Week of January 19, 2026

The Washington Teachers’ Union honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the transformative power of education continues to guide our work. As we reflect on his vision and recommit ourselves to building the schools and communities our students deserve, we hope this day inspires renewed purpose and collective action. In observance of the holiday, WTU offices will be closed on Monday and will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

Opportunities to Get involved

Science Educators Committee (Zoom) - 1/20/26, 4:30 PM

Join us this Tuesday for our monthly meeting as we discuss how to strengthen science education in DCPS and ensure the sciences remain an essential part of every student’s learning experience.

Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 1/20/26 5:00 PM

Last month, members explored potential project areas including improving retirement processing timelines, strengthening resources for members, and outlining clearer guidance for pre‑retirement steps. Join us this Tuesday as we continue this work and welcome more members into the conversation.

Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 1/22/26, 4:30PM

December's meeting covered updates on Student Behavior Management Committees and continued planning around OSSE’s Graduation Requirement Proposals. Join us on Thursday to keep the momentum going as we organize next steps together.

Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 1/22/26, 6 PM

Join us Thursday for the Junior High School Committee meeting as we bring educators together to discuss shared priorities and continue building collaboration across our middle school community.

Register and attend the Educator Retention Hearing at the DC Council

On Wednesday, January 21st we have an opportunity to testify in front of the DC Council on why DCPS is failing to adequately retain our educators. You can speak to any issue you want and how you believe it affects retention - from not getting needed planning time, unnecessary paperwork, overcasting, the plight of international educators, to IMPACT - we cannot shy away from telling truth to power. Reply to this email to let us know you are planning on testifying!

Stop ICE Terror: March to demand ICE out of DC

On the one year anniversary of Trump taking office for the second time, millions of people across the country will walk out of work and school in opposition to the Trump administration’s racist, billionaire program. Answer the call and join WTU in the streets on January 20 to say STOP ICE TERROR!

In Case You Missed It

WTU proudly announced 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. Lewis George, a third-generation DC resident and DCPS graduate, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to strengthening public schools.
Thank you to all the educators who joined us, both in person and online, for last week's hybrid session for new educators. We appreciate all of  the form submission sharing your experiences and how the WTU can better support you. If you are new to the profession or new to DCPS, the WTU wants to hear from you as we continue hosting sessions to learn how things are going and how we can strengthen the support you receive.
The WTU extends our deepest condolences on the passing of John Tatum. Mr. Tatum was a longtime union member who served with dedication as Vice President of the Retirees Chapter and as a valued member of the WTU Executive Board. We honor his many years of commitment, leadership, and service to our community.
 

Mark Your Calendars

  • WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 1/20/26, 4:30 PM
  • WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 1/20/26 5:00 PM
  • DC Council Educator Retention Hearing (Register) - 1/21/26, 2:30PM onwards
  • DC State Board of Education Public Meeting (441 4th St. NW) 1/21/26, 5:30 PM
  • WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 1/22/26, 4:30PM *Moved due to  holiday*
  • WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 1/22/26, 6 PM 
  • WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 1/27/26, 4:30PM
  • WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 1/27/26, 5:30PM
  • SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 1/27/26, 6 PM
  • *NEW* WTU Swag Task Force, (Zoom) - 1/29/26, 5PM
  • CSA: Bowling for Gold (RSVP) - 2/1/26, 12:30PM
  • WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 5PM
  • WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 7PM
  • WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/3/26, 5PM
  • LSAT Collective (Zoom) - 2/3/26, 7PM
  • WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 2/4/26, 5:30PM
  • WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 2/5/26, 5PM
  • WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 2/7/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
  • WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/9/26, 4:30PM
  • WTU Representative Assembly Meeting (Zoom) - 2/10/26, 4:30PM
  • WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond Riggs Library) - 2/11/26, 10AM
  • WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 2/11/26, 5PM
  • Decoding Dyslexia DC Speaker (Zoom) – 2/11/26, 7PM
 

Professional Development Opportunites

WTU will offer 2 Winter Course Opportunities for 45 PLUs or 3 Graduate Credits from Trinity University

The Courses:

  • Managing Behaviors in School Communities with Dr. Staci Adams-Burnett
    • Virtual, Tuesday & Thursday, 5-7PM
    • February 17th-April 10th
  • Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children with Dr. John Taylor
    • Virtual, Tuesday & Thursday, 4-7PM
    • January 26-March 17

The Costs:

  • $125 for WTU Members, $150 for non-WTU Members.
  • Additional $375 go Trinity University for the 3 Graduate Credits.

Click to learn more

 

Ongoing Forms & Surveys

The following are open forms you can use to inform the WTU of your opinion:

Form Title & Link Purpose
RSVP Union Bowling Tournament 2/1 Still time to sign up to participate in the Washington Metro Labor Council CSA Fundraiser
Planning Time Survey Let us know if you are getting your full protected amount of planning time free from required LEAP and Data Meetings
New Educators Check In  If you are new to your profession and/or new to DCPS the WTU wants to hear from you!  The WTU will be hosting sessions to learn more about how things are going for new Educators and how we can better support you.
Self-Contained Support  – Fill out form The WTU is gathering feedback from self-contained special education teachers to better understand your experiences, challenges, and priorities.
WTU: SY24-25 Morning Block Payment Calculation - Complete to receive any money due to you – Fill out form Fill out this form to inform us if your school held meetings, how many, and when, so we can make the case for you to be adequately compensated by DCPS for taking your protected time.
WTU Professional Development Interest Survey – Fill out form What courses/opportunities would you like to see offered in the Winter?
 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our schools, and our union. Let’s stay informed and united because together, we’re stronger.

 

In solidarity,

Washington Teachers’ Union

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