This election season, our union is once again stepping forward to champion leaders who share our commitment to strong public schools, respected educators, and the resources every student deserves. After a thorough and member‑driven process, rooted in COPE questionnaires, candidate forums, and the voices of educators across all eight wards, we are proud to announce our endorsements for the 2026 DC Democratic Primary.
These endorsements reflect the values we fight for every day: fully funded neighborhood schools, safe and supportive learning environments, and a city that listens to the expertise of its educators. As we move toward Election Day, we’re calling on every member to help amplify these candidates and the vision they share with WTU. Your engagement, whether volunteering, attending events, sharing information, or mobilizing colleagues, strengthens our collective voice and ensures education remains at the center of this election.
Below, you’ll find several ways to get involved and support our endorsed candidates in the weeks ahead.
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WTU proudly endorses Oye Owolewa, a leader who has consistently championed strong public schools and the resources educators need to help every student thrive. His commitment to equity, community partnership, and fully funded neighborhood schools aligns deeply with our union’s values. We look forward to standing with him as he continues fighting for a stronger, more just DC.
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WTU is proud to rank Dyana Forester as our #2 choice for At‑Large Councilmember, recognizing her lifelong advocacy for public education, labor rights, and strong neighborhood schools. As a DCPS graduate, parent, and organizer, she understands the challenges our communities face and the investments our schools deserve. Her leadership reflects the values educators fight for every day.
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WTU endorses Elissa Silverman, a proven advocate for fully funded schools, trusted adults in every building, and the stability educators and students need to thrive. Her long record of working with WTU and holding the system accountable makes her a strong partner for public education. We are proud to support her vision for equitable, well‑resourced schools across all eight wards.
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WTU proudly endorses Janeese Lewis George for Mayor, recognizing her unwavering commitment to fully funded neighborhood schools, educator respect, and a city that puts students first. As a longtime champion for equity, transparency, and community‑driven decision‑making, she brings the leadership our schools and families deserve. We are excited to support her vision for a stronger, fairer DC and look forward to mobilizing with members to help elect her this year.
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WTU proudly endorses Aparna Raj, a lifelong advocate for public education whose commitment to strong, community‑centered schools reflects the values our members fight for every day. As we build momentum for her campaign, we’re excited to join partners across the city in gearing up for the upcoming All Out for Aparna! events, including a virtual Phone‑a‑thon on Tuesday, March 24 at 7pm, where members can call or text colleagues, friends, and neighbors to spread the word. Claire will provide a brief training for anyone who wants to help, so be sure to share the link with WTU members and let us know who can participate.
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Opportunities to Get involved This Week
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 3/24/26, 5:30PM
Make your voice heard. Join the Elementary VP meeting on Tuesday and help shape union priorities for our elementary schools.
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 3/25/26, 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.
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 3/25/26, 5:30PM
Join your fellow educators this Wednesday for this new Task Force to help organize and advocate for a fair evaluation system.
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/26/26, 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.
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WTU is proud to stand with AFT members nationwide as we uplift our 2026 endorsed candidates and join the growing movement declaring: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. As No Kings events take place across the DMV this upcoming weekend, we encourage WTU members to show up, stand in solidarity, and help amplify the leaders who share our vision for strong public schools. Explore the ways you can get involved below and help build momentum for the biggest No Kings Day yet.
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Level Up Your Skills at the AFT Summer Educator Academy
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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The attached memo is a helpful tool for conversations with your school leadership about the DCPS Cell Phone Policy, and you’re welcome to share it directly or ask your WTU Organizer or the WTU President to send it on your behalf. It outlines WTU’s position that members bear no liability for student devices while implementing the policy, and any member being required to participate against their wishes should complete the https://bit.ly/wtusupportso we can assist
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Do you know an outstanding union member, movement leader, ally, or organization that has gone above and beyond in the last year? Nominate them for one of this year's #EveningWithLabor awards!
This year we'll recognize leaders in 10 categories, and nominations are now open. Visit dclabor.org/evening-with-labor to see the Award Nomination criteria and make a nomination — but don't wait, nominations close this coming Monday, March 23!
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 3/24/26, 5:30PM
SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 3/24/26, 6 PM
WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 3/25/26, 4:30PM
WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 3/25/26, 5:30PM
WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/26/26, 6 PM
WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 4/1/26, 5:00PM
WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 4/2/26, 5PM
WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 4/4/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 5PM
WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 7PM
WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/7/26, 5PM
WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond-Riggs Library) - 4/8/26, 10AM
WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/8/26, 5PM
WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/13/26, 4:30PM
WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/13/26, 4:30PM
WTU Bylaws Review Committee (Zoom) - 4/13/26, 5:30 PM
WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 4/16/26, 5 PM
WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 4/20/26, 6 PM
WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 4/21/26 4:30PM
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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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