The Boston Teachers Union Welcomes You Back to School! Introduce yourself and maybe explain why you became a building rep.

Video Message from the President Video Link Filmed and edited by BPS students and Press Pass TV! 1 )Play the video by clicking the link or by opening the video on the website 2) After the video, pass out e-mail lists sign up sheets and ask everyone to add their non-work e-mail. Explain that one way to communicate is through a BTU, school-based e-mail list and it’s important that building reps have everyone’s e-mail.

Today’s Content Objectives! Members will be able to: 1. Differentiate myths from truths about unions. 2. Understand the BTU’s vision for public schools. 3. Take action to improve your schools through your union membership Language Objectives: Just kidding!

1. Myths and Truths about Teachers Unions “Turn and talk” with your neighbors! What stereotypes have you heard? Can you think of evidence to the contrary? Explain that there are many misconceptions about the role of teachers’ unions. Today we would like to “unpack” a few common stereotypes and myths.

Here are some common myths: A. Unions hurt student achievement B. Unions protect “bad” teachers C. Unions don’t want teacher evaluations Ask some people to share out others. These are three common ones we will unpack today.

A. Do unions hurt achievement? TRUTH: UNIONS = HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT The highest scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the SAT and the ACT tests are all correlated to the most unionized states in the country (like Mass). The lowest scoring states are also ones that restrict or have outlawed collective bargaining rights (unionizing). For more specifics see: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/statemapping/

B. Do unions protect “bad” teachers? TRUTH: PRINCIPALS CAN FIRE ANY TEACHER Unions ensure that all members receive “due process.” That just means they can’t be fired unless they have been fairly evaluated and fairly treated. Principals have always had the power to fire any teacher, and can even do so for no reason until a teacher receives “professional status.”

C. Does the union think evaluations are undesirable? TRUTH: WE DO WANT EVALUATIONS! We just want a fair evaluation process that isn’t over-reliant on test scores or inconsistent measures such as Value-Added Models that have been found to be statistically unreliable.* We don’t want test scores to discourage excellent educators from teaching students who may not always test well like ELL students and Special Education students—students who can succeed but don’t always get what the need to do so. *For full citations see: http://matestingstatement.wordpress.com/statement/

2. The BTU’s Vision for BPS Schools So what DO we believe in? Take a look at our mission and vision! Turn and Talk with your neighbors: Does this vision resonate with you? Why or why not? What would you add? Hand out the flier with the BTU logo at the top and the list of 6 values the BTU does believe in.

We believe in: Safe and Welcoming Schools Well-Prepared and Supported Teachers Engaging Curriculum Access to Wraparound Services Extending the School Day for Arts and Enrichment Parent, Student, and Teacher Voice in Decision Making Check out www.bostonedtruth.org for a more detailed vision created with parents, students, and community members, and sign our petition. Tell teachers that we have developed an even more detailed visions with students, parents, and community members. They can check out this vision at www.bostonedtruth.org (It’s also on written on the bottom of the 1-pager.)

3. Take action to improve your schools through your union membership. Stay informed! Read the E-Bulletin regularly (you can be added at www.btu.org) Attend membership meetings at the school, BTU, and/or monthly regional meetings closer to your school or home. Make sure you have filled out a membership card, COPE Card, and “Unite for Education” Card. -pass out the “Unite for Education” cards. Make sure you collect one from EVERY member! -pass out membership cards (available at the union hall) -Pass out the COPE cards for those who need one (available at the union hall) and pass out the COPE explanation page to all. -Pass out the change of address cards to anyone who needs one. (available at the union hall.)

You can also join a committee! New Members Engagement Committee (New!) Women’s Rights Committee Sergeant at Arms Committee Community Outreach Committee/Community Advisory Board Professional Learning Advisory Board Campaign Activist Network and Legislative Committee Social Committee Learn more about them at www.btu.org

Upcoming BTU Dates! Wednesday, September 11: 4:15—Monthly Membership Meeting (2nd Wed of every month) 7:00—BTU Mayoral Candidates Forum Thursday, September 26, 2-4 or 4-6: Regional BTU meeting in Allston/Brighton October 25-27: Annual Building Reps Conference You can find these dates and more important information in the BTU Newspaper. -Pass out the newspapers to all!

Your Voice. Your Union. Your Future. You have the power to impact the decisions of your union-get involved!. Stay informed, get engaged, and strengthen a union that you can be proud of. You are the union! Don’t forget to browse the BTU paper for important information, too. -Remember to collect the e-mail list sign- up sheets -Remember to collect all cards: “Unite for Action” “COPE” “change of address” and give them to Patty at the BTU Office -

Building Representative Election: There can be 1 representative for every 25 members or portion thereof BTU in a school. (i.e. If your schools has 26 members, you can have 2. If you have 51 members, 3.) The Building Rep Election will be (set day, times, and location for the BTU building rep election) (Add next BTU meeting at the school: time, date, location if you have it.) This is an optional slide to announce the day, time, and location for the building rep election.