Detroit Federation of Teachers

NO to School Vouchers

Members hear from the Political Action Committee and AFT Retiree Activist, Lois Lofton-Doniver, about why we're against school vouchers in Michigan. We are asking for members to let the governor know.

Tea Party at Ronald Brown Academy

Seventh graders were greeted with a tea party from Ronald Brown Academy staff. More about this in the May/June edition of The Detroit Teacher.

40th Annual Building Representatives Recognition Dinner

A good time was had by all at the spring Building Representatives dinner at Sindbad's. This annual event is held to show appreciation for the hard work performed by our building reps.

Speaking to Members

Members attending the June membership meeting had the opportunity to hear from Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, Jocelyn Benson. She answered questions from the rank and file.

Ratification Vote Passes

We are pleased to announce the ratification of the tentative agreement. The final results of the vote are YES 1751 (80%) NO 440 (20%).

The next step in the process is to have the DPSCD School Board agree to accept the results of the vote. This is planned for the July 14th regular school board meeting. Once the school board has agreed to this, then we will publish the tentative agreement to our website, under key documents.

DFT Offices Closed for Juneteenth

The DFT Office will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observation of Juneteenth. We will reopen on Monday, June 22nd.

PSRP activists swap advice on campaigning

AFT President Randi Weingarten shared thoughts on campaigning with up-and-coming PSRP leaders.

The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

DFT Office Closed for Spring Break

The DFT Offices will close at the end of the business day on Friday, March 27th. They will reopen on Monday, April 6 at the start of the business day. We wish for all to have a spring break that is safe and enjoyable.

On Thursday, April 9, Wayne State University will celebrate its 10th annual Giving Day — a powerful moment when Warriors everywhere come together to support the campus causes that matter most to them. We have a cause that matters to us--the DFT Scholarship Memorial, which provides funds to WSU students in the Teacher Education Division of the College of Education who are committed to teaching in the public school district of the City of Detroit or "Priority" 1 public schools in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The name of the scholarship is Detroit Federation of Teachers Endowed 061006. It's important to use the numbers if you plan to participate in Wayne State University’s Giving Day. Visit givingday.wayne.edu to make your donation.

DFT Spring 2026 Election Results

Since there were 4 open seats for the Election Committee and only 4 declared candidates, the following were elected by acclamation to the Election Committee:

Maria Davis
Onza Stokes
Laura Watt
Crystal White

The delegates election had 14 candidates. The top 10 vote getters were elected to represent the DFT at the AFT Michigan state convention in May and the AFT National convention in July. Joining the executive board at both conventions will be:

Devette Brown
Melzitta Davis
Mark Duffy
Nathan Horn
Francesca Lawrence
Kimberly D. Mitchell
Carol Pierce
Taneshe Vernon
Denzel Washington
Laura Watt

List of Candidates with Total Votes Received