tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773941091705248912024-03-18T20:59:10.776-07:00E-PortalThe Washington Teachers Union's Flagship BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-91424452604295464942010-11-21T10:38:00.000-08:002010-11-21T10:39:52.898-08:00Let's Talk Tenure<center><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" background="#333333" flashvars="si=254&uvpc=http://cnettv.cnet.com/av/video/cbsnews/atlantis2/uvp_cbsnews.xml&contentType=videoId&contentValue=50093931&ccEnabled=false&hdEnabled=false&fsEnabled=true&shareEnabled=false&dlEnabled=false&subEnabled=false&playlistDisplay=none&playlistType=none&playerWidth=425&playerHeight=239&vidWidth=425&vidHeight=239&autoplay=false&bbuttonDisplay=none&playOverlayText=PLAY%20CBS%20NEWS%20VIDEO&refreshMpuEnabled=true&shareUrl=http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6923344n&tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea&adEngine=dart&adCallTemplate=http%3A//www.cbs.com/thunder/ad.doubleclick.net/adx/request.php%3F/can/news/%7B%25videoNode%7D%3Bsite%3Dnews%3Bshow%3D%7B%25videoParentNode%7D%3B%7B%25videoFeatPath%7Dpartner%3Dnews%3Blvid%3D%7B%25videoId%7D%3Boutlet%3DCBS+Production%3BnoAd%3D%7B%25videoNoAd%7D%3Btype%3Dros%3Bformat%3DFLV%3Bpos%3D%7B%25posDart%7D%3Bsz%3D320x240%3Bord%3D%7B%25random%7D%3B&adPreroll=true&adPrerollType=PreContent&adPrerollValue=1" height="279" salign="lt" scale="noscale" src="http://cnettv.cnet.com/av/video/cbsnews/atlantis2/cbsnews_player_embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425"></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Tenure and teacher evaluation are the talk of the town.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take a look at AFT President Randi Weingarten's appearance on CBS's "Sunday Morning". She addressed the complex topics of tenure and teacher evaluation head-on and provided real solutions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In unity,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The AFT</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
P.S. For more information on teacher development and evaluation, and on our other real solutions to help all children get the education they deserve, go to <a href="http://www.aft.org/NotWaiting">www.aft.org/NotWaiting</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-8616413304050605022010-11-17T15:40:00.000-08:002010-11-21T15:41:28.467-08:00WTU holds a special meeting for Teach for America teachers and DC Teaching Fellows in an effort to hear their issues and address resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFTh-zkFZsP5Y_FrEsPc39NTZ7KYuIBRWZFUgxF7eoK8EwBTTK6c9GBlU3mxUPMB_6E8QQK0y5MluwF-mui-93Wa4VE4EIx8pBXpQexq8PgJm4FyksmX1mEbsqXIaDmK9A11rHlHC1fvN/s1600/tfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFTh-zkFZsP5Y_FrEsPc39NTZ7KYuIBRWZFUgxF7eoK8EwBTTK6c9GBlU3mxUPMB_6E8QQK0y5MluwF-mui-93Wa4VE4EIx8pBXpQexq8PgJm4FyksmX1mEbsqXIaDmK9A11rHlHC1fvN/s1600/tfa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last November 15, the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) held a special meeting for all Teach for America and DCPS Teaching Fellows to hear and address their issues first-hand . The discussion led by WTU President George Parker and WTU Director of Professional Development and Educational Issues Dorothy Egbufor provided teachers with a forum to voice concerns that affect their day to day work. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
During the meeting, teachers expressed concerns about a variety of topics, including: compensation, outstanding summer stipend payments and reimbursements, credentialing, IMPACT, abrupt terminations for ineffective ratings prior to the school ending, professional development and failed promises on the delivery of a Master's degree and coursework through an accredited program. From the discussions, the WTU identified priorities for teaching fellows in our district and next steps for collaborating with the district and the leadership of the fellowship programs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
"This meeting was absolutely remarkable," stated Dorothy Egbufor. "The group was able to drill down to the real issues, which are immense in length, and identify key issues for discussion and resolution."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Meeting participants also completed a Needs-Assessment Survey on the effectiveness of their teacher preparation and potential support needed to be successful in their work. Some of the survey questions consisted of: In what ways is your in-service fellowship program meeting or not meeting your effectiveness? Are you experiencing any difficulty with the program? and What is your perception of the DCPS Teaching and Learning Framework and IMPACT?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The survey showed that the majority of the teaching fellows in attendance felt similarly about the DCPS Teaching and Learning Framework and the IMPACT Teacher Assessment System and believe that IMPACT is unfair and too subjective. When asked about IMPACT, one teacher stated, "Not enough has been done to make it into a positive system of support to help me become a better teacher." Another teacher said that the IMPACT system does not take into account that there are many variables in the classroom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We had a very comprehensive and productive discussion with the Teach for America teachers, DCPS teaching fellows, WTU Executive Board members and staff and look forward to additional candid discussions that are sorely needed," stated WTU President George Parker. "The WTU will be evaluating the surveys and reviewing additional feedback from the meeting to determine next steps in an effort to advocate for effective resolutions for our members." The WTU has scheduled a meeting with DCPS for early December to address the key concerns of the group. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fellows who were unable to attend Monday's session are strongly encouraged to send any questions, additional concerns and comments to Dorothy Egbufor at <a href="mailto:degbufor@wtulocal6.org">degbufor@wtulocal6.org</a> . </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-10815967101166389712010-10-27T23:24:00.000-07:002010-10-27T23:25:03.315-07:00<div align="justify">WTU Members:<br /><br />The ballots from the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) election of officers were tallied today. There was a total of 893 ballots which was the lowest voter turnout in WTU history. Below are the preliminary results from the American Arbitration Association.