As we close out the school year, we’re entering one of the most important moments for our union and our city. We are entering a season of voting that will shape our schools, our classrooms, and our collective power for years to come.
Over the next few weeks, members will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in WTU Building Elections, participate in critical decisions at our final Membership Meeting of the school year, and make their voices heard in the June DC Primary and Special Elections.
Each of these votes strengthens our union, protects our rights, and ensures educators remain at the center of public education in the District. Your participation matters, your leadership matters, and your vote matters in your school, in your union, and in our city.
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The WTU is here to support you in conducting your Building Elections. We’ve created a dedicated Elections Page with all the resources you need, and you can always reach out to your WTU Organizer for questions or support. For SY26‑27, we have budgeted and are planning to reimburse dues for WTU Building Reps who meet the required criteria, so please review the details on the Elections Page.
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We're Hiring! Send Your Resume This Week
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The WTU is hiring throughout the month of May and encourages members to apply for two newly posted positions: Grievance Specialist and Campaign Organizer, as a WTU member if hired you would go on a Leave of Absence that protects all your pay and benefits as a DCPS teacher, and opportunities to advance educator rights and union power across DC. Interested members should send their resumes to the Personnel Committee to be considered.
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WTU FY27 Budget Engagement
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Join the conversation about the WTU FY27 Budget, where members can ask questions, share feedback, and weigh in on how dues are allocated for the coming year. The FY27 Budget will be voted on at the June Membership Meeting, and all members are welcome and eligible to vote.
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WTU Bylaws Feedback Needed from Itinerant & Centrally Allocated Educators
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We’re calling on all itinerant and centrally allocated educators, including OTs, SLPs, social workers, psychologists, and other non‑school‑based members, to share how you want to vote in the WTU as we finalize proposed bylaws amendments.
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Opportunities To Get Involved This Week
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 5/18/26, 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) - 5/18/26, 6P
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 plan
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 5/19/26, 4:30P
Join us this Tuesday as we meet to strengthen science education in DCPS by discussing how to ensure the sciences are fully integrated into every student’s learning experience and raising awareness of why science must not be overlooked.
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 5/21/26, 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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**NEW** WTU Pride Month Planning (Zoom) - 5/21, 6P
Join us this Thursday as members meets to plan our union’s participation in DC Pride Month, and we encourage all interested members to be part of the work.
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Support Our Endorsed Candidates
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Join President Fuchs at Janeese Lewis George's Public Education Listening Sessions
WTU members are invited to attend Janeese Lewis George’s Public Education Forum series, including the May 21 session on Addressing Chronic Absenteeism moderated by President Laura Fuchs.
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Meet-&-Greet Aparna Raj
Join your friends and neighbors at Yerevan Cafe on Tuesday May 19 in Adams Morgan to meet with candidate for Ward 1 DC Council, Aparna Raj!
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Stop ICE Protest with Oye Owolewa
Join Oye Owolewa and a coalition of community organizations, advocates, and residents will protest outside Clark Construction's DC office on Monday May 18.
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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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Tuesday, June 9
Join us for the final Membership Meeting of the year as we vote on the SY27 Budget and the WTU Proposed Bylaws Amendments
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May Day Power: Educators Across DC Work to the Rule
WTU extends our deep appreciation to every educator who participated in May Day’s Work to the Rule actions, showing powerful unity in schools across all 8 wards. Your collective presence, walk‑ins, and commitment to honoring the value of educators sent a strong message about the dignity of our work and the strength of our union.
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The recent Union Leadership Institute offered a deep dive into the core responsibilities of Building Reps and school‑based leaders, from running secure, high‑participation building elections to navigating Personnel Committee duties and IMPACT grievance preparation. If you missed it, watch the full training video to strengthen your skills and stay ready to advocate for your school community.
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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 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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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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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 5/18/26, 4:30PM
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WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 5/18/26, 6P
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 5/19/26, 4:30P
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 5/21/26, 5 PM
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**NEW** WTU Pride Month Planning (Zoom) - 5/21, 6P
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 5/26/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 5/26/26, 5:30PM
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 5/26/26, 6PM
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 5/27/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 5/28/26, 6 P
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 6/1/26, 5P
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 6/1/26, 7P
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 6/2/26, 5P
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WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) - 6/3/26, 5:30P
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WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom), 6/4/26, 5P
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 6/6/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
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WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 6/8/26, 4:30P
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WTU Bylaws Review Committee (Zoom) - 6/8/26, 5:30 P
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WTU Membership Meeting (Zoom) - 6/9/26, 4:30P
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WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond-Riggs Library) - 6/10/26, 10A
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WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 6/10/26, 5P
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WTU Immigrant and Multilingual Learner Taskforce (Zoom) - 6/11, 6P
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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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