The Boston Teachers Union Welcomes You Back to School!

Today’s Objectives! Members will be able to: 1. Describe the role and purposes of the BTU 2. Unpack common misconceptions about BTU positions 3. Describe ways you can get more involved in the union

1. Who we are: The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents 5,500 teachers and other professionals including nurses, psychologists, and guidance counselors. In addition, we represent approximately 1,400 paraprofessionals, and close to 500 substitute teachers. We also are pleased to have a retired teacher chapter with close to 3500 members. Our Teacher-Leader Fellows discussing policy and advocacy!

Our Mission: The Boston Teachers Union is a community of educators that believe all students can succeed and deserve a quality education that meets their diverse needs. We advocate for justice and equity in the communities we serve and for the members we represent 1. As one of the leading urban school district in the country, we are committed to building on our professionalism, experience, and teamwork to serve all students in Boston and strengthen our public schools. We believe in the promise of quality public schools for ALL students. 1 According to National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and Council of Great City Schools

Voices of the Union: “The Boston Teachers Union matters to me because it offers an opportunity for growth and a sense of community to its members. Information is made easily and readily available…the union allows its members to form a community of educators, sharing tips and tricks, supporting each other and helping each other out. Although we educators may be large in number and spread all over the city, the union provides a place where we can all meet and discuss what matters to us as educators, and how we can best reach and teach our children!” - Ronetta Holloway, paraprofessional at the Ellison Parks Early Learning Center

Voices of the Union “…One of my great hopes is that many of my students decide to become teachers in Boston when they grow up. It is important that these wages and benefits are there for them in their future careers as teachers so that they can build strong families and strong communities. The union is a place where we can come together to advocate for stronger schools and stronger communities.” -Ross Kochman, 5 th Grade Teacher at the Henderson K-12 School

Voices of the Union “… Many of us are so busy with work, families, and continuing education, that individually, we don't have the time to be politically active or fight for increased benefits, but collectively, members of the BTU do. …The union works for you because you are the union!” -Alicia Silva, 3 rd /4 th Grade Teacher at the Mission Hill K-8 School *You can see the full mission, vision and teacher voices on our website!

We are committed to working with students, families, and community members to improve our schools for: 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 for a more detailed vision created with parents, students, and community members.

2. Here are some common misconceptions about the BTU: A. The BTU members hate all charter schools. B. The BTU is the reason provisional teachers don’t get rehired. C. Strong unions hurt student achievement.

A. Does the BTU really hate all charter schools? No! In fact, some of our members are a part of Horace Mann Charter Schools, also known as “in- district” charter schools, such as Boston Day and Evening Academy, Health Careers Academy, and UP Academies. However, we ARE against expanding Commonwealth Charters because of their high attrition rates, selective admissions, and disproportionately low numbers of ELL and Special Education students, and severe impact on the budget of BPS schools (we are losing over 104 million dollars to them just this school year).

B. Is the BTU contract the reason provisional teachers don’t get rehired? NO! In fact, in our contract it states: “Principals will be required to make recommendation as to which provisional teachers they want to make permanent by February 1 st of each year. Principals will be notified by February 15 th if their recommendations will be approved. The Superintendent shall make permanent appointment of provisional teachers by March 27 th.” THIS CAN HAPPEN ANY YEAR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT!

C. 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:

3. What’s Happening In Our Schools—The Hot Topics We Have Heard About from YOU! -Concerns about the new evaluation system -Over-testing and the misuse of standardized assessments -Concerns about the roll out of inclusion in 20 new schools and how it will impact students -Threats of Level 4 and Level 5 identification -Improving professional development

What we are doing about it--Our collective responses: Help with evaluation needs, support, and quality professional development workshops. Creation of organizing committees to find solutions to many of our common concerns… For example, check out our members advocating with students and community members for “More Teaching and Less Testing,” an ongoing campaign that is now state-wide! PZonFYOHJ4UYXi4dwFIg

Your Union-Your Voice: Take action to improve your schools through your union membership. Stay informed! Read the E-Bulletin regularly (you can be added at 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 Health and Welfare Card to take full advantage of your union benefits.

Upcoming BTU Dates! Saturday, September 6, 3-6pm: First Annual Back to School Fair for BPS Families! Wednesday, September 10: 4:15—Monthly Membership Meeting (2 nd Wed of every month) October 24-26: Annual Building Reps Conference Saturday Nov 8: Parent 2 Parent Conference for Families AND teachers. You can find these dates and more important information in the BTU E-bulletin or your school’s BTU Bulletin Board!

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.

Building Representative Election— We need you to lead! 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 a day, location, and time!)