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.

Power of Our Collective Voice

Congratulations to all 2018 DFT/AFT endorsed candidates including Gretchen Whitmer, our next governor; Garlin Gilchrist II, our next lieutenant governor; and Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill, who retained a seat on the Detroit Board of Education.

Remember, we must continue to hold elected officials accountable to educators, parents/guardians and students.

Secondly, we thank our members for their continued commitment to mobilize and organize. When we do that, everyone wins.

WHAT'S NEW: Unofficial List of Biennial Election of Officers, Executive Board Members and Trustees, 2018-2019

Please click the following Web link to see Unofficial List of Biennial Election of Officers, Executive Board Members and Trustees, 2018-2019 http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-10/unofficial_list_of_biennial_election_of_officers..pdf

Hundreds of DFT members attend conversation with Dr. Nikolai Vitti.

During the October 17 evening meeting, topics included our concerns about Climate and Culture; Student Code of Conduct policy; TIP tax withholding; teacher evaluations; new curriculum; and lack of supplies at schools.The meeting was held at Martin Luther King High School.

The last several Saturdays DFT has canvassed in metro Detroit for candidates who support public education in Michigan. They include Gretchen Whitmer for Governor as well as Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill and Terrell George for Detroit Board of Education. Click here for a list of AFT Michigan endorsed candidates: 2018 Endorsed Candidates

WHAT'S NEW: 2018 Election Calendar

For the all the important dates and deadlines associated with the upcoming DFT officer election, please click the following Web link. http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-10/2018_biennial_election_of_officers_document.pdf

Member Issue/Concern Report form

Please print out our DFT Member Issue/Concern Report, complete and return to President Ivy Bailey at ibailey@dft231.com. Here's Web link to print the form: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-10/october_5_form.pdf