As we watch the news, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed in the face of increased government terror. But we can take heart in the amazing solidarity displayed in Minnesota from unions, faith and community members organizing and shutting down the city on January 23rd.

The fight is far from over. While it can be hard to see, the work we are all doing each day building solidarity with each other in our schools, taking on our own fights with our bosses, participating in SCAC meetings, filing grievances, attending meetings and planning actions is building our power and ability to take part in similar actions.

We will be discussing more in the coming months for how the WTU can also be a part of a labor, community and faith alliance here in DC to protect home rule and demand that ICE leaves our communities alone. - Laura Fuchs, President WT

Solidarity Spotlight

WTU Stands up to ICE Terror

Michael Katski, sponsored a WTU Resolution in January's Rep Assembly which was passed unanimously, and represented the WTU in an ICE OUT protest January 20th. See his speech here.

Opportunities to Get involved

Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 1/27/26, 4:30PM

Stand up for the vital work you do. Join the Specialized Services VP meeting on Tuesday and collaborate with colleagues across social work, counseling, psychology, library, and therapeutic services.

Join The Google Group

Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 1/27/26, 5:30PM

Make your voice heard. Join the Elementary VP meeting on Tuesday and help shape union priorities for our elementary schools.

Join The Google Group

*NEW* WTU Swag Task Force, (Zoom) - 1/29/26, 5PM

Got ideas for buttons, shirts, or gear? Join the WTU Swag Taskforce this Thursday and help shape this year’s union swag.

Join The Google Group

CSA: Bowling for Gold (RSVP) - 2/1/26, 12:30PM

There’s still time to join us at the 31st Annual Bowling for Gold Union Bowling Tournament.

RSVP

In Case You Missed It

WTU proudly announces its endorsement of Aparna Raj for Ward 1 DC Councilmember in the upcoming Democratic Primary on June 16, 2026. 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.

Read The Press Release

Last week, we joined educators at Plummer ES for their monthly membership meeting, working alongside the Building Rep to bring WTU President Fuchs and WTU staff into the conversation. Find out when your school’s monthly membership meeting takes place and who your Building Rep or WTU Organizer is for your school.

Find Your WTU Organizer

Mark Your Calendars

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
WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 2/17/26 4:30 PM
WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 2/17/26 5:00 PM
DC State Board of Education Public Meeting (441 4th St. NW) 2/18/26, 5:30 PM
WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/19/26, 4:30PM
WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/26/26, 6 PM

Professional Development Opportunites

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

RSVP for the Course(s) you are interested in

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 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 Check	What courses/opportunities would you like to see offered in the Winter?