Inclement Weather Alert:
We have seen the reports about inclement weather and the possibility for severe storms tomorrow afternoon. We have reached out to the Chancellor and he stated that all of our members should review the school's safety plan for inclement weather and to reach out to their administrators if they are unsure what the plan is. The Chancellor also stated that they are continuing to monitor the weather alerts, focused primarily on dismissal time, and will alert us as soon as they can if there are any potential changes to our schedule and after-school programming. Please email President Fuchs and cc your Building Rep at [email protected] if you have particular concerns about your school's level of preparedness.
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We’re excited to share that American Federation of Teachers (AFT)’s national convention is coming to Washington, DC. As the host union, the WTU is already gearing up. To ensure we’re fully prepared, we’ve launched the AFT Convention Preparation Task Force, which will begin shaping our motions, actions, and host‑committee plans for 2026, with its first meeting kicking off Monday.
We’re also proud to invest in member leadership by sending four educators to the AFT Summer Educator Academy this July in Leesburg, Virginia. This is your opportunity to become an AFT Certified trainer who can offer courses with the WTU for an additional stipend! Applications are due March 31st - so sign up now if you are interested!
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Need Support During Unpaid Medical Leave? The Annuity Can Help
The Teachers Annuity and Aid Association, managed by the WTU, provides financial support to educators who must take unpaid protected leave for their own medical needs. Eligible members can receive a $1,000 benefit and, in cases of extended unpaid leave, the Board of Trustees may approve up to $10,000. If you’ve had unpaid medical leave SY24-25 or SY25-26, don’t miss your chance to apply before the deadline.
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See How The Annuity Works
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Opportunities to Get involved This Week
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WTU Bylaws Proposals Feedback Requested
We had our first meeting of the reconstituted WTU Constitution & Bylaws Committee last week and they have produced some proposals for how we can increase Member Representation in the Executive Board, especially for our ML educators, Itinerant Educators, Related Service Providers and how to better support Building Representatives. Please provide your feedback on these initial ideas on our survey!
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/16/26, 4:30PM
Join us this Monday where we’ll focus on potential LSAT budget issues before opening the floor for members to raise general concerns and challenges.
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*NEW** WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 3/16/26, 6 PM
Join us this Monday as we kick off preparations for this summer’s AFT National Conference in Washington, DC. Our new task force is beginning the important work of shaping our motions, actions, and host‑committee plans for 2026.
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 3/17/26 4:30PM
Join us this Tuesday as we meet to strengthen science education in DCPS by discussing how to ensure the sciences are fully integrated into every student’s learning experience and raising awareness of why science must not be overlooked.
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 3/17/26 5PM
Join us this Tuesday where we will focus on strengthening retirement advocacy, discuss speeding up the retirement process, improving access to accurate information, eliminating predatory 403(b) options, securing better plans, and more.
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WTU Leave Bank Task Force (Zoom) - 3/17/26, 6PM
Join us this Tuesday as the WTU Leave Bank Task Force meets to review current Sick and Maternity/Paternity Leave Bank policies and begin developing recommendations to improve access, clarity, and member participation for Executive Board consideration. This meeting is open to ALL members.
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**NEW** WTU Compensate Building Rep Task Force (Zoom) - 3/18/26, 4PM
Join us this Tuesday as we convene a new Task Force to establish the criteria for Building Representatives to qualify for FY27 dues reimbursement. We are bringing together current reps, rank‑and‑file members, and key WTU leaders to plan a way forward.
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 3/19/26, 5 PM
Join us this Thursday as we continue our work to strengthen how our union informs, connects, and engages members. The goal is to build a communications strategy that truly reflects who we are and what we’re fighting for.
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The winning WTU T‑shirt design is in, and the Rep Assembly has officially approved Sweatshirt Option 3 as our next piece of union swag. Check out the approved motion for the urvey result and see what’s next, including potential lanyards and pens if additional funds become available.
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Please take a moment to review the Board of Trustees’ Q2 FY26 report, which outlines the union’s financial activity from October through December 2025. The report was jointly prepared by the Trustees and the Treasurer to keep members informed of the union's financial health.
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We encourage all members to review the attached memo, which outlines how to navigate conversations with school leadership while protecting your contractual rights. It also provides guidance on using SCAC, responding to directives, documenting concerns, and connecting with your WTU organizer if your school is considering a collective approach.
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/16/26, 4:30PM
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**NEW** WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 3/16/26, 6 PM
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 3/17/26 4:30PM
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WTU Leave Bank Task Force (Zoom) - 3/17/26, 6PM
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 3/17/26 5PM
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**NEW** WTU Compensate Building Rep Task Force (Zoom) - 3/18/26, 4PM
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 3/19/26, 5 PM
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 3/24/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 3/24/26, 5:30PM
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 3/24/26, 6 PM
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 3/25/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/26/26, 6 PM
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WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 4/1/26, 5:00PM
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WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 4/2/26, 5PM
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 4/4/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 5PM
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 7PM
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/7/26, 5PM
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WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond-Riggs Library) - 4/8/26, 10AM
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WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/8/26, 5PM
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WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/13/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Bylaws Review Committee (Zoom) - 4/13/26, 5:30 PM
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Professional Development Opportunites
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Check out the latest free, for-credit professional development webinars from AFT Professional Learning, featuring sessions on everything from wellness and restorative practices to specialized instructional strategies. These upcoming events offer valuable opportunities to strengthen your skills and earn credits from the comfort of your home. Visit the AFT Event Calendar to view the full schedule and register today.
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The following are open forms you can use to inform the WTU of your opinion:
| Form Title & Link |
Purpose |
| Elementary Grade Level Leads Group Grievance |
Let us know if you were an Elementary Grade Level lead who did not get compensated. |
| 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 DCPS |
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.
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| WTU Support Form |
If you took leave on January 29, January 30, or February 2, and your leave was charged 8 hours instead of 6 hours, please share that with us.
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| Winter Storm Facilities Issues |
If you experienced damaged cars, freezing classrooms, or other unsafe conditions at DCPS facilities as a result of the recent winter storm, please take a moment to report these issues to us.
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