<br /><br />Election Results (in alphabetical order by last name)<br />Berfalk, Christopher - 38 votes<br />Davis, Elizabeth - 196 votes<br />Parker, George - 313 votes<br />Saunders, Nathan - 334 votes<br /><br />The WTU Constitution requires that the winner receives more than 50% percent majority of the total votes cast. If none of the candidates receive more than 50% of the total votes cast, then there must be a run-off election between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes. In this case, WTU General Vice-President Saunders received 334 votes and WTU President Parker received 313 votes; therefore, there will be a run-off election between their two slates.<br /><br />Election administrator, Al Squire, will be providing additional information including the final vote tally for all candidates and a timeline for the run-off election.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /> <br />Monique LeNoirDirector of Communications</div><div align="justify">The Washington Teachers' Union<br />1825 K Street, NWSuite # 1050</div><div align="justify">Washington, DC 20006</div><div align="justify">Phone: (202) 293-8600</div><div align="justify">Email: <a href="mailto:mlenoir@wtulocal6.org">mlenoir@wtulocal6.org</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-17654813231647604732010-10-24T14:39:00.000-07:002010-10-24T14:46:44.355-07:00RIF Blog ReportsPresident George Parker clarified with DCPS today (Sunday) what was circulating on Facebook and blogs about "RIF" :<br /><br />Dear Ms. Henderson,<br /><br />This email serves to confirm your response to WTU inquiries regarding:<br />1. Reports that DCPS laid off up to 127 employees on last friday, October 22, 2010<br />2. That some of the laid off employees were WTU bargaining unit members (ET-15,etc.)<br />3. Speculation DCPS is planning to RIF et-15s<br /><br />You confirmed for the WTU that:<br />1. 24 special education central office employees were terminated last friday.<br />2. None of the terminated employees were ET-15 or members of the WTU bargaining unit.<br />3. DCPS has no current plans to RIF teachers or members of the WTU bargaining unit.<br /><br />Thank you for clarifying these issues so that the WTU can provide our members correct and up-to-date information.<br /><br /><br />George Parker<br />WTU President<br /><br /><br />Please email the president directly (<a href="mailto:gparker@wtulocal6.org">gparker@wtulocal6.org</a>) if you need more clarification on this matter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-72589676490572078232010-10-22T15:55:00.000-07:002010-10-24T15:56:45.606-07:00WTU quick messages on your mobile device<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lxXyC5VNSN3ZePC-ZvgDZ7pKGfbVDrX9xZOqaa5WOaFuox6O7tzXPaB4bFMSrZHxGAjKsD2IJu44uXErALIzjXcZWRY10yy5yQrFWVn3lIk3pRDcG58JcAmXqOcpcCKviQJr2MiOP78k/s1600/twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lxXyC5VNSN3ZePC-ZvgDZ7pKGfbVDrX9xZOqaa5WOaFuox6O7tzXPaB4bFMSrZHxGAjKsD2IJu44uXErALIzjXcZWRY10yy5yQrFWVn3lIk3pRDcG58JcAmXqOcpcCKviQJr2MiOP78k/s1600/twitter.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-26798798311877042612010-10-22T13:42:00.000-07:002010-11-21T13:44:18.048-08:00Important WTU Election InformationWTU Members:<br />
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Please read the below important message from Al Squire, administrator of the Washington Teachers' Union. Thank you. <br />
<em>It has come to my attention that WTU members are being encouraged to request duplicate ballots for reasons other than those specifically outlined in the published election procedures. </em><br />
<em>As a reminder, eligible members may request a duplicate ballot only if:</em><br />
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<em>- you have not received a ballot; </em><br />
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<em>- the ballot package you received is not complete; or</em><br />
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<em>- your ballot has been lost, damaged or spoiled. </em><br />
<em>If you need a ballot for those stated reasons, please call Maria Landi at the American Arbitration Association at 800/273-0726. If you call after hours, you may leave a message with your address, and a ballot will be sent to you. </em><br />
<em>Remember, your ballot must be received by AAA by 4 p.m., on October 27. As always, please direct questions about the election to me, Al Squire, at 202/393-5673.</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-14069023033704657402010-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:002010-11-21T13:40:14.605-08:00Maryland/DC AFL-CIO Labor Breakfast Rally & Walk Invitation<div style="text-align: justify;">WTU Members:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Maryland/DC AFL-CIO will be holding a "Labor Breakfast Rally" this Saturday, October 23rd at IBEW Local 26. We encourage you to attend the breakfast and, if possible, walk with other local and international union members, elected officials and endorsed candidates to go door-to-door as part of a massive labor Get Out The Vote effort.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Please review the attached flyer that contains more details, and if you have additional questions please contact Rick Powell with the Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO by telephone at (202) 974-8154 or by email at <a href="mailto:rpowell@dclabor.org">rpowell@dclabor.org</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-60690128404340121942010-10-08T21:17:00.000-07:002010-10-08T21:25:46.657-07:00IMPORTANT PERFORMANCE BONUS INFORMATION<span style="font-weight:bold;">HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEACHERS </span><br /><br />If you are an highly effective teacher eligible for the 2009-2010 performance pay bonus, please read the below important information to protects your rights.<br /><br /><br />October 8, 2010<br /><br />Dear Highly Effective Teacher,<br /><br />Below are four statements one of which the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) is requesting that highly effective teachers email to Jason.Kamras@dc.gov to assist the WTU in protecting your right to receive the performance bonus for SY 2009-2010 without relinquishing the three options. Please read the included Q and A before deciding the best option for you. <br /><br />Today, October 8, 2010, the WTU filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against DC Public Schools for requiring our 2009-2010 performance bonus recipients to relinquish their rights to the three options. In addition, the WTU strongly disagrees with DCPS’ assertion that contract language intended for 2010-2011 implementation allows DCPS to deny our 2009-2010 recipients the three options. We will keep you updated and take all necessary steps to preserve your rights to the three options as a 2009-2010 performance bonus recipient. <br /><br />In solidarity,<br /> <br /><br />George Parker, President<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">FOUR (4) PERFORMANCE BONUS STATEMENT OPTIONS</span><br /><br /><br />Statement #1: I accepted the Bonus award, but I do not relinquish my rights to the three options identified in the collective bargaining agreement for excessed teachers with an “effective or higher” rating.