Detroit Federation of Teachers

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.

Marcus Garvey students watch solar eclipse

Marcus Garvey Students Watching the Eclipse

The solar eclipse came at the end of the school day, just in time for these Marcus Garvey students to put on their special glasses and mask to watch as the moon passed over the sun. Students across the city were doing the same. It was an astronomical event for all of us!

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.

AFT Michigan and MEA Presidents respond to selection of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education

LANSING — The selection of Betsy DeVos to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education is an affront to students and education professionals in Michigan, according to the leaders of Michigan’s school employee unions, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan and the Michigan Education Association.

DeVos brings no credible experience or expertise in education, but rather has pushed for the privatization and dismantling of public education at every turn. She rejects evidence, research and the experiences of front-line educators in pursuit of policy changes that only serve to profit billionaires.

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The Detroit Teacher: Special election edition

It's here! The November issue of The Detroit Teacher is a special election edition.

Download the newsletter here.

ATTENTION!!!!

Any dues paying member who does not receive a ballot by Friday, November 18, 2016 should contact Barbara Downey at (313) 875-3500.

Affordable health care agreement for DFT members

The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the Coalition of Unions fought for and won an agreement that guarantees affordable access to quality healthcare and provides more options for school employees and their families. Read more from DFT president Ivy Bailey.

DFT Calls on the District to Guarantee Safe, Healthy Schools

In response to news of an unspecified threat targeting Detroit public schools, Detroit Federation of Teachers leaders are urging schools transition manager, Judge Steven Rhodes, to meet their obligation to ensure safe and secure environments for students and educators.

Read the letter from DFT to Judge Rhodes.

Detroit Civil Rights Lawsuit Makes National News

Check out this article in the Los Angeles Times on the class action lawsuit filed against Gov. Rick Snyder and state education officials on behalf of Detroit’s students and families. DFT leaders participated in a press conference on Sept. 13 announcing the lawsuit. Read the full article here.

Members Ratify New Contract Agreement

The Detroit Federation of Teachers has voted to ratify a new contract agreement. While the contract is far from perfect, the ratification is a significant step in the right direction for our members and our school district. Our fight forward begins now.