As we continue advocating for the rights and protections educators deserve, we want to make sure every member is aware of the significant changes proposed in the Mayor’s budget that would weaken Paid Family Leave for both public and private‑sector workers in the District. These proposals would limit eligibility, reduce available leave, restrict which family members qualify for care, and create new barriers for DCPS employees and the families we serve.
The WTU is joining community partners in urging the DC Council to protect Paid Family Leave and reject these harmful rollbacks. We’re asking members to take a moment to add your voice to this letter campaign and remind the Council how essential strong family‑leave protections are for educators, school communities, and all District workers.
Your participation matters! Please take action and let the Council know that Paid Family Leave must be preserved in both the public and private sectors.
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Opportunities To Get Involved This Week
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/20/26, 4:30PM
Join us this Monday where we’ll focus on the proposed changes to graduation requirements before opening the floor for members to raise general concerns and challenges.
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WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 4/20/26, 6PM
Join us this Monday as we continue 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.
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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, Building Rep election planning, committee and task force reports, and preparations for AFT Convention.
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 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 Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 4/23/26, 6 PM
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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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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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Saturday, April 25
Spend the morning canvassing with local labor unions as they come together in support of Janeese Lewis George.
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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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Happy Birthday Janeese Lewis George
Celebrate Janeese Lewis George’s birthday by joining this fundraiser in support of her mayoral campaign on Saturday, April 25.
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Walk, Ride, Knock: Transit Appreciation Canvassing for Aparna Raj
Join the Aparna for DC campaign, ATU Local 689, and Bike, Walk & Bus PAC for a transit appreciation-themed canvass in Park View on Saturday April 25.
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Door Knock with Oye Owolewa
Jews United for Justice Campaign Fund is hitting the doors for Dr. Oye Owolewa in Takoma Park on Sunday, April 26.
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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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Friday, May 1
WTU Works to the Rule! Materials will be dropped off for your Building Rep on Monday, April 20th to distribute to your colleagues. Gather with your colleagues and walk out at the end of your tour of duty together for May Day. For those who can - join us at Franklin Park to reinvigorate Free DC's day of action and participate in a May Day Rally and concert.
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Thursday, May 28
DCPS is hosting its next districtwide Hiring Fair at MacFarland 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.
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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 Representative Assembly (Zoom) - 4/21/26, 4:30 PM
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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 Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 4/29/26, 5:30PM
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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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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 5/19/26, 4:30PM
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Professional Development Opportunites
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Teach The District
WTU members are invited to apply for Teach the District, a paid July 13–17 professional development program for 3rd–12th grade educators that includes field trips, a $600 stipend, and daily lunch. Read the 2025 program recap to see what last year’s cohort experienced, and be sure to submit your application by May 31.
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National History Day in DC summer intensive
This August 4–6, WTU members can participate in the National History Day in DC Summer Intensive, a dynamic PD experience featuring onsite sessions at the DC History Center, museum visits, a $500 stipend, and buffet‑style lunch each day. Check out the 2025 summary to get a feel for the program and learn how to apply.
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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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