AFT's TEACHER LEADER PROGRAM

WTU Teacher Leaders are full-time educators who have been selected to join a nationwide network through the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) Teacher Leaders Program (TLP). The TLP brings together a select group of teachers throughout the school year to learn how to take active leadership roles in their schools, unions and communities. 

Each year, up to 10 WTU members are invited to participate in the AFT’s Teacher Leaders Program to strengthen the union and its connection to the community building greater support and understanding of public schools. Participants are chosen through a competitive application process and complete an independent research project related to issues they identify in the District’s public schools. The TLP cohort presents their research each spring. Those who finish the TLP Program with a completed project will receive a stipend. Also, their completed project will be eligible for 60 PLUs upon completion of cohort requirements.

WTU Teacher Leaders take an active role in influencing policy in a number of areas, including teacher leadership in school change, teacher retention, professional development, the critical role of librarians, and the impact of student discipline issues and overall policy changes that will ultimately help improve educational outcomes for all DCPS students. To learn more, please register for our Teacher Leader program orientation on Thursday, September 29th @4:30PM via Zoom.

Goals of the program:

• Provide Teacher Voice by connecting policy to practice
• Engage teachers in advocacy
• Create a network of teacher leaders conversant in educational topics
• Serve as a sounding board and advisory group for union leaders
• Utilize research to provide evidence and make a case

WTU Teacher Leaders Tackle Vital Educational Issues

Every year, educators participating in the Teacher Leader program sponsored by the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and its parent organization, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), study cutting edge educational questions and craft recommendations to address them. Below please find samples of TL research papers. 

2022 Teacher Leaders' Research

2021 Teacher Leaders' Research

2020 Teacher Leaders' Research

2019 Teacher Leaders' Research

2018 Teacher Leaders' Research

If a .pdf of the flyer does not appear immediately below, please download a copy here.