The Union Update

This week, we’re putting collective action first—your participation in our committees and upcoming meetings is essential to building a stronger, more responsive union.

Join Us at the Junior High and Senior High VP Meetings to connect with fellow educators, discuss shared challenges, and organize for the support our schools deserve. These meetings are a vital space for collaboration and advocacy—don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.

Support AFT’s Lawsuit Against MOHELA by completing a brief survey about your student loan servicing experience. Your feedback could help shape the legal strategy—please respond before the survey closes.

Share Your School Tech Experience with the Digital Equity in DC Education coalition. Their 3-minute survey closes Monday, October 20 and will inform advocacy with DCPS and the DC Council.

Take Action This Week

Join the Senior High or Middle School VP Google Groups

WTU secondary school educators—help us build a vibrant space for updates, collaboration, and peer support by joining our Google Groups today. Let’s grow our network and strengthen our voice together!

Join The High School Google Group

Join The Middle School Google Group

Speak Up For Our Students

The DC Council is holding a public hearing on charter school review and renewals on Wednesday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m. — your voice is vital to ensuring transparency, equity, and quality in public education. Register to testify by October 20 and help shape the future of our schools by pushing back unlimited charter growth and the privatization of our schools.

Middle School Educators—Let’s Unite!

Register now for the Junior High VP Meeting to connect with colleagues, share challenges, and build collective power for stronger support in our schools. Your participation helps shape the conversation and ensures middle school voices are heard loud and clear.

Last Chance to Share Your Tech Experience!

The Digital Equity in DC Education coalition needs your input on school technology—take 3 minutes to complete the survey before it closes Monday, October 20, and help shape advocacy with DCPS and DC Council.

Take The Survey

What's New

WTU Leave Banks are opening

The WTU and DCPS formed the official WTU Leave Banks Review Committee on 10/16 and approved our first round of Sick and Parental Leave use from the bank. We are preparing to communicate to those awarded and informing everyone involved on the DCPS side of the process this upcoming week. So stay tuned!

Learn more about how to use the Leave Banks

Thank You For Speaking Up

A huge shoutout to WTU Member Zachary Wilson for lending his voice and solutions in the DC Council hearing on Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy.

Watch Testimony

Need help accessing the WTU Negotiated Legal Benefit with Robert Ades?

Based on the motion passed at the WTU Membership Meeting in September, our General Vice President Lisa Haynes will serve as a liaison for those who need assistance with the legal benefit. You can also reach out to Robert Ades point person William Bland at at 202-452-8080 or [email protected] if you have any questions or challenges.

Learn more about the WTU Negotiated Legal Benefit

Mark Your Calendars

WTU Senior High School VP Meeting (Zoom) - 10/20/25
WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 10/23/25
WTU Specialized Services VP Meeting (Zoom) - 10/28/25
WTU Elementary Meeting (Zoom) - 10/28/25
WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 11/3/25
WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) - 11/5/25
WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 11/10/25
WTU Representative Assembly Meeting (Zoom) - 11/11/25
WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) - 11/12/25

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our schools, and our union. Let’s stay informed and united — because together, we’re stronger.

In solidarity,

Washington Teachers’ Union

Week of October 20, 2025