The Washington Teachers Union (WTU) is the exclusive bargaining agent for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) school educators. The WTU was formed because educators in DCPS knew collectively their voice would be much stronger than each teacher talking for themselves alone.

The WTU now 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.

Throughout the years, we've mobilized our members to gain many rights, including:

• Fair working conditions, increased compensation, and pay equality
• Policies and programs that prevent qualified educators from being punished for their political beliefs
• Increased benefits, including sick and maternity leave banks, legal services and dental and vision insurance
• Improved safety for our educators and students during the public health emergency

The WTU and its members have also lead policy campaigns, forcing DCPS to increase funding for local schools and establish additional funding streams for “at-risk” students, reform teacher evaluations and fully fund librarians in every school.

Every WTU member has a say in determining the union’s programs, policies, activities and leadership.