As we head into Spring Break, we hope that you are able to take some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with the people and activities that fill you back up. You’ve been showing up for your students and school communities every day, and you deserve this moment to breathe.
The WTU office will remain open throughout the break, so if you need support or want to meet with a specific staff member, please feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment directly.
We encourage you to stay engaged by joining our committee meetings after the break, supporting our endorsed candidates as they continue their campaigns, and sharing your thoughts with our Communications Team on how we can keep improving how we serve you.
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As we prepare for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026), we’re collecting stories that highlight the incredible work educators do every day. Share your appreciation story with us so we can celebrate and uplift the teachers who make a difference across DCPS.
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We are gathering member feedback to strengthen our communications, and would love to hear directly from you about what’s working, what’s not, and what you’d like to see more of. If you’re open to a quick 15‑minute conversation, virtual or in person, just share a day and time that works for you so we can connect.
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Support Our Endorsed Candidates
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Earth Day Cleanup with Janeese Lewis George
Show your love for DC’s waterways! The Sierra Club DC Chapter is partnering with Janeese’s campaign for an Earth Week Cleanup along Watts Branch, a tributary of the Anacostia River on Saturday, April 18th at Marvin Gaye Playground.
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Door-to-Door Canvassing for Aparna Raj
Join the Aparna for DC campaign for door-to-door canvassing in Pleasant Plains on Saturday April 18th and South Columbia Heights on Sunday April 19th!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tuesday, April 21
Join us for the WTU Representative Assembly where we’ll review key union business including excessing updates, COPE endorsement recommendations, committee and task force reports, and preparations for AFT Convention.
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Saturday, April 25
Join us for the next Union Leadership Training Institute as we dig into WTU Building Elections, May Day actions, Personnel Committee updates, additional excessing support, and preparation for IMPACT grievances.
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Friday, May 1
We’re joining Free DC for a powerful May Day Rally to lift up workers’ rights and collective action across the District from 3:30–5:30 PM. This annual day of solidarity brings educators, families, and community allies together to stand for dignity, democracy, and the strong public schools our students deserve.
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Watch the Excessing Town Hall on Youtube
WTU President Laura Fuchs walks members through the excessing process, recent arbitration wins, and what every educator and LSAT member needs to know as budgets shift. Watch the recorded session to understand your rights, how excessing really works, and why “positions, not people” is the key principle in this year’s staffing cycle.
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Missed the Retirement Workshop? Catch Up Here
If you missed the Preparing for Retirement workshop, you can review the full overview of steps, key contacts, DCPS/DCRB materials, WTU FAQs, and best practices shared by recent retirees. Take a moment to explore these resources so you feel confident and informed as you plan your path to retirement on our website.
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/20/26, 4:30PM
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WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 4/20/26, 6PM
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 4/21/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Representative Assembly (Zoom) - 4/21/26, 4:30 PM
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 4/22/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 5PM
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 6 PM
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WTU Union Leadership Institute (Zoom) - 4/25/26, 9AM
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RESCHEDULED WTU Bylaws Review Committee (Zoom) - 4/27/26, 5:30 PM
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RESCHEDULED: WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 4/28/26, 4:30P
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 5:30PM
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 4/28/26, 6PM
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RESCHEDULED: WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 4/30/26, 5 PM
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WTU May Day Rally with Free DC (Washington, DC)- 5/1/26, 3:30PM
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 5/2/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 5/4/26, 5PM
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 5/4/26, 7PM
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 5/5/26, 5PM
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WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond-Riggs Library) - 5/13/26, 10AM
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WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 5/13/26, 5PM
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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:
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