Dear WTU Family,

As we near the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for all your continued dedication, energy, and advocacy on behalf of your students and one another. Your commitment to our profession and our union makes a difference every day.

I want to begin by reminding everyone that the 2025 WTU Leadership Elections will close at 5:00 PM today, Monday, June 16. If you haven’t yet cast your vote, please make time to do so before the deadline. Your vote is your voice — and it’s essential that every member has a say in the direction of our union. You should have received a personalized voting link in your email.

As we approach the Juneteenth holiday, we honor the enduring fight for freedom, justice, and equity for Black Americans. Let this day serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead — in our schools, our communities, and our union. WTU remains committed to advocating for racial and social justice in education and beyond.

Finally, I encourage all members to take a moment to consider enrolling in one or both of WTU’s collective leave banks — the Sick Leave Bank and the Parental Leave Bank — which are now open for enrollment through August 31. These leave banks were created to support members during some of life’s most challenging or joyful moments, from unexpected medical situations to welcoming a new child. By donating just one day of your own sick leave, you help build a reserve that can provide crucial paid leave to fellow educators when they need it most — and you remain eligible to access that support yourself, should the need arise.

Enrollment is voluntary, but only those who contribute during the open period are eligible to request leave. If you’ve already enrolled in the past and wish to continue, no action is required — your enrollment will roll over automatically unless you choose to opt out. For more information, including eligibility details and FAQs, visit our website or contact us directly at (202) 517-1477 or leavebanks@wtulocal6.net.

Thank you again for your commitment, your participation, and your continued belief in the collective power of our union. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are WTU.

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer filled with fun, wellness, joy, and time for self-care — and a meaningful Juneteenth.

In solidarity,
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons
President, Washington Teachers’ Union
We Are Better Together.

Greetings WTU Members,

As of June 11, 2025, 26% of you all voted in 2025 WTU Elections! Today is the last day! Please cast your vote by 5 pm today.

If you did not receive a ballot, email help+wtu@yeselections.com and copy djackson@wtulocal6.net.

Since time is of the essence, please email both parties at the same time to ensure all stakeholders receive the request simultaneously. 

If you have any additional questions, email wtu[email protected] 

The WTU Elections Committee 

                                  The Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship SY 25-26

The Summer Institute will take place from June 23-26, 2025 (30 PLUs)

SY 25-26 coaching and dissemination of training (15 PLUs)

This Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship is designed for 25-30 teachers. All participants will create content that will be shared with thousands of teachers via Inspired Teaching’s PD resources for teachers. This training will help to build teachers’ expertise in Inspired Teaching’s Instructional Approach as applied to the new OSSE SEL Standards. Students of participating teachers and those who use the materials generated by the program will see a strong improvement in each focus competency. DCPS participants can earn 30 PLUs during the Summer Institute and 15 PLUs in the Fall during the demonstration phase. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.

📣 WTU LEAVE BANK ENROLLMENT IS OPEN!

June 1 – August 31

The Washington Teachers’ Union is proud to offer two collective leave banks that support our educators when they need it most:

🩺 Sick Leave Bank
👶🏽 Parental Leave Bank

💡 Why Join a Leave Bank?

Life happens — whether it’s an unexpected illness or the arrival of a new child, having access to additional paid leave can make all the difference. By contributing just one day of your own sick leave, you help protect yourself and your fellow union members from going unpaid during critical times.

Benefits of joining:

• Access to additional paid leave when your leave runs out
• Coverage for emergencies
• Support a system rooted in solidarity and collective care

✅ Who Can Enroll?

All WTU members are eligible to enroll during the open period. Enrollment is voluntary, but only those who contribute are eligible to apply for days from the bank.

🗓️ Enrollment Period:

June 1 through August 31

Don’t wait — Enroll today. Don’t delay!

Find Leave Banks FAQs HERE

Questions? Contact WTU at 202-517-1477 or email leavebanks@wtulocal6.net

Together, we’ve got each other covered.

We are Better Together.

No longer interested in using the LEAVE BANK?

🌂CLICK HERE TO  OPT -OUT. 

(Your leave will automatically roll over next year if you do not opt out during the enrollment period)

Do you believe that everyone has the power to make a positive impact in your school, district, or city? Apply for the 2025 Community Changemakers Grant!

Form a team of 3-5 educators, program leaders, and/or community members and share why you are passionate about creating environments where young people have agency, lead with empathy, work together, and are motivated to tackle real world challenges. Eight total teams in the Washington, DC and Chicago, IL metro areas will receive $10,000 in funding and have the unique opportunity to turn that passion into a plan for the 2025-2026 school year. You’ll also be asked to think through 3 initial ideas for how you could get started.

Whether you’re working in the classroom or leading change in your district or community, this experience is for you!

Educators — we want to hear from you! As the school year wraps up, we’re inviting you to share your experience with The Great Thanksgiving Listen. Your testimonial can inspire and encourage others to get involved next year. Recording is quick and easy—just a few minutes—and your story will help spread the word about this meaningful project. We look forward to hearing from you!

TGTL: 24-25 EoY Testimonial

Medstar Georgetown WISE Center is conducting a survey to better understand Educator Wellbeing as well as access to services and supports in DC. The information gathered through this survey will be used to build a City-Wide Hub for Educator Wellbeing.

This survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Your responses to these questions are voluntary and confidential. Your responses will only be viewed by the WISE Center evaluation team. Personal identifying information will not be shared, and it will be separated from your survey responses before data is examined.

You will be compensated for your time for completing this survey. You will receive a $10 Tango gift card within 2 weeks of completing this survey. Tango provides access to over 1,500 gift card options as well as prepaid debit cards.

If you are interested in completing the survey, please click here.

•  Student Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy | dcps 

• June 17th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm- W5EEC and W6PSPO time for a budget conversation featuring key voices in education and policy, join here

  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAudOqsqDorHdOqNZKiWVfvLL0TPp_az3Wp.

• LEA Look Forward for June 13, 2025: Summer Literacy Leader Training, SY25-26 Calendar Guidance and More

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