Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT Participates in Labor Day Parade

DFT members marched in solidarity with thousands of their Union siblings at the annual Labor Day parade in Detroit. More will be featured in the September edition of The Detroit Teacher.

Red for Ed Canvassing

DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins joins AFT members for canvassing. GET OUT THE VOTE!

Back to School Rally for DFT

Food, raffles and camaraderie...this was in store for members at the first general membership meeting of the year. More images will be in the September issue of The Detroit Teacher.

Solidarity Wednesday at Western

The DFT president and EVP pose with Western HS members wearing their RED FOR ED Solidarity Wednesday.

Know Your Voting Rights

GET OUT THE VOTE

Many elections are decided by just a few votes, make sure your voice is heard!

VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE IN ENGLISH
866-OUR-VOTE
1-866-687-8683

VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE IN SPANISH
888-VE-Y-VOTA
1-888-839-8682

No Intimidation

You cannot be threatened, harassed or coerced at any point in the voting process. Report incidents to a poll worker immediately and call or text the Election Protection Hotline:
1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683 (English) | 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682 (Spanish)

No Discrimination

If anyone tries to stop you from voting because of who you are, what language you speak or your disability, ask for help immediately.

Provisional Ballot

You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not on the voter rolls, your eligibility is challenged or there is a problem with your identification. Do not leave without voting.

Accessibility

Polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities or provide an alternative way to vote. Voters who need assistance because of a disability or inability to read or write may have someone to help them.

Language Assistance

Voters have the right to language assistance, often including translated materials or help from poll workers. Ask a poll worker what assistance is available in your language.

Fix Mistakes

If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a replacement ballot before you cast it.

Secret and Secure Ballot

No one can require you to show your ballot, tell them how you voted or watch you cast your vote. If this occurs, report it to a poll worker immediately and call the Election Protection Hotline.

Stay in Line

If you are in line when polls close, stay in line—you must be allowed to vote.

If something feels wrong, ask for help.

AFT-MANA Community Civic Engagement Event October 24, 2026

AFT is hosting, in partnership with MANA de Metro Detroit and MANA, A National Latina Organization, on October 24, 2026, at Wayne State University in Detroit. The event is designed to engage Latino/a families and community members through educational resources, family activities, and civic engagement opportunities. MANA is a national organization dedicated to empowering Latinas through leadership development, advocacy, education, and community engagement.

The AFT Family Fair and panel discussion will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will feature grab-and-go breakfast and coffee, free multilingual and Spanish-language books, student backpacks, hygiene kits, and other community resources while supplies last. The conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

For more information look here on Eventbrite.

Registration is available here: Register for the AFT-MANA Community Civic Engagement Event.

DFT General Election Endorsements 2026

Statewide Ballot Proposal Position
- Proposal 2026-1 (A proposal to convene a constitutional convention for the purpose of drafting a general revision of the state constitution) - NO
AFT Michigan 2026 Endorsed Candidates (This list includes federal, state and some municipalities-level elections) https://aftmichigan.org/2026-endorsed-candidates/
Michigan AFL-CIO 2026 Endorsed Candidates (This list includes federal, state and some municipalities-level elections) https://miaflcio.vote/endorsements/
DPSCD School Board 2026 Endorsed Candidates
- Bessie Harris
- Theodore Jones
- Jameel Montgomery Smith
- Terry Whitfield

DFT Fall 2026 Election Details

From the DFT Election Committee:

Here are the details for the upcoming election for DFT:

Nominations are open until the end of the general membership meeting on October 8th, 2026.

The election will run to Monday, November 16th until Friday, November 20th.

Please refer to the election calendar for further procedures and details.

DFT FALL 2026 ELECTION CALENDAR

DFT FALL 2026 ELECTION NOMINATION FORM

DFT Units M and S CBA 2026-2028

At the August 11th DPSCD school board meeting, members unanimously approved the tentative agreement for DFT Units M (paraprofessionals) and S (food service workers). These members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the TA. The DFT negotiated this contract because the former Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals merged into the DFT last year.

Here is the ratified CBA: Collective Bargaining Agreement for Units M and S.

Condolences to the Family of Dr. Iris Taylor

The Detroit Federation of Teachers is expressing its condolences to the family of Dr. Iris A. Taylor, DPSC Board Treasurer. She passed on July 30, 2026. We share our deepest sympathies with the district's school board and all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements can be found here: https://www.swansonfuneralhomes.com/obituary/dr-iris-taylor