Week of April 6, 2026

 

As principals begin moving quickly on staffing decisions, it’s more important than ever that we stay informed, connected, and ready to advocate for one another. That’s why we’re urging every member to join our upcoming Excessing Rights Town Hall, where we’ll break down what you’re entitled to, what to watch for, and how the union can support you through any changes in your building. Add it to your calendar and make sure your colleagues are there with you.

We’re also asking all Building Representatives for you or a member from your school's LSAT to complete the WTU Budget Capture Survey. This is essential to our organizing efforts around excessing. The information shared helps us identify patterns across the district, intervene early, and build the collective power we need to protect members from unnecessary or unfair excessing.

Finally, if you hear anything related to excessing, including rumors, conversations, early notices, or shifting assignments, please use the WTU Support Form right away. Documenting these issues across schools is essential to protecting our members and strengthening our collective response.

Thank you for showing up for each other and for our union. Together, we stay strong, informed, and ready to act.

 

Featured Events This Week

Tuesday, April 7 — Final WTU Candidate Forum

WTU will host its final Candidate Forum for the June 2026 DC Democratic Primary, featuring candidates for Council Chair and the Ward 3, 5, and 6 Council races. This is your last opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before endorsement decisions and the primary.

Wednesday, April 8 - Thinking About Retirement? This Workshop Has You Covered

The DCPS Retirement Team and the DC Retirement Board are hosting a Retirement Workshop on April 8 at 5:00 PM to help members understand the retirement process, key steps, and how to prepare for a smooth transition. Whether retirement is approaching soon or still a few years out, this session will provide clarity, guidance, and space for questions so members feel confident about their next steps.

Wednesday, April 8 - Ready for a New Opportunity? Hiring Fair at Brookland MS

DCPS is hosting its next districtwide Hiring Fair on April 8 at Brookland Middle School, and WTU encourages all interested educators to save the date. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or supporting future colleagues, this is a great chance to connect with schools across the city.

Thursday, April 9 - Protect Yourself This Excessing Season

 WTU will host an Excessing Rights Town Hall to ensure every educator understands the protections, timelines, and procedures that apply during excessing season. With principals moving quickly, this session will give you the clarity and support you need to navigate any staffing changes with confidence.

Thursday, April 9, 6PM- WTU SY26-27 Budget Discussion via Zoom

 The WTU Board of Trustees and Treasurer will host the first listening session on next year's WTU Budget. This is a great opportunity to hear about how our money is spent and have your voice heard on what priorities you believe we should emphasize moving forward.

 

Opportunities to Get involved This Week

WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 5PM

Join us this Monday as COPE prepares for our next Candidate Forum, focusing on the Councilmember races in Wards 3, 5, and 6 and reviewing the materials we’ll use to guide our endorsement discussions. We’ll also map out member‑mobilization efforts and coordinate next steps for supporting pro‑labor candidates and recruiting strong SBOE contenders.

WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/6/26, 7PM

Join us Monday as we continue the conversation by mapping out next steps with LSATs, DCPS, community partners, and union leadership to strengthen advocacy for our H‑1B educators.

WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/7/26, 5PM

Join us on Tuesday as we gather to share feedback on recent events and begin planning upcoming activities, including Teacher Appreciation Week and potential community partnerships like the Washington Spirit Union Night.

WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/8/26, 5PM

Join this Wednesday’s meeting to share what’s happening in your school, hear campaign updates, and help plan the actions career educators and allies will take next.

 

Support Our Endorsed Candidates

Join Janeese Lewis George for a Young Professionals Conversation

Janeese Lewis George is hosting a Young Professionals Listening Session to hear directly from residents about the challenges and opportunities shaping life in DC today. Join Janeese and young professionals to share your experiences, connect with others, and help inform the policies that will move our city forward.

Aparna Raj Needs Your Vote For The Ward 1 Democrats Endorsement

Ward 1 members: On Saturday, April 11 from 2–4 PM, the Ward 1 Democrats will meet in person at the Thurgood Marshall Center to vote on their endorsement for the Ward 1 DC Council race. This is a pivotal moment, and we need every WTU member who lives in Ward 1 to sign up, show up, and help secure the endorsement for Aparna.

Support Oye Owolewa’s Call for Accountability

Oye Owolewa is leading a community action on Tuesday, April 14 from 5:00–6:30 PM outside Clark Construction’s DC office, calling on the company to withdraw from all ICE‑related projects. Join Oye, local advocates, and community partners for an evening of speakers, poetry, and public education as this broader accountability campaign kicks off.

Support Dyana Forester’s At‑Large Campaign

Dyana Forester is building a people‑powered At‑Large campaign, and your contribution today helps ensure her bold, community‑centered leadership has the resources to reach every voter.

Support Elissa Silverman’s At‑Large Campaign

Elissa Silverman is counting on grassroots support to fuel her At‑Large campaign. Chip in today to help keep a strong advocate for public schools at the Council.

 

In Case You Missed It

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.

 

Mark Your Calendars

  • 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, 6PM
  • WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 4/21/26, 4:30PM
  • WTU Representative Assembly (Zoom) - 4/21/26, 4:30 PM 
  • WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 4/22/26, 5:30PM
  • WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 5PM
  • WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 6 PM 
  • WTU Union Leadership Institute (Zoom) - 4/25/26, 9AM
  • WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 4:30PM
  • WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 5:30PM
  • SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 4/28/26, 6PM
  • WTU May Day Rally with Free DC (Washington, DC)- 5/1/26, 3:30PM
  • WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 5/2/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
 

Professional Development Opportunites

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.

 

Ongoing Forms & Surveys

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.
WTU Bylaws Feedback Form  Provide necessary feedback on ideas from the WTU Bylaws Committee on the next round of changes to potentially vote on in June to increase democracy in our union.
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.