Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT President with Ingram, Care Moore, Morgan

Reading Opens the World Features Honored Guests

Detroit was ecstatic to have these three people participate in our book giveaway. AFT National Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram welcomed families and educators to Reading Opens the World. He announced that in May the organization will have given away 10 million books for free. We are thrilled to have had a hand in distributing 50,000 of those books. Poet Jessica Care Moore read one of her poems, I used to be a roller coaster girl and author Ellen A. Morgan, Ed. D read her book, Ellie’s Formal Table. They are standing with President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins.

Election Committee is Sworn In

Four Election Committee members were sworn in at the April General Membership Meeting. Serving a two year term will be Onza Stokes, Laura Watts, Devette Brown and Julia Hunko. We thank these members for their service to the members of the DFT. Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, looks on. Be sure to say hello to Election Committee when you sign in at the May General Membership meeting.

Posey, Wilson-Lumpkins, Weiss, Martin at town hall

DFT Leadership Participates in Town Hall Meeting

At a town hall hosted by State Representative, Regina Weiss, three of our leaders attended the forum: DFT Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lunmpkins, and AFT Michigan President, Terrence Martin. Many union members were in attendance to listen to the information.

US Senate Candidate Addresses the Membership

.A candidate for the US Senate from Michigan, Hil Harper, came before the DFT General Membership meeting in April to ask for an endorsement by the union. He spoke to members about his support for unions, being a card-carrying member of one himself, as well as the reasons he would like our support in the upcoming August primary. The union will be hosting other candidates who are also seeking our endorsements.

WHAT'S NEW: DFT Executive Board elects to continue contract negotiations with DPSCD

DFT Members:

On May 15, our Executive Board rejected a tentative contract agreement with DPSCD. I wanted to share my statement with you:

"We've continually stated what's best for educators is best for students. The executive board felt that the tentative agreement doesn't move DPSCD forward and place our students first. We want to continue negotiations."

--Ivy

WHAT'S NEW: Call your legislators & tell them to protect teacher pensions

Republicans in Lansing are getting ready to launch a new round of attacks on working families next week, and we need to start fighting back right now.

These new bills are being pushed by the billionaire DeVos family to destroy pensions for newly-hired teachers, librarians, and bus drivers.

Call your legislator right now at 866-834-6910.

WHAT'S NEW: What’s best for educators and support staff is best for students: Michigan Chronicle guest column

AFT Detroit calls on the DPSCD administration to understand the important role that we play and negotiate with us accordingly.

We’ve been team players. We’ve sacrificed a significant portion of our salaries in recent years. Now, we say with one voice: What’s best for educators and support staff is best for students.

WHAT'S NEW: DFT Members make strong showing at May 9th School Board Meeting

What's best for educators is best for students! Let's put students first and negotiate a fair contract before the end of the school year!

WHAT'S NEW: Questions Concerning DPSCD's Evaluation Portal

It has come to our attention that members are being asked to upload evidence and create portfolios on the district's new evaluation portal. You are only required to create a sign-in ID and password! Training will be offered at a later date.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the union office: 313-875-3500.

http://mylearningplan.com

--Your DFT President Ivy Bailey

WHAT'S NEW: AFT Detroit House Visit Blitz

AFT Detroit members on May 6 canvassed metro Detroit having one-on-one conversation with nonmembers at their homes. There is strength in numbers. We're coming to a neighborhood near you!