We’re calling on every school community to join us in WTU Works to the Rule this Friday, May 1. This action is a reminder of the countless extra hours educators give every day—and an opportunity to stand together in solidarity by committing, just for one day, to work only the hours we are paid for. We know every school’s circumstances are different, so we encourage you to participate in whatever way makes sense for your building.
Your school's WTU Building Rep should have received a small packet with flyers to be shared with colleagues, and electronic versions of all materials are available on our website. Take a moment to review the resources, spread the word, and help us show the collective strength of DC educators this May Day.
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Opportunities To Get Involved This Week
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RESCHEDULED WTU Bylaws Review Committee (Zoom) - 4/27/26, 5:30 PM
Join us Monday as we continue exploring new ways to strengthen representation for ML educators, itinerant staff, related service providers, and Building Reps.
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 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 Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 4/28/26, 5:30PM
Make your voice heard. Join the Elementary VP meeting on Tuesday and help shape union priorities for our elementary schools. We will be focusing on hearing your thoughts on the changes DCPS has made in the budget to ECE programs. We need to better understand what is happening and what we should ask for.
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RESCHEDULED: WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 4/29/26, 5:30PM
Join your fellow educators on Wednesday for this Task Force to help organize and advocate for a fair evaluation system.
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RESCHEDULED: WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 4/30/26, 5 PM
Join us on 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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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 5/2/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
The WTU Executive Board will meet this Saturday with E‑Board members convening at 9 a.m.. All members who wish to observe can join at 10 a.m.
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T-Shirt Size Request by 4/29
The WTU wants to get a better understanding of how many of each size shirt we need. Please check in with your SCAC or Building Rep to share your T-shirt sizes.
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WTU SY26-27 Elections Packet
The WTU is here to support you in elections. We have set up a page on our website that has the resources you should need to conduct your elections. We will go through the packet at Saturday's ULI and will record that session in case you cannot make it.
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We Want To Give You Your Flowers
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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How Can We Communicate Better?
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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Support Janeese Lewis George For Mayor
This campaign runs on people - not PACs. That means we need you. Please chip in to power this movement.
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Walk, Ride, Knock: Transit Appreciation Canvassing for Aparna Raj
Join the Aparna for DC campaign for door-to-door canvassing in the North Columbia Heights on Sat. 5/) & Adams Morgan on Sun. 5/3)
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Door Knock with Oye Owolewa
Celebrate the last month of Dr. Oye Owolewa's campaign for Council Member At Large before the June primaries on Saturday, May 9.
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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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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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The major highlight from this month’s Representative Assembly was the presentation of the proposed Compensating Building Rep Framework, which outlines three check‑in points (November, March, and June) where Reps complete a short form aligned to union priorities. Members are encouraged to review the materials and share feedback as WTU works toward a holistic, good‑faith‑based approach to dues reimbursement with built‑in support throughout the year.
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Watch Dylan Craig, Senior High VP and Building Rep at Garnet‑Patterson STAY, break down the history and meaning of May Day in this video. His message is a call to all WTU members to stand with educators across the District and take part in this year’s May Day actions.
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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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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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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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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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