<br /><br />Statement #2: I declined the bonus award online because I do not wish to relinquish my rights to the three options identified in the collective bargaining agreement for excessed teachers with an “effective or higher” rating. However, I wish to accept the award without giving up my rights to these three options.<br /><br />Statement #3: I accept the Bonus award, but I do not relinquish my rights to the three options identified in the collective bargaining agreement for excessed teachers with an “effective or higher” rating.<br /><br />Statement #4: I hereby decline the bonus award based on the fact I do not wish to relinquish my rights to the three options identified in the collective bargaining agreement for excessed teachers with an “effective or higher” rating. However, I wish to accept the award without giving up my rights to these three options.<br /><br />Q & A<br /><br />Question: What if I have already accepted the bonus online, do I still need to send the email?<br /><br />Answer: Yes, you still need to send this email to inform DCPS that you do not agree to relinquish your right to the three options.<br /><br /><br />Question: What if I have already declined the performance on line; do I still need to send the email?<br /><br />Answer: Yes, you still need to send the email to inform DCPS that you are declining the bonus based on the requirement to relinquish the three options but that you wish to accept the bonus without this requirement.<br /><br />Question: I received a statement from DCPS indicating that if I don’t respond online by 9am tomorrow morning accepting the bonus, they will assume I am declining the bonus. If I don’t respond online by 9am, does this mean I am no longer eligible for the bonus?<br /><br />Answer: No, this does not mean you are no longer eligible for the bonus. This deadline has been imposed by DCPS in an effort to have checks ready by November 1, 2010. DCPS has not yet established a legal and official deadline for bonus recipients to accept the bonus or lose your right to the Bonus award.<br /><br /><br />Question: What if I don’t care about the three options and I’m willing to accept my bonus for SY2009-2010 and give up the three options, if necessary? Do I still need to send the email?<br /><br />Answer: No, you do not need to send the email. <br /><br /><br />Question: How do I know which statement to email to Jason Kamras? <br /><br />Answer: <br /><br />If you have already accepted the bonus online, you should use statement #1.<br /><br />If you already declined the bonus online, you should use statement #2.<br /><br />If you have not yet responded online, you may use either statement #3 or statement # 4. It is a matter of your individual preference. <br /><br />Statement #3 provides the conditions upon which you are willing to accept the Bonus award. <br /><br />Statement # 4 simply allows you to decline the bonus award with the reason stated and then provide the conditions upon which you are willing to accept the awa<br /><br />Question: If I have not yet responded online, should I respond online and send the email to Jason Kamras or simply send the email to Jason Kamras only? <br /><br />Answer: Sending the email to Jason Kamras only is legally sufficient. However, if you feel more comfortable responding online and sending the email to Jason Kamras, be sure you select statement#1 or statement#2 to send to Jason Kamras via email, pending your online response.<br /><br /><br />Question: I didn’t receive or review this information until after the 9am Saturday online deadline. Have I given up my right to the performance bonus?<br /><br />Answer: No. However, WTU recommends that you send the appropriate email to Jason Kamras immediately or at least within the next 2 to 3 days.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-76660056231041741262010-10-04T13:28:00.000-07:002010-11-21T13:29:54.186-08:00President George parker's Voice Message 10.4.10<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>WTU TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION CONFERENCE</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) is sponsoring a Teacher Development and Evaluation Conference on Saturday, October 16th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Miner Elementary school located at 601 15th Street, SE. The conference will highlight critical discussion on DCPS’ IMPACT evaluation system, DCPS value added model, revised DCPS Teaching and Learning Framework and more. Conference participants will receive 6 Professional Learning Units (seat hours). The registration deadline is this Friday, October 8th! A more detailed announcement has been forwarded to your WTU EMAIL ACCOUNT.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>VINCENT GRAY COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETINGS</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Council Chair and Democratic mayoral candidate, Vincent Gray, will conduct his first of 8 community meetings tomorrow, October 5th, at Community Academy Public Charter School located at 1400 First Street, NW. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm. We encourage all WTU members to attend one of the 8 sessions. A schedule of the 8 community meetings was forwarded to your WTU EMAIL ACCOUNT</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can view a copy of this voice message at your WTU email account.