Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT Leadership Team & Staff Training

May 1st meant training day for DFT Officers, Executive Board, Trustees, Election Committee and Staff.

DFT President Speaking at Advocacy Day

President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins speaks about the proposed School Aid Bill to education supporters in Lansing on April 29.

Solidarity Wednesday

The staff and students at Bagley wear their "red for ed" to demonstrate solidarity.

Drew Steppers Honor Dr. Crystal Lee

The Drew Steppers performed a dance to honor Sister Lee on her birthday wearing Crystal's favorite color--orange.

Activist Boot Camp aims to influence DPSCD teacher evaluation model

More than a dozen DFT members participated this week (July 31-Aug. 2) in a three-day Activist Boot Camp (ABC.)

There, they focused on mobilization and organizing efforts toward affecