WTU Endorses Aparna Raj For Ward 1 Councilmember
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2026
Washington Teachers’ Union Endorses Aparna Raj for Ward 1 DC Councilmember
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) proudly announces its endorsement of Aparna Raj for Ward 1 DC Councilmember in the upcoming Democratic Primary on June 16, 2026. This endorsement reflects WTU’s commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize public education, equity, and educator voice in shaping the future of DC schools.
Aparna Raj is a lifelong advocate for public education and community empowerment. Her own public school education opened doors to college and a career in DC, and she has dedicated her work to ensuring every child has access to high-quality education and wrap-around supports. Aparna has volunteered as a tutor, supported Bancroft Elementary’s Safe Streets program, and stood in solidarity with WTU during contract negotiations and rallies to restore funding for DC schools.
“Public schools are the foundation for safe and healthy communities,” said Raj. “Educators, students, and parents know more about building thriving schools than out-of-touch “reformers,” and they should have a bigger say in education policy.”
Aparna Raj’s priorities as Ward 1 Councilmember also include:
- Democratizing school governance by reducing mayoral control and empowering the elected State Board of Education.
- Increasing school funding and reforming the formula to ensure equity across all eight wards.
- Reducing teacher turnover through higher pay, mental health supports, and making IMPACT subject to bargaining.
- Expanding educator pipelines by supporting paraprofessional-to-teacher programs and restoring visa and Green Card pathways for international educators.
- Improving school facilities and safety through stronger oversight of DGS and expanded Safe Passage programs.
WTU President Laura Fuchs stated: "Aparna Raj is a clear choice for our members due to her long time commitment and allyship with educators. She stood alongside us fighting for a fair contract. She understands the real consequences of IMPACT and Mayoral control on our schools. We know she will take a strong and uncompromising stance in support of our schools, and that is exactly what we need."
The WTU urges all members and community stakeholders to vote in the DC Democratic Primary on June 16, 2026, and support Aparna Raj for Ward 1 DC Councilmember.
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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
Marisa Bellantonio
Communications Director
Aparna Raj For DC Campaign
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 203-479-2026
PRESS RELEASE: WTU Endorses Janeese Lewis George for Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026
Washington Teachers’ Union Endorses Janeese Lewis George for Mayor
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) proudly announces its endorsement of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George for Mayor of the District of Columbia in the upcoming Democratic Primary on June 16, 2026. This endorsement reflects WTU’s commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize public education, equity, and the well-being of educators and students across the District.
Lewis George, a third-generation DC resident and DCPS graduate, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to strengthening public schools. As a Councilmember and chair of the Committee on Facilities, she has championed initiatives to improve school infrastructure, secure funding for critical positions such as librarians, and advocated for fair teacher contracts. Her leadership has been instrumental in passing legislation like the Work Order Integrity Act, ensuring that school-based staff have a voice in determining when facilities are ready for teaching and learning.
“Our educators are the most important factor in the educational experiences of students,” said Lewis George. “As mayor, I will continue working with WTU to ensure our schools are safe environments for productive learning and working. I’ll also build upon my relationships with WTU and our teachers to ensure they have a seat at the table as we develop a more coherent, fair, and transparent budget for our schools so that every student, in every Ward can learn and thrive.”
Lewis George's priorities as Mayor also include:
- Reducing teacher turnover through reforms to evaluation systems, housing assistance, and wellness programs.
- Expanding recruitment of Black male educators and bilingual teachers.
- Ensuring full compliance with school funding laws, including "at-risk" and ELL student support.
- Modernizing and maintaining school facilities with transparency and accountability.
- Building a stronger teacher pipeline and restoring visa support for international educators.
- Expanding after-school programming in all eight wards because she knows firsthand how critical safe, enriching programming is for young people.
WTU President Laura Fuchs stated: “The WTU's endorsement of Janeese was one of the easiest decisions we have made. Since before her first run for DC Council, Janeese has fought for educators, students and our public school communities. Her belief in democratic governance of our schools, commitment to funding needed positions like school librarians, and fighting against the closure of Washington Met are just a few of the reasons the WTU will stand with Janeese in her run for Mayor. Janeese is the candidate for people who care about young people and education.”
The WTU urges all members and community stakeholders to vote in the DC Democratic Primary on June 16, 2026, and support Janeese Lewis George for Mayor.
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About the Washington Teachers’ Union
The WTU represents more than 5,000 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
Amanda Michelle Gomez
Communications Director
Janeese Lewis George for DC Mayor campaign
Phone: (202) 709-6176
WTU Wins Major Award
The WTU won an arbitration award for a grievance filed in 2016 concerning teachers in the 2015-2016 school year who had been rated "Developing" and then unjustly denied a pay step increase. This win should result in close to $2.8 million being paid to approximately 178 harmed educators.
Following the award, and in coordination with legal counsel, we were advised that the DC Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining (OLRCB) sought to discuss a potential settlement. We welcomed that opportunity as a chance to expand the number of members who could benefit from this significant decision.
After the award was issued, the WTU repeatedly requested information from OLRCB regarding the impacted teachers—seeking details about who would receive payment, how much, and how the Union could verify that all eligible educators were made whole. Despite several months of outreach and follow-up, OLRCB failed to communicate or act in good faith. Instead, the District proceeded unilaterally, withholding critical information and excluding the WTU from the implementation process.
Read moreThe Union Update
The Union Update is your weekly roundup from the Washington Teachers’ Union, featuring key news, upcoming events, member highlights, and advocacy updates. Stay informed, stay empowered, and stay connected with your union.
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
Welcome New Staff!
The WTU has hired 4 amazing new staff members to support the work of our union.
Welcome to:
- Zachary Carroll - WTU Grievance Specialist
- Jeremiah Lowery - WTU Organizer
- Rejil Solis - WTU Organizer
- Akua Tay - WTU Communication Specialist
Message from WTU President Laura Fuchs at New Educator Orientation
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Proposed Amendments to the WTU Bylaws: Time to Increase Checks and Balances
In September the following proposed bylaws failed to reach the 2/3 threshold to be ratified by one vote. We are revisiting our proposals as well as adding an additional proposal we heard regarding Executive Board Attendance and vacancies.
Check out this video to learn more:
Then read the bylaws changes for yourself (link allows comments): Link to Proposed Changes
We will hold a Town Hall December 3rd at 7:00 PM Via Zoom (Link)
Read moreA New WTU: WTU President Elect Laura Fuchs testimony for the DC State Board of Education
A New Washington Teachers Union: Testimony before the DC State Board of Education Public Meeting
By: Laura Fuchs, WTU President Elect Given: June 18, 2025
Read more