Now that the Chancellor has announced his resignation, the stakes for our schools have only grown. The new Mayor will appoint the next DCPS Chancellor, and that decision will shape our classrooms, our working conditions, and the future of public education in the District. That’s why it is more important than ever that our members participate in this upcoming election and make their voices heard.
At the same time, we are entering a critical season of voting for our union as well. Over the coming weeks, members will participate in WTU Building Elections, cast votes at our final Membership Meeting, as well as take part in the June DC Primary and Special Elections. Each of these voting moments strengthens our collective power in our schools, in our union, and across the District. It ensures that educators continue to shape the decisions that affect our students every day.
During this long weekend, we hope you take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the Memorial Day break. When we return, let’s move forward together with clarity, purpose, and the power of our collective voice.
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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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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 Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 5/26/26, 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) – 5/26/26, 5:30PM
Join us this Tuesday for our final VP Elementary monthly meeting as we reflect on this year’s challenges, share member concerns, and shape priorities for next year. Your voice is essential as we discuss DCPS leadership, upcoming transitions, and the issues that matter most to elementary educators.
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 5/27/26, 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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**NEW** WTU Student Behavior Management Task Force (Zoom) - 5/27/26, 5P
Join us this Thursday as we meet to develop a template for DCPS to use next year, and all members are encouraged to attend and help shape the final version before it’s submitted this summer.
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 5/28/26, 6 P
Join us Thursday as we bring educators together to discuss shared priorities and continue building collaboration across our middle school community.
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Thursday, May 28
DCPS is hosting its next districtwide Hiring Fair at Eastern 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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Support Our Endorsed Candidates
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Janeese Lewis George's Public Education Listening Sessions Continues
WTU members are invited to attend Janeese Lewis George’s Public Education Forum series. Be a part of crafting Janeese’s public education strategy to achieve Excellent and Safe Schools for All.
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GOTV with Aparna Raj
Join friends, neighbors, and some of the many community organizations and labor unions that have supported this campaign for a special GOTV rally on Tuesday, June 2! There will be live music, a few exciting speakers, volunteers who can help make sure you're registered to vote, and you’ll hear directly from Aparna about her vision for Ward 1 as we sprint to Election Day!
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GOTV with Oye Owolewa
Join Team Oye for phonebanking to reach out to educate voters before Election Day.
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Support Dyana Forester’s At‑Large Campaign
Dyana's campaign needs doors knocked, phones worked, and neighbors reached.
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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, 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 Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 5/26/26, 4:30P
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 5/26/26, 5:30P
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 5/26/26, 6P
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WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 5/27/26, 5:30P
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**NEW** WTU Student Behavior Management Task Force (Zoom) - 5/27/26, 5P
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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, 9A (10A 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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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 6/15/26, 4:30PM
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WTU AFT Convention Planning Meeting (Zoom) - 6/15/26, 6P
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 6/16/26, 4:30P
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 6/18/26, 5 P
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DC Pride Parade (WTU Member Meetup Location TBD) 6/20/26, 3P
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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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