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for supporting the Washington Teachers’ Union</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-26779703415139412652010-10-03T10:29:00.000-07:002010-11-21T10:30:51.139-08:00President Parker's Voice Message 10.3.10<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DCPS PROPERTY ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) has reached agreement with DCPS that teachers will not be required to sign the DC Public Schools (DCPS) Property Accountability statement when receiving DCPS Property. Teachers who have already signed the form, your signature will be null and void and the WTU will provide DCPS with an official statement in writing verifying this agreement. Teachers who have not signed the form will not have to do so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DCPS ONLINE SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The WTU has received several calls and complaints indicating that some teachers are being told that they must use the online substitute system when taking leave. The WTU has discussed this issue with DCPS, and DCPS agrees with the WTU that teachers are not required to use the online substitute system when taking leave. The online system is strictly voluntary. If you are being required to use the online system when using your leave, please contact the WTU office immediately at (202) 293-8600.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DCPS PERFORMANCE PAY BONUSES</strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The WTU is recommending that teachers who qualify for the 2009-2010 performance pay bonus wait until you receive further instructions from the WTU before accepting or declining your bonus. The WTU does not agree with DCPS’ decision that recipients must give up the three options if they accept the performance pay bonus for SY 2009-2010. The new contract does NOT require DCPS to deny SY 2009-2010 recipients the three options as claimed in the DCPS notification letter. The contract language DCPS referenced in its notification letter applies only to performance pay recipients who qualify based on their SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012 evaluations. The WTU will consult with legal counsel and provide an update and recommendations for affected members by this Wednesday, October 6, 2010. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
You can view a copy of this voice message at your WTU email account.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Thank you for supporting the Washington Teachers’ Union.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-92151619863205122132010-10-02T23:20:00.000-07:002010-10-02T23:53:53.773-07:00At the rally!Proudest day! Great to see 500,000+ people across the nation fighting the good fight with us. We are the people, we are the solution not the problem, we shall overcome as one nation, one day at a time...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhnhJELEQKRuBDIWUt82xvciRrtYvcZyNQTzOxKi6i1RsMblhgkZBEMYfXrWqoL2aO-YL0yC40HgRfJXXcvRTtTReqk5IM26U08rPAP6yhSvcitu71oG-jjanarQ7FWLIOqYfgqgjw4_E/s1600/one+nation+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhnhJELEQKRuBDIWUt82xvciRrtYvcZyNQTzOxKi6i1RsMblhgkZBEMYfXrWqoL2aO-YL0yC40HgRfJXXcvRTtTReqk5IM26U08rPAP6yhSvcitu71oG-jjanarQ7FWLIOqYfgqgjw4_E/s320/one+nation+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> WTU Executive Board Members: Joyce, Jackie, Maria<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV2K_K-uaUbB6dG2lRMJ74kloTIwU36N4uWJb_QadgwnT4cX2EtH9wn4_E5Qd5crDttm0KTY8vPiyh5XLfYBkxLOtW-LnW1TjIeWkTD9JUwlwSVtP03fZ2HOh2lBeLdIcONrLDJgz1qaq/s1600/photo9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV2K_K-uaUbB6dG2lRMJ74kloTIwU36N4uWJb_QadgwnT4cX2EtH9wn4_E5Qd5crDttm0KTY8vPiyh5XLfYBkxLOtW-LnW1TjIeWkTD9JUwlwSVtP03fZ2HOh2lBeLdIcONrLDJgz1qaq/s320/photo9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-10194201723123651642010-10-01T18:25:00.001-07:002010-10-01T18:26:43.820-07:00See you tomorrow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-E-G0iE7rUBqCB4QWuZq9rjtn9GV3IT7_53ZdLf3NVYycCppFHhW-U4pumhhscwl-LlwvlfcCFqWdGqO837-_W9dhf4XP2hP6pI9sGEmFEw79AQqk8wC8KS5ZlQQKxihEFRst1aJ5rr2S/s1600/One+Nation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-E-G0iE7rUBqCB4QWuZq9rjtn9GV3IT7_53ZdLf3NVYycCppFHhW-U4pumhhscwl-LlwvlfcCFqWdGqO837-_W9dhf4XP2hP6pI9sGEmFEw79AQqk8wC8KS5ZlQQKxihEFRst1aJ5rr2S/s200/One+Nation3.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hey colleagues,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are putting America back to work and pulling America back together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://wtulocal6.org/">Washington Teachers Union (WTU)</a> supports <a href="http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/pages/who-we-are">One Nation Working Together</a>. Be a part of our march tomorrow, October 2, 2010 in Washington, D.C. -- one of the biggest progressive demonstrations in decades.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We will meet at <strong>11:00 am at the Sylvan Theater (15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001)</strong> and will march off to the Lincoln Memorial at 12:15 PM. All Unions will meet here and march together. We are asking all WTU members and friends to <strong>wear something RED.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you’ll be with us or not, <a href="http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/page/s/join-the-movement">add your voice</a> to the movement for unity. See you tomorrow! Let's keep the fire burning...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-80763729717289769852010-09-27T10:14:00.000-07:002010-11-21T10:15:52.468-08:00"Making a Difference Every Day"<iframe frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GAeTPeDI3w4?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<strong>AFT: Making a Difference Every Day.</strong></div><strong>Watch and share our commercial.</strong><br />
<br />
As you know, AFT members are making a difference every day in the lives of those we serve and in the communities in which we work--without exception.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">But we are under attack. From Hollywood to our state governments to our local communities, our work is being questioned. It's now time to tell--and show--everyone what is absolutely true. Sure, we all must assume more responsibility, but AFT members are making a difference every day.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday, we began airing a new commercial featuring real people talking about public school teachers making a difference in their lives. The ad can be seen on MSNBC and during NBC's "Meet the Press" for the next two weeks. In addition, an aggressive online advertising component will start this week and continue for the next month.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Become a fan of our Facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AFT">www.facebook.com/AFT</a> everyday; share your story of a teacher who's made a difference in your life; and recommend this page to your friends.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
