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: 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!

WHAT'S NEW: Watch DFT President Ivy Bailey on "Spotlight on the News"

DFT President Ivy Bailey on May 7 discussed a variety of topics, including the state of contract negotiations, incoming Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the Trump Administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Click the Web link to watch http://ICYMI: Spotlight on the News: In-depth interview with Detroit Federation of Teachers President Ivy Bailey

WHAT'S NEW: #BuildSchoolsNotWalls May 1 rally in Detroit to #ReclaimOurSchools

AFT Detroit rallied on May 1 at the Horatio Williams Foundation Center in Detroit to push back, organize and fight against draconian Trump and DeVos policies to reduce vital investment in public schools.