NTU Update - April 23, 2021
Click here for this week's update
In This Issue:
1) Last Chance to Apply for NTU Scholarships
2) Evaluation Survey
3) Get those kids outside!
4) Don't leave money on the table!
And Much More!
Pandemic Teacher Stress
We Need To Be Nurtured, Too': Many Teachers Say They're Reaching A Breaking Point. More...
AFT-Maryland Virtual Triennial Convention 2021
The AFT-Maryland Virtual Triennial Convention for 2021, "Continuing the Fight for Democracy: Labor Unions, Organizing and Collective Bargaining", will be held virtually from Friday, May 21, 2021 through Saturday, May 22, 2021.
See below for important information about the event, and check back regularly for updates.
JFT's Resolution Lead Directly to Senate Bill 35
In November 2020, Jefferson Federation of Teachers brought a resolution to the LFT Convention calling for a moratorium on teacher and student evaluation for the 2020-2021 school year. It also insists that SLTs be agreed upon by the evaluator and the educator and calls on BESE to apply for a waiver to ensure that suspension of these testing metrics wouldn’t negatively impact Louisiana’s eligibility for federal programs.
That resolution has directly led to SB 35. LFT worked with Senator Troy Carter to propose legislation that would hold teachers and students harmless for student growth measures for the 2020-21 school year.
Join us in supporting Senate Bill 35 and asking your legislators to support this important bill.
Budget Proposal Reflects Investment in Education
Budget Proposal Reflects Investment in Education “Thanks to the advocacy and engagement of AFT Indiana members across the state, Indiana legislators have proposed a budget that invests in public education,” said GlenEva Dunham, President of AFT Indiana. “Our members have worked hard and long advocating for public school funding that provides for student needs as well as increases to our lagging teacher salaries,” she continued. The Governor and legislative leaders made the announcement Tuesday.
AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas on Verdict of Derek Chauvin Trial
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Madison, WI – AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas has responded to the verdict as
follows:
“The death of George Floyd at the hands of Derek Chauvin was an outrage. I am
overwhelmed by the guilty verdicts. Even though a police officer was held accountable
this time, we aren’t done. A single trial does not create systemic change.
Statement on Guilty Verdict
AFT-Maryland Statement on Guilty Verdict
in Murder Trial of Derek Chauvin
The verdict convicting Derek Chauvin was a glimmer of hope reminding us that when law enforcement officers go beyond the scope of their duty and kill citizens, they will be held accountable for their actions. It remains impossible for me to believe that anyone could have looked at the video where Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck and return a not-guilty verdict. However, history of police violence in the United States tells us the possibility of Chauvin being acquitted was a real one. That's why so many watched with anticipation, anxiety and bated breath as the verdict was announced. ...
Social Justice Resources
Education Minnesota has gathered a list of resources for educators and families to help children and adolescents cope and process the traumatic events that have recently taken place in Minnesota and around our country.
PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin
PHILADELPHIA—"Black Lives Matter. Today's verdict is an important step towards justice for George Floyd and a step forward in repairing a deeply broken system. I commend the prosecution, the brave witnesses, and the jurors for their work in seeking justice for George Floyd.
"George Floyd was murdered in cold blood at the hands of former police officers Derek Chauvin and his accomplices. And for that, we've mourned and we've protested. And we will continue to do so--because no matter the verdict, Mr. Floyd is still gone, and his family still wakes up each day without their beloved father, son, partner, friend.
Action Alert: We Need to Pass Senate Bill 35
On Wednesday morning, the Senate Education Committee will consider Senate Bill 35 by Senator Troy Carter. LFT worked with Senator Carter to develop this legislation to help protect teachers and students from circumstances beyond their control.
Ask the Senate Education Committee to VOTE YES on Senate Bill 35!