In unity,</div>The AFTUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-37526055864829986822010-09-25T11:10:00.000-07:002010-09-25T11:10:44.370-07:00Stand Up, Sign Up: One Nation Working Together!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/content/main"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzXmwo9Sov4S-Br_IxG2fJ1xnvUabOab-Ec9RkNmDvHeTASNGLBUjM_MXVWQkGrmUfFFIOXVEP2G8R9UXea0PMspO8co2lEuFfHcUA2lE8IJz0D3P_9fOpxwewAgDoHABr2zrYZ4faq_L/s320/feature-signup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hey Colleagues,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Only seven days remain until we come together at rallies, marches, voter registration drives and volunteer events to pull America back together and put America back to work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I hope you will be joining us at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on Saturday, or at one of over 150 local events happening across the country.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We only have a few more days to get our message of unity out to everyone in America. Can you help? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are five things you can do right now on Facebook to help bring awareness to our movement:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Become a fan of One Nation Working Together on Facebook. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Suggest your Facebook friends become fans too -- we know you're connected and know tons of people who would be interested in this movement. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Change your profile picture to the One Nation Working Together logo: <a href="http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/page/m/be22ea5/53f5d4fb/6020a9ef/4ce03e15/1229152366/VEsF/">http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/page/m/be22ea5/53f5d4fb/6020a9ef/4ce03e15/1229152366/VEsF/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Bring attention to the DC rally by RSVPing to the Facebook event now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Update your status or write on our wall completing this thought: "I am part of One Nation Working Together because..."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/page/m/be22ea5/53f5d4fb/6020a9ef/4ce03e16/1229152366/VEsD/">http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/page/m/be22ea5/53f5d4fb/6020a9ef/4ce03e16/1229152366/VEsD/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for doing your part! We are One Nation Working Together: for jobs, for justice, for education, for all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- Shelli</div><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. With just seven days to go, things are happening quickly. Text "ONE" to 62227 to stay informed on all the news from One Nation Working Together -- msg and data rates may apply. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-43471138787802031032010-09-25T10:42:00.000-07:002010-09-25T10:43:52.242-07:00WTU Supports ONE NATION Rally!!<center><object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/QBtFd1ZKbkw/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QBtFd1ZKbkw?fs=1&hl=en_US"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QBtFd1ZKbkw?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-52800092242067200272010-09-24T09:25:00.000-07:002010-11-21T09:26:01.941-08:00Race to Nowhere - Movie ScreeningWTU Members:<br />
There will be a special screening of the film, Race to Nowhere , on Monday, September 27th, at the Washington, DC Jewish Community Center. Race to Nowhere is a powerful, education documentary film that reveals deeper concerns about our education system and the stress our kids are experiencing. Hundreds of communities will host local screenings in conjunction with National Child Health Day to figure out how we can end this “race to nowhere.” <br />
For more informayion, visit: <a href="http://www.racetonowhere.com/">http://www.racetonowhere.com/</a> . Details can also be found below. Thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-76150475021116568502010-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:002010-11-21T09:20:14.565-08:00DC teachers union head decries Rhee's comments - Associated Press ArticleWTU Members:<br />
Please read yesterday's Associated Press article below that includes comments from Washington Teachers' Union President George Parker about Chancellor Rhee's statements on the Oprah show that administrators have to "basically meet a criminal standard" to fire ineffective teachers.<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>DC teachers union head decries Rhee's comments<br />
Associated Press<br />
09/21/10 7:40 PM EDT</strong><br />
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WASHINGTON — The head of the Washington Teachers' Union says D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has more authority to fire teachers than most superintendents in urban districts.<br />
Speaking on Oprah Winfrey's show on Monday, Rhee said administrators have to "basically meet a criminal standard" to fire ineffective teachers. She also said rules with the union have become a bureaucracy that are hard to overcome.<br />
WTU President George Parker said Tuesday that Rhee's comments are an "over-exaggeration." He says she has many tools on hand to fire teachers.<br />
Parker says Rhee has control over designing teacher evaluations used to remove teachers, and the union has no role.<br />
He also says the union's contract more heavily weighs a teacher's performance over seniority as the basis for elimination.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-8571710721025823752010-09-20T10:53:00.000-07:002010-09-20T10:58:16.590-07:00President Parker's Voice Message
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DENTAL AND OPTICAL ONLINE REGISTRATION</span>
<br />The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) is aware that some of our members were unable to successfully complete their online registration for dental benefits by last Friday’s deadline, September 17th. To ensure that all members are properly registered and receive any needed assistance from the WTU in completing the online registration process, the deadline has been extended until this Friday, September 24th. If you need assistance in completing the registration process, please contact the WTU office by email, telephone or fax for assistance. The WTU Benefits Office requests and appreciates your patience while we assist our members in resolving any online registration difficulties.
