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.

WHAT'S NEW: Information Re: Biennial Election of Officers, Board Members, and Trustees

Please click the links to view the following items regarding the 2020 Detroit Federation of Teachers Biennial Election of Officers, Board Members and Trustees.

Detroit Federation of Teachers members share their concerns with the reopening plan proposed by the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Click the link, Don't Rush, to watch the video. There are also versions in Arabic, Spanish and American Sign Language below as well.

Don't Rush -- Arabic Language Version

Don't Rush -- Spanish Language Version

Don't Rush -- ASL Version

Parents, Students, Community Leaders and AFT Detroit issued the following statements and presented the list of demands during a press conference held on Tuesday, July 28. Please click the links, Press Release -- Community Leaders, Labor, Parents and Students Come Together Demanding A Safe Return To School, and Reopening School Demands, to view the documents in full.

WHAT'S NEW: We Deserve A Clear Plan For School Re-Opening

Sisters and Brothers:

I sincerely hope that all is well with you and your family during this challenging COVID-19 crisis that has gripped metro Detroit, the state of Michigan, our nation, and the world.

The recent uptick in coronavirus cases in Michigan over the last week is concerning. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last Thursday that, “We can’t let our guard down and play fast and loose with the rules,” referring to her prior directives that state residents wear protective face covering in public establishments.

At the same time, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, appeared on

WHAT'S NEW: 2020 AFT Delegate Election Results

Congratulations to all those who were elected to represent the Detroit Federation of Teachers at the American Federation of Teachers National Convention. Please click the link 2020 AFT Delegate Election Results to view the full list.

WHAT'S NEW: Update -- Election of Delegates for 2020 AFT National Convention Scheduled

The election for delegates to the 2020 AFT National Convention will begin today, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 5 p.m. est until Friday, June 26, 2020 at 5 p.m. est.

Please look for the link with your ballots starting today. The email will come from DFT ELECTION COMMITTEE as the subject. Please check your Spam and Junk Folder. If no ballot received by 12 p.m. on Wednesday June 24, 2020 please send an email to dft231ec@gmail.com.