1. New Building Rep Orientation
2017

2. Agenda Roles of the Building Rep Expectations Benefits
Election Protocol
Building Rep Weekend Overview
Review of Handbook Resources
Q and A

3. What is the role of a building rep?
Teacher Leader
Communicator
Mobilizer/Organizer
Problem Solver
Friend 

4. Why are building reps important?
As teacher-leaders, building reps help to promote professionalism as a lead educator, someone who takes initiative and is a team player.
As a communicator, building reps help other staff to understand changes, learn about opportunities, and help to have their voices heard in the union and policy world. This is KEY!

5. Why are building reps important?
As a mobilizer/organizer- help to make positive changes in their schools, communities, and beyond. They can help us to influence what happens in the field of public education.
As a problem solving catalyst- help to mediate, overcome challenges, and facilitate productive communication between our members and administration.
As a friend- welcome new teachers
to the building and be someone
members can count on and trust!

6. What are the minimum/basic expectations?
Stay informed—read the E-bulletin every week and other communications from the BTU
Attend the monthly membership meetings the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 4:30pm
Become familiar with the contract/rights
Communicate information to members at your school
Respond to union communications via , postal mail, phone

7. Benefits?
If you attend 70% (miss no more than ~2) of the general membership meetings, you receive a $500 stipend at the end of the year.
Each week you are able to have a duty free period to take care of union duties.
Most importantly—you will be fulfilling an important role as a leader to improve teaching and learning conditions in the school!

8. Overview of the BTU Who are the other BTU leaders? Officers and Staff
Executive Board
Committees/Bodies
Schools-Based Management

9. Do I need training?
We will help to train you and provide the support and assistance you need to become a successful building representative:
Building Reps Conference: October 13-15th
Follow up workshops
On site, as needed!

10. Running Elections: Protocol
There can be 1 building representative for every 25 members, or portion thereof, in a building.
Building representatives must be elected by the staff. The elections are run by the current building reps, but written, secret-ballots are collected and counted by BTU members who are not candidates.
Members should be given notice of the time and location for voting in a neutral space at least 5 days before the election. -

11. Who can run?
If you spend 50% or more of your time in a school building and are a member in good standing, you can run!
You can nominate yourself or have someone nominate you to appear on the ballot.

12. Conference Overview
Goal: To give building reps a sense of the priorities and policies of the union and to help building reps develop schools to be effective school leaders
Friday Evening: Reception, New Rep Orientation, Film Screening
Saturday: Plenary and Workshops, Evening Dinner and Dance Party
Sunday: Superintendent Presentation, Q & A and Committee break out groups

13. Questions? Contact one of the Field Reps or Organizer:
Michael McLaughlin, Elementary Field Rep. -
Caren Carew, Secondary Field Rep. -
Josephina Lascano, Para/Substitute Field Rep. -
Jessica Tang, Director of Organizing -
Shanika Houlder, Internal Organizer –
Jonathan Rodrigues, External Organizer –

14. Thank you for stepping up into this important leadership position and congratulations on your election!