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">
<br />
<br />WTU INTERNAL ELECTION</span></span>
<br />The WTU and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have successfully reached an agreement that will end WTU litigation regarding voter eligibility and timeline for conducting the WTU elections. The WTU Executive Board is in agreement with the AFT Executive Council’s decision and order to conduct the WTU internal election under the conditions as agreed in bringing WTU’s litigation to closure. Members will soon receive an election schedule and timeline from AFT Election Administrator Al Squire. We thank you for your patience as we successfully achieved a resolution to this issue.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-54952883382487929102010-09-17T09:14:00.000-07:002010-11-21T09:15:22.616-08:00No Turning Back for DC Kids<div style="text-align: justify;">WTU Members:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Please read the below article from Washington Teachers' Union President George Parker and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten about the new mayoral leadership and moving DC Public Schools forward that ran this week in the Huffington Post. Thank you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>No Turning Back for DC Kids<br />
The Huffington Post, September 15, 2010</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em></em></strong><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." This couldn't be any truer today. Every child in America deserves a great education, not by chance but by right. In the District of Columbia and throughout the nation, our challenge is to make sure every child's neighborhood school is one where parents want to send their kids and educators want to teach. A school reform process is under way in Washington, D.C., and there's no turning back. The voters have spoken and said they want more accountable and connected leadership. The city must keep faith with its children and continue the hard work necessary to give them the education they deserve that will prepare them for life, college and career.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Teachers put their hearts, souls and talents into their work so they can make a difference for their students. It's a complex and demanding job, but one with unmatched rewards. To succeed, students and teachers need the same things, including a school and systemwide culture that focuses on student achievement; makes parents partners in their child's education; nurtures strong and cooperative leaders; and provides ongoing support for teachers so that they, like their students, can constantly improve. And, yes, there must be accountability--for teachers, parents, administrators and elected officials, and for the community as a whole. But accountability is just a "data dump" if it isn't used to inform teaching and learning, to build upon what works and to change what isn't working.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Come November, the District of Columbia will have a new mayor, one who has ultimate responsibility for running the city's schools. Here, as is the case in urban school districts across the country, much work needs to be done to ensure that all students receive the education they deserve. The district and the teachers union entered into a contract earlier this year that was overwhelmingly approved by the teachers. It has provisions that challenge teachers and the district to think and work differently. If we'd written the contract on our own, some provisions might have been different; the district, no doubt, would say the same thing. But that's not how negotiations work. Both sides have to agree to the contract, and both sides have to be committed to making it work. We are ready to meet those challenges, and we look forward to working with an administration prepared to move forward by working with us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Strong and supportive leadership will get results. Look at the school districts across the country that have made radical changes by working with teachers, not fighting with them. In school districts in New Haven, Conn.; south Los Angeles County (ABC Unified School District); Pittsburgh; Hillsborough, Fla.; Douglas County, Colo.; and many others, the teachers unions and their respective administrators are working together on innovative reforms to help kids get a great education.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The new school year is now under way, and in Washington, D.C., it will take strong and supportive leadership to accomplish unfinished business--better instructional guidance; collaboration on implementing the contract; work with city agencies and nonprofit groups to provide wraparound services to address students' unmet needs through, for instance, after-school programs; and converting empty school buildings into parent and community service centers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Public education is a marathon, not a sprint. Yes, there's urgency to fixing our schools, but we have to set ourselves on a long-term path toward constant and sustainable progress. As Vincent Gray, Washington, D.C.'s Democratic Party nominee for mayor, so eloquently put it last night, "collaboration and reform are not mutually exclusive." We wholeheartedly agree.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>-- Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>-- George Parker, President, Washington Teachers' Union</em></strong> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-13036910083206632652010-09-11T15:16:00.000-07:002010-09-11T15:16:47.397-07:00President Parker's Voice Message (9.09.10)<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PAY INCREASE AND RETROACTIVE PAY</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) would like to thank DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the DC Office of Pay and Retirement and it’s staff for working with the WTU to ensure that our teachers receive their retroactive pay and salary increase by the first pay period of this school year, (Friday, September 10, 2010). Also, we would like to thank our members for your patience in WTU’s ongoing effort to ensure that our members receive their salary increases and retroactive pay in a timely manner. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The paycheck you receive tomorrow, Friday September 10th, will reflect the FY 2010 salary schedule including pay raises negotiated in the new contract. All teachers who have previously received their paychecks through direct deposit will also receive this payment through direct deposit. New teachers who never enrolled in direct deposit will receive hard copy checks through the mail.