
2. Interview skills with Politico reporter Brittany Gibson (September 9)

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/k7MPqir2WJxW2cu99

Here's What's Brewing Today

August 30, 2021

Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year! I know you're excited to welcome your students to our schools and your classrooms. While this year will not be a "return to normal," we're excited to return to our classrooms after more than a year of virtual instruction.

While we're all excited for the start of the year, I know that you may also be nervous to be returning to in-person instruction. The WTU and DCPS signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlining health and safety protocols for schools and classrooms, details about possible simultaneous in-person and virtual instruction and how to handle leave for teachers contracting COVID-19. A FAQ is available here. As part of the agreement to safely reopen schools, the WTU and DCPS agreed on a #ReopenStrong: School Building Readiness Checklist outlining the protections for student and staff health guaranteed by DCPS as we return to full in-person learning. If you have any health and safety concerns, please report them here http://bit.ly/WTUSafeOpenings or contact your Field Representative immediately.

Last week, OSSE and DCPS announced a change to testing protocols for students. Students will now be automatically enrolled in the testing program which supports asymptomatic testing, symptomatic testing and testing for close contacts. The test will be a non-invasive, saliva-based PCR test; DCPS plans to test 10% of students each week.

If you are having any issues or concerns regarding your Office Depot card, please contact [email protected]. Information regarding the COVID Emergency Leave Policy will be forthcoming from DCPS this week.

The WTU will also be hosting a meeting with Building Representatives on Thursday, Sept 2 to discuss the first week of school and answer any questions about the MOA. Building Representatives will receive an email with further information about the meeting and a link to join.

We hope you have a great first week of the 2021-22 school year. Please reach out if you have any concerns as we kick off the new year!

In solidarity,

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

Washington Teachers' Union

Critical #MissingPerson

31-year-old Ian Solheim, a Wilson HS teacher, was last seen in the 1300 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Sunday, July 25, 2021.

Have info? Call (202) 727-9099/ text 50411

CLOSES SOON – 2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

August 23, 2021

Attention School Counselors

As we move towards solidifying language specific to school counselors during contract negotiations the WTU would like you to review some language DCPS has proposed. Specifically, DCPS is proposing that principals and Local School Advisory Teams (LSAT) have the option to transition 10-month school counselors to 11-month school counselors; and 11-month school counselors to 12-month school counselors. Please complete the following brief survey to let the WTU know your desire regarding the proposed language. Click here to compete the survey.

CLOSES SOON – 2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Professional Development

Together We Can Heal Webinar (in partnership with Kaiser Permanente)

Thursday, August 26, 4pm – 5pm (1 PLU). Register here.

WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU.

Early Bird Discount available until 8/27!!! Learn more and Register HERE.

Math Teacher Advisory Council

Are you looking to connect policy to practice, elevate teacher voice and grow your leadership at the state level this SY? In partnership with @OSSEDC, DCCTM is launching the inaugural cohort of the Math Teacher Advisory Council. Apply HERE by Sept 10th!

WTU Teacher Leader Program SY2021-22

The Washington Teachers' Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for school year 2021-2022. Educators from the District of Columbia Public Schools who are union members with full-time responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders' network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy.

Virtual Info Session this Wednesday, 8/25 @5-6pm.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/EUZa5T5zve383THb8 

We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide.

Apply by 9/3/21. Click for additional information, including mandatory workshop dates and to Apply.

Days of Action: Educators Pledge to Teach the Truth

From August 27 - 29, educators and allies will pledge to teach the truth in actions across the country. In the face of right-wing attacks on the teaching of history and antiracism, we are coming together to say we won’t lie to children and we will teach the truth. Learn more.

Day of Action for Washington, D.C. Malcolm X Park. Friday, Aug. 27, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT.

Additional Professional Development opportunities are also posted regularly to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog.

Professional Development

WTU Professional Learning - FALL 2021 Course Offerings

Sign up now for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual fall professional development with the WTU.

