Week of November 17, 2025

The Union Update


 Solidarity Spotlight

Strength in Every Signature

Garnett-Patterson STAY educators recently displayed powerful examples of collective action through their sign-on letter campaigns.  Recently, almost 100% of their WTU members here united through a sign-on letter to advocate for changes to their school’s CSC. The school also achieved double-digit membership growth and an impressive overall membership percentage, reflecting strong trust and solidarity. When educators stand together, they win together.

Anacostia’s Champion of Unity

Mr. Ron Edmonds, Anacostia’s dedicated WTU Building Representative and alum, has spent 31 years serving DCPS and continues to fight tirelessly for his members and students. Under his leadership, Anacostia has achieved an inspiring 100% membership density. This is an incredible testament of trust, unity, and shared purpose. We honor Mr. Edmonds for his unwavering commitment and powerful example of solidarity in action.

Take Action This Week

Self-Contained Educators, We Need You!

The WTU Special Education Committee is gathering input from educators who teach self-contained classes to strengthen our advocacy around oversized classrooms and lack of resources. If you teach a self-contained class, please take a few minutes to complete.

Support International Educators: Email Campaign to DCPS Dual Language Program Lead

DCPS is still refusing to spend the money appropriated by the DC Council to restart the Green Card Policy for our over 300 International Educators working in DCPS on H1B Visas. We are starting an e-mail writing campaign to target influential people in DCPS and DC Government to join our call for DCPS to do the right thing. Take 2-3 minutes and send a pre-written (or you can edit) email today!

WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 11/17/25, 4:30PM

Join us for the Senior High School VP Meeting to organize around the issues impacting our Classrooms and build a more proactive and responsive union.

WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 11/18/25, 4:30 PM

How can we make sure that the sciences are included in all aspect of a DCPS student's education? Science matters, and should not be forgotten. We will meet to discuss academic awareness of the sciences. 

WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 11/18/25, 5PM

Join the Retirement Options Task Force to help shape the future of educator retirement benefits. Your voice matters.

 

What's New

Time To Teach, Now

WTU President Laura Fuchs urged the DC Council to move beyond flawed test-based measures of academic achievement and prioritize giving educators the planning time guaranteed in their contract.

November Rep Assembly Recap

At the Nov. 13 Rep Assembly, WTU reps voted on key initiatives, received reports on our financials from the WTU Treasurer and Board of Trustees, addressed school issues, examined active campaigns, and outlined action items. The next meeting will be a Membership Meeting set for Dec. 9, 2025 at 4:30PM

VITAL LESSONS: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community

As attacks on LGBTQIA+ individuals rise in schools, healthcare and public life, this conversation focuses on how you can create safety, belonging and support for LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues.

 

On Monday, 11/17 at 5:00 PM, in this free, for-credit webinar, AFT will cover:

  • Affirming care and inclusive spaces;
  • Responding to discrimination; and
  • Everyday allyship that protects mental health.

We Ain't Buying It

This Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday (Nov. 27–Dec. 1), join the We Ain’t Buying It movement by pausing purchases from Target, Amazon, and Home Depot . We are pushing back against corporate practices undermining our communities. Instead, redirect your spending toward small, local, and values‑driven businesses that affirm democracy, dignity, and community power.

 

Mark Your Calendars

  • WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 11/17/25, 4:30PM
  • WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 11/18/25, 4:30 PM
  • WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 11/18/25, 5PM
  • DC State Board of Education Public Meeting - 11/19/25, 5:30PM
  • WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 11/25/25, 4:30PM
  • WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 11/25/24, 5:30PM
  • WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 12/1/25, 5PM
  • WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 12/1/25, 7PM
  • WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 12/2/25, 5 PM
  • WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 12/3/25, 5:30PM
  • WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 12/4/25, 5PM
  • WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 12/6/25, 9AM (10 for Members)
 

Know Your Rights

Report And Resolve

If you encounter a facilities issue at your school, follow the steps in our "Addressing DCPS Facilities Guide" to ensure it’s resolved quickly and effectively.

Claim What You Are Owed

WTU educators secured four protected Morning Block Time days each week. If meetings were held during short weeks in SY24-25, you may be owed compensation, so fill out the form to claim it

 

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

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