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Retroactive checks for eligible WTU bargaining unit members are being mailed to your address of record tomorrow (Friday September 10). Teachers should expect to receive these checks no later than Friday, September 17th. After September 17th, teachers may contact the DCPS Payroll Office directly at (202) 442-5330 if you encounter any issues. In the meantime if you have any additional questions about your retroactive pay, please contact the DCPS Office of Human Resources at (202) 442-4090.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DCPS PROPERTY ACCOUNTABILTY</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been brought to our attention that many of our members have been asked to sign a DC Public School's (DCPS) Property Accountability Statement of Understanding. All teachers are reminded that your responsibilities regarding DCPS property have already been negotiated in your collective bargaining agreement. The WTU is recommending that teachers not sign this document until you receive further instructions from the WTU. DCPS has been so advised. If your supervisor requests you to sign the document please contact the WTU office at (202) 293-8600. Also, the WTU has forwarded a copy of the DCPS Property Accountability documents, as well as, a copy of the WTU contract to your WTU email account. Please refer to Article 14 (Damage or Loss of Property) on page # 49 of the new contract to review your negotiated responsibilities regarding DCPS property. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>AGAIN teachers are advised not to sign the DCPS Property Accountability Statement pending further notice from the WTU.</strong></em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can view a copy of this voice message at your WTU email account</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for supporting the Washington Teachers’ Union.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-2262865391681108352010-09-08T19:36:00.001-07:002010-09-08T19:38:47.974-07:00Veteran DC Teacher Claims Transfer is Retribution For Whistle Blowing<center><object id="flashObj" width="486" height="412" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=605312818001&playerID=30317508001&playerKey=AQ%2E%2E,AAAABvaL9Hk%2E,mLC66bU8hPPEixOfY5Pc8DGh7QP3dFX0&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=605312818001&playerID=30317508001&playerKey=AQ%2E%2E,AAAABvaL9Hk%2E,mLC66bU8hPPEixOfY5Pc8DGh7QP3dFX0&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></center><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br />WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -- A veteran DC public school teacher has been involuntarily transferred after 25 years at Wilson High School after he complained about problems there, leading him to believe the transfer is retribution for whistle blowing. </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">"I think the real reason is that I have been very active as the union building representative, trying to intercede for teachers and to prevent inappropriate orders from being given to teachers and, most recently, because I reported to the chancellor the fact that students went on this senior class trip (where) out of 88 students, eight had over 200 unexcused absences. They were failing classes, and another 10 had over 100 unexcused absences. <a href="http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=110234&catid=158">Read more</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-38744737586426093242010-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:002010-09-08T19:27:42.422-07:00Input Needed for DCPS/WTU Special Education Summit<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUjDASb60yHHD7D81lKSDfWtfp6hxhTvpWSXzpzg9fFsOOVDSPqlODSiqX0Yg4CURJ-tnwhcanT0srbuvPuaUkuPE8R0Heo3jpY_Mbz089RBU2aJRC6xxim8oNOEFFm1sAx0dbMn0Tttk/s1600/sped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUjDASb60yHHD7D81lKSDfWtfp6hxhTvpWSXzpzg9fFsOOVDSPqlODSiqX0Yg4CURJ-tnwhcanT0srbuvPuaUkuPE8R0Heo3jpY_Mbz089RBU2aJRC6xxim8oNOEFFm1sAx0dbMn0Tttk/s200/sped.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><strong>Attention: All Special Education Teachers, Service Providers and General Education Teachers</strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next week the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) will engage in a Summit with leaders from DC Public Schools Department of Special Education. The purpose of this Summit is to improve the delivery of Special Education services to our children. We are seeking your input for this important agenda and would like to hear your concerns and viable solutions as they relate to Special Education. In addition, if you know of any contract violations as they pertain to Special Education, please contact your WTU Field Representative immediately at (202) 293-8600.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
We are also requesting your input on all of the Professional Development resources that you feel will assist you in offering the best Special Education services possible to our students. As teachers, it is important that we are knowledgeable and confident in our delivery of these specialized services.<br />
.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are asking that you submit all of your concerns, questions and input, along with any additional documentation, by the close of business on Friday, September 10, 2010. Please send this information by e-mail or by fax only and be sure to include your name and contact number on all submissions.<br />
.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can e-mail or fax this information to:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Attention: Anita Corley</div><div style="text-align: justify;">WTU Field Representative </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Email: acorley@wtulocal6.org <br />
Fax #: (202) 293-8633</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every valid request will be presented to the DCPS leadership and detailed outcomes will be posted on our website, as well as , shared via email with our membership.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Thank you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Monique LeNoir<br />
Director of Communications<br />