Early Bird Discount available until 8/27!!! Learn more and Register HERE.

WTU Teacher Leader Program SY2021-22

The Washington Teachers' Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for school year 2021-2022. Educators from the District of Columbia Public Schools who are union members with full-time responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders' network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy.

We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide. ·

Apply by 9/3/21. Click for additional information, including mandatory workshop dates and to Apply.

Next Generation Personal Finance Back to the Classroom PD Conference 8/21

Next Generation Personal Finance is hosting their annual back-to-school conference on Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 10AM - 4:30PM EST. The event will be held virtually and is free for all educators to attend. Learn more and register HERE

Think Local, Crank Global: Go-Go Workshop for Educators 

Through this 2 1/2 hour virtual workshop, educators will learn how to:

- Use instruments we shake, scrape, and strike to enhance curriculum and teach the art of go-go music

- Make music from items within their environment using the JunkYard Band as an example

- Make something out of nothing; go-go through body percussion, tables, and more!

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 (10:00 AM  12:30 PM). Learn more and register here. 

Math Alliance Announcements

In Class with Carr and Hunter, episode 73, on YouTube - to view their discussion of Bob Moses, scroll forward to 1 hour, 6 minutes and 10 seconds into this episode: https://youtu.be/xY8xPkabX0I

Caste in the Classroom - a documentary film by the Data for Better Schools group with the Young People’s Project - has been selected for the Bronze Lens Film Festival August 17th -22nd, 2021 (in Atlanta)! To register for the 2021 Bronze Lens Film Festival, please visit: https://bronzelens.com/registration/. To see Caste in the Classroom and related resources, visit: https://www.typp.org/dbs. This is recognized as a leading film festival for especially African-American film-makers.

NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition - empowering the voice of teachers - from critical conversations to intentional actions, Atlanta, GA, Sept. 22-25, 2021. See: https://www.nctm.org/atlanta2021/

Additional Professional Development opportunities are also posted regularly to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, August 16, 2021

ICYMI - IMPACT Review

On Friday, Chancellor Lewis Ferebee emailed you a document titled, “IMPACT Review Update: Initial Set of Evolutions to Impact and Preliminary Findings.” The WTU wants you to know that we do not consider this anything close to what is necessary to improve the flawed, ineffective IMPACT evaluation system.

AU’s summary of findings found: “Overall perceptions of IMPACT were more negative than positive, but with a great deal of variation in perspectives across teachers as well as school leaders.” “Many teachers and school leaders perceived that IMPACT created an unhealthy environment of distrust, fear and competitiveness in schools that trickles down into the classroom.” “Subjectivity, bias and gaming the system were all cited as threats to validity in teacher interviews, in school leader focus groups, and in the school leader survey.” And it found that “teachers perceived that the high-stakes and anxiety-producing environment may cause them (or others) to leave DCPS.”

Nowhere does DCPS adequately address these issues. We encourage you to read the full AU report.

ICYMI – MOA and Vaccination Policy

The WTU worked through the weekend to move towards finalizing a memorandum of agreement with DCPS on health and safety issues. We hope to reach an agreement soon.

The WTU supports the get-vaccinated-or-be-tested requirement for all DCPS educators and other school staff announced last week. Getting vaccinated, or getting tested regularly, and wearing face masks is essential now that we’ll be back in school buildings, five days a week—with the goal of having a full complement of healthy school staff. We strongly urge everyone who is eligible—including our students who are 12 years and older—to be fully vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, testing will be available at your workplace or can be done elsewhere during work hours at the city’s expense, with no penalty for taking time off from work. The mandate does include exemptions, for medical and religious reasons. If you have any questions about the vaccination policy, please contact the WTU at 202-517-1477.

OSSE Educator Credentialing Information System - Technical Support Sessions

The OSSE Educator Licensure Technical Support Team hosts monthly virtual office hours for all individuals who require technical support (TS) to access and/or use the ECIS V2.0 online system to apply for a DC educator credential. Click here to learn more.

2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

August 9, 2021

Council Approves Librarians are Essential Amendment – WTU’s on-going work to support a just budget.

We’d like to thank everyone who called, wrote, and tweeted to members of the DC Council asking them to support the Librarians are Essential Amendment to the SY2021-2022 budget. As a result of your advocacy, every DCPS school will have a Full-Time Librarian for the 2021-2022 school year.

DCPS has begun outreach for a NEW school budget model, which will be used to develop SY2022-2023 budgets. We invite you to join the next Legislative Committee meeting (watch the AM Brew for details) to learn more about our work to ensure every student has the resources they need in their school. In the meantime, we hope you’ll get involved in helping shape the next generation of school –level budgets by joining the DCPS New Budget Model Town Hall on August 12^th at 5:30pm. At this event, you’ll learn more about DCPS’ plans and be able to share your initial thoughts on the New Budget Model for Fiscal Year 23 (2022-2023 school year) that DCPS is developing.

Honoring Robert Moses

Math Literacy for All Alliance Family, FIU/FLAME is hosting a Virtual Celebration of Bob Moses' Life, and celebrating his work in Florida, on Monday, August 9th, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. To register, click here.

2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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

Professional Development

Announcing the WTU Teacher Leader Program SY2021-22 (Deadline: 9/3/21)

The Washington Teachers' Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for school year 2021-2022. Educators from the District of Columbia Public Schools who are union members with full-time responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders' network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy.

We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/Lfkxm5ZH1Lc3Emtt8

Selected cohort members must attend monthly workshops 9am-4pm either online or at 1239 Pennsylvania Ave., SE on:

• September 18, 2021
• October 23, 2021
• November 13, 2021
• December 11, 2021
• January 22, 2022
• February 12, 2022
• March 19, 2022
• April 9, 2022
• WTU Teacher Leader Symposium: May 14, 2022

Upon successful completion of the program, cohort members will be awarded a $1500 stipend and PLU’s.

Next Generation Personal Finance -- Back to the Classroom PD Conference 8/21

We hope you had a wonderful and relaxing summer break - you all deserve it! As you prepare to go back into your physical or virtual classrooms, NGPF wants to support you.

We are hosting our annual back-to-school conference on Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 7AM - 1:30PM Pacific. The event will be held virtually and is free for all educators to attend. Feel free to extend the invite to your colleagues as well!  Register HERE

Math Alliance Announcements

Caste in the Classroom - a documentary film by the Data for Better Schools group with the Young People’s Project - has been selected for the Bronze Lens Film Festival August 17th -22nd, 2021 (in Atlanta)! To register for the 2021 Bronze Lens Film Festival, please visit: https://bronzelens.com/registration/

To see Caste in the Classroom and related resources, visit:  https://www.typp.org/dbs  

This is recognized as a leading film festival for especially African-American film-makers.

NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition - empowering the voice of teachers - from critical conversations to intentional actions, Atlanta, GA, Sept. 22-25, 2021. See: https://www.nctm.org/atlanta2021/

Additional Professional Development opportunities are also posted regularly to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, August 2, 2021

Reopening Schools

On January 29^th, Mayor Bowser announced that DC will reinstate indoor mask mandate as coronavirus cases rise in the region. It was previously announced that DCPS would require masks for all staff and students when schools open for in-person learning in August.

The WTU is committed to reopening our schools for in-person learning and continues to negotiate with DCPS over terms of a MOA for the 2021-2022 school year. We believe that DCPS must require social distancing, provide detailed information on HVAC systems, and limit simultaneously learning - where a single teacher is instructing students both in-person and via distance learning platforms. The Mayor approached union leaders from across the District last week to engage in a conversation about vaccine requirements (the WTU does not have further information at this time on whether or not the Mayor will institute a vaccine mandate for DC government or DCPS employees).

2021-2022 Open Season for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks

The WTU is adding an Open Season from August 1^st through August 31^st for the Maternity Leave and Sick Leave Banks. To join either bank please click here: https://forms.gle/Q7sAsbViYgsHyXVt7

To join either bank, you donate 8 hours (one day) of the total 96 hours (12 days) that is loaded to your leave balance on October 1, 2021 (to join both banks, you’d donate two days or 16 hours). After enrollment, there is a 3 month wait before you can access the banks (ie, you’ll be eligible on January 1, 2022). Once you join the bank you remain in the bank, until you opt-out. If you have any questions contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] or 202 517-1475.

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

FY2022 Budget

On 8/3, the Council of DC will have the 2nd vote on the Local Budget Act & votes on the Federal Portion & Local Budget Emergency Adjustment Act. During the budget debate, we expect Councilmembers to move an amendment to require DCPS to move $3.5m to ensure there is a full-time librarian in every DCPS school. We expect some opposition to this amendment and its fate remains uncertain. Please watch your email in the event we need to mobilize to support our colleagues before the budget vote on Tuesday.

You can see the latest budget info from the DC Council here: https://bit.ly/3hRTYkl. The Chairman’s Budget Report (which lays out changes from the Mayor’s proposed budget) is available here.

On 8/10, the Council of DC will have the 2nd vote on the Budget Support Act. We do not currently expect any efforts to remove the Robert White amendment that requires DCPS to aggregate and release the results of teacher surveys concerning IMPACT as well as the American University report on IMPACT.

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

WTU Summer Professional Learning!!!

Register TODAY for these exciting, engaging and informative summer professional development courses and workshops HERE. Courses and Workshops that are still open:

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (8/7 and 8/14) FREE

Decolonizing the Curriculum (continues on  8/3) FREE

Financial Literacy Fridays for MS and HS Educators (5 part workshop series continuing 8/6) FREE

OSSE Licensure Focus Group

OSSE is launching a series of focus groups to enable us to better understand how our educator credential candidates are experiencing our website. We’re hoping to hear directly from current or aspiring DC teachers and school service providers who have recently engaged with OSSE’s educator credential website. Interested individuals will be eligible to participate in a 45-minute virtual focus group, and should complete this brief interest form by Friday, Aug. 6, 2021.

Here's What's Brewing Today

July 26, 2021

Last week, President Pogue Lyons and General Vice President Bell spoke before the city council. The WTU continues to call for DCPS to ensure all schools provide acceptable air quality, as defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standard 62.1-2019, and share detailed air quality reports with the public. The WTU also believes that DCPS must ensure mask wearing is universal and that we must meet social distancing requirements, consistent with CDC guidelines. In addition to health and safety concerns, the WTU is committed to prioritizing research -based efforts to help students regain lost learning.

YOU CAN READ PRESIDENT POGUE LYONS' FULL STATEMENT HERE.

FY2021 Budget 

Last week, the DC Council held their first vote on the FY2022 budget (school year 2021-2022).

Councilmember Robert White moved an amendment that will require DCPS to results of a 2020 survey on the IMPACT teacher evaluation system so that we all can understand what teachers think of the IMPACT system. This measure is a step forward in obtaining data around teacher turnover and our work to replace the teachers’ IMPACT evaluation system. Also during the hearing, Chairman Mendelson expressed support for “finding funds within the DCPS budget” to ensure every school has a full-time librarian.

We’re continuing to monitor developments around the FY2022 budget. Watch your email for ACTION ALERTS as we approach the next votes on the budget, currently scheduled for Aug 3 and Aug 8.

Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Banks

DCPS will not accept individual requests to be removed from either the Sick Leave and/or the Maternity Leave Bank. Please contact Charmaine Wilks at [email protected] before the October 1, 2021 if you’d like to be removed from these banks.

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