Thank you for the tens of thousands of emails that were sent in over the past week to influence decision makers to make the safe choice and communicate it in a timely manner. While we didn't get everything we wanted, your actions still paid off:
- We got announcements before going to sleep,
- a press conference from the mayor after days of avoidance,
- and multiple days of closures and at least a 2 hour delay.
A few updates moving forward this week:
- The Chancellor said it was likely to have an announcement about Monday before 6PM, so keep an eye on your work email and DCPS social media.
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If you have continued facilities issues - like lack of heat, lack of emergency exits and more, please fill out this form and help us build pressure to get it fixed using the steps outlined here: https://bit.ly/wtufacilities
- If you took leave and had 8 hours taken instead of 6, or were not denied use your sick leave, please fill out our support form: https://bit.ly/wtusupport
- We are also looking into what the options are for those whose property was damaged (like their cars) on account of coming in to work and will communicate more when we have a better idea.
Thank you for your continued advocacy for DCPS to do the right thing by our school communities and your unrelenting dedication to the students we serve.
In solidarity,
Laura Fuchs
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WTU President Fuchs, Vice President of High Schools Dylan Craig, and educators Christina Hanson and Dr. Eduardo Canedo delivered powerful testimony before the DC Council, exposing the systemic failures driving the teacher retention crisis. Their voices highlighted the urgent need for accountability, respect, and real investment in educators to ensure stability and success in our schools.
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Opportunities to Get involved
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 5PM
Join us on Tuesday as we continue building momentum from this month’s highly successful candidate forums for the mayoral and Ward 1 Council Democratic primaries.
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 7PM
In Tuesday's meeting, we will map out next steps with LSATs, DCPS, community partners, and union leadership to strengthen advocacy for our H‑1B educators.
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 2/3/26, 4:30P
We are calling all Specialized Services educators (social workers, counselors, librarians, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and others) to attend this Tuesday's meeting to help shape our priorities and strengthen our collective voice across DC schools.
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/3/26, 5PM
The Socialite Committee is excited to announce that we’ve secured Martin’s Crosswinds for our February 20th celebration, and planning is officially underway! Join us as Wednesday finalize key details—including menu selections, DJ and photo booth options, event promotion materials, and the full run‑of‑show—to help make this a memorable night for all.
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WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 2/4/26, 5:30PM
Join us Wednesday as we refine activities, outreach materials, and support strategies, including a social‑media‑ready graphic and Hustle reminders, to ensure new teachers get the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
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WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 2/5/26, 5PM
The Organizing Team is continuing our campaign to protect planning periods following the January 21 Teacher Retention Hearing, using member testimony, survey data, and coordinated outreach to keep educator workload and retention at the center of ongoing Council and budget‑season advocacy.
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 2/7/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
The WTU Executive Board will meet this Saturday with E‑Board members convening at 9 a.m.. All members who wish to observe can join at 10 a.m.
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 5PM
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/2/26, 7PM
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 2/3/26, 4:30P
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/3/26, 5PM
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LSAT Collective (Zoom) - 2/3/26, 7PM
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WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 2/4/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 2/5/26, 5PM
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 2/7/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
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WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 2/9/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Representative Assembly Meeting (Zoom) - 2/10/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond Riggs Library) - 2/11/26, 10AM
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WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 2/11/26, 5PM
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Decoding Dyslexia DC Speaker (Zoom) – 2/11/26, 7PM
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 2/17/26 4:30 PM
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 2/17/26 5:00 PM
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DC State Board of Education Public Meeting (441 4th St. NW) 2/18/26, 5:30 PM
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/19/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/26/26, 6 PM
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 5:30PM
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 2/24/26, 6 PM
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Professional Development Opportunites
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WTU will offer 2 Winter Course Opportunities for 45 PLUs or 3 Graduate Credits from Trinity University
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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
- Feb 3-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
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The following are open forms you can use to inform the WTU of your opinion:
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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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Follow Us on Social Media & Check Out Our Website
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