The Washington Teachers' Union</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-32566785854072231082010-09-03T18:53:00.000-07:002010-09-04T18:24:23.578-07:00Happy Labor Day!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's a holiday on Monday, it's Labor Day!!! We should not forget that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6dC0Qfq32jWhlbFp6EOi-hKhbS3j6HvVXJUh064CW4PUiCGtl9Z-EhUokzTDPMwcaJimgSnin_e7k3Z9xY1gjj5tLgEz4qJTUSCoJEox-tK8DEtABByqoPFPWBdDDhToYtHb0D0u46D-/s1600/Love+WTU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6dC0Qfq32jWhlbFp6EOi-hKhbS3j6HvVXJUh064CW4PUiCGtl9Z-EhUokzTDPMwcaJimgSnin_e7k3Z9xY1gjj5tLgEz4qJTUSCoJEox-tK8DEtABByqoPFPWBdDDhToYtHb0D0u46D-/s320/Love+WTU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is no progress without struggle! Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its waters. The struggle may be a moral one or a physical one, but it must be a struggle. Men may not get all they pay for in this world, but they certainly pay for all that they get. We must do this by labor, by suffering, by sacrifice, and, if needed be, by our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">- Frederick Douglas -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Reposted from: </em></span><a href="http://teachersol.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>http://teachersol.blogspot.com</em></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> </em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-82257114072584473102010-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:002010-08-27T20:46:05.408-07:00WTU Formally Endorses Vincent Gray for Mayor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXqB_QvOh3PY_v3RzHn8qJlBSWo8o0l7zfuRudBQYjpn6dMBXQ9XJ2wRqe8Rj9VXxld6tVNGfwSkeUAK9UiCL8PU1D2IYQXkBjQ4FqtYUjNGuWfvvc-WAPwiElPx2eaYtq8fLafb-1MRs/s1600/gray.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510301547470314658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXqB_QvOh3PY_v3RzHn8qJlBSWo8o0l7zfuRudBQYjpn6dMBXQ9XJ2wRqe8Rj9VXxld6tVNGfwSkeUAK9UiCL8PU1D2IYQXkBjQ4FqtYUjNGuWfvvc-WAPwiElPx2eaYtq8fLafb-1MRs/s320/gray.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">WTU Members:</div><div align="justify"><br />The Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) poll conducted among WTU members last month showed that over 80% are in support of Vincent Gray for Mayor. The WTU Executive Board unanimously voted to support his candidacy, and the WTU has joined other members of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO to officially endorse Vincent Gray for Mayor . </div><div align="justify"><br />Gray has been a consistent champion for research-based school reform. He has been unwavering in his support for DC Public School (DCPS) teachers and has advocated on their behalf. The WTU strongly believes that Vincent Gray’s lifelong dedication to children, the community and most importantly, education make him an excellent candidate for Mayor. In addition, his passion and commitment to students and teachers in the District has had a positive impact on the community, especially his advocacy in support of early childhood education.<br /><br />As Chairman of the DC City Council, he has led efforts to eliminate bureaucracy, strengthen accountability and increase transparency within the school system. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong>GET INVOLVED!!</strong></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.vincegrayformayor.com/aft">Click Here for More Information About How You can Support Vincent Gray</a></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonteachersunion.org/custom_images/file/Gray_volunteer.pdf">Volunteer for the Vincent Gray Campaign</a></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonteachersunion.org/custom_images/file/Gray_donate.pdf">Donate to the Vincent Gray Campaign</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177394109170524891.post-66029668552519848222010-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:002010-08-15T12:30:40.291-07:00Teaching is a work of heart<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbOZmPTJA8VnRcoIXaXjShwSurgu3vTv1gJPeDczSL0moapq1RrWZvxXINYLxOoyQ-bQeupZD4J3FOepnDOcPVcMSPqimO53goFvrXFeZluoAtrtTLjwfbkqTVfXboAD968b9S4bSd6s4/s1600/3276943639_584b9ab1b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbOZmPTJA8VnRcoIXaXjShwSurgu3vTv1gJPeDczSL0moapq1RrWZvxXINYLxOoyQ-bQeupZD4J3FOepnDOcPVcMSPqimO53goFvrXFeZluoAtrtTLjwfbkqTVfXboAD968b9S4bSd6s4/s200/3276943639_584b9ab1b8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I had a chance to meet and greet our excited new DCPS teachers last week during their <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2010/08/13/VI2010081305444.html">3-day New Teachers Orientation</a>. Every year this event makes me remember the time when I was new in DCPS, I did not get this kind of orientation because I came in during the middle of the school year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a challenge working in a very political environment in the midst of education reform. My advice to my colleagues: <br />
<br />
<strong>- do not fall prey to victimization, </strong><br />
<strong>- read your </strong><a href="http://www.wtulocal6.org/custom_images/file/Final%20WTU%20DCPS%20Tentative%20Agreement.pdf"><strong>WTU-DCPS contract to know your rights</strong></a><strong>, </strong><br />
<strong>- be aware of the issues affecting your job, </strong><br />
<strong>- cooperate and have a good relationship with everyone in your school community, and most importantly,</strong><br />
<strong>- focus on what you are expected to do as highly effective teachers.</strong><br />
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Please remember that we are not victims of our jobs, we picked our jobs. Pessimism is a dangerous road that leads to anger, frustration, self- righteousness and all that is harmful to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOUQETHQagmqZu0_zd6q7esgpBOJx7VE75kED6MEC3AifsPN3ZYKeStutrnaxYX-_IVHepYT4bFNDTGwlM4mblOMEP3qjB1fYpuRXasVWPs_sKH2lW5ebbkMYdcvKTO20-vbEpNJMrnaQ/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOUQETHQagmqZu0_zd6q7esgpBOJx7VE75kED6MEC3AifsPN3ZYKeStutrnaxYX-_IVHepYT4bFNDTGwlM4mblOMEP3qjB1fYpuRXasVWPs_sKH2lW5ebbkMYdcvKTO20-vbEpNJMrnaQ/s200/book.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Teachers make a difference. This job is reserved only for those willing to rise to meet all of its many challenges, to give ourselves completely and give some more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am currently reading this book, I feel my battery recharged and ready to get back to work tomorrow!...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Teachers ROCK!!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reposted from: </span></em><a href="http://teachersol.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Teacher Sol</span></em></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0