FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
Washington Teachers’ Union Ranks Elissa Silverman as Its Top Choice for DC Council At-Large (Independent)
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) proudly announces that it is ranking Elissa Silverman as its top choices for the At-Large Independent seat on the DC Council. Silverman’s long record of oversight, accountability, and steadfast advocacy for traditional public schools reflects WTU’s commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize strong neighborhood schools, transparent governance, and equitable investment across all eight wards.
Silverman’s connection to public education is both personal and deeply rooted. A graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools, she began her engagement with DCPS as a volunteer at Marie Reed through the Everybody Wins reading program. During her eight years on the DC Council, she was a consistent champion for DCPS, visiting schools across the city, partnering with principals and PTAs, and working closely with WTU leadership to strengthen school communities and hold the District accountable for meeting its obligations to students and educators.
A vocal advocate for stable and predictable school funding, Silverman has emphasized the need to fully enforce the Schools First law and ensure that at‑risk dollars supplement, not replace, core funding. She believes every school should have the same baseline of resources: “a nurse, a librarian, arts teachers, and multiple world language teachers,” regardless of neighborhood wealth. She has also called for restoring a stand‑alone Education Committee on the Council to ensure focused oversight of DCPS, OSSE, and the Public Charter School Board.
Silverman has been outspoken about the need to reduce teacher turnover and reform the IMPACT evaluation system, noting that it “drives out even high‑performing teachers” and undermines school stability. She supports giving WTU a seat at the table in designing a fairer evaluation system and has long advocated for stronger pipelines including paraprofessional‑to‑teacher pathways, restoring the H‑1B sponsorship program, and expanding mentorship for early‑career educators.
Her priorities for the At‑Large seat align with WTU’s vision for a stable, equitable, and community‑rooted public school system. She has committed to shifting resources from central office to schools, strengthening oversight of charter schools, improving OSSE’s transportation system, and ensuring that students with disabilities and English Language Learners receive the services they are entitled to under the law.
WTU President Laura Fuchs stated:
“In her time on the DC Council, Elissa Silverman was a staunch ally for our members and fellow workers. Elissa has proven her commitment through championing DC Paid Family Leave and other needed worker benefits, support for our local schools and a willingness to stand strong on the DC Council when needed. The WTU encourages all members and community stakeholders to participate in the DC Primary election and support Elissa Silverman as one of the union’s top choices for DC Council At-Large.”
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About the Washington Teachers’ Union
The WTU represents more than 6,000 active and retired teachers. It is dedicated to social and educational justice for the students of the District of Columbia and to improving the quality of support, resources, compensation, and working conditions for the public servants and proud teachers who educate our students in D.C. Public Schools. Learn more at www.WTULocal6.net.
For media inquiries, contact:
Akua Tay
Communications Specialist
Washington Teachers’ Union
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 412-8008
Elissa Silverman
Email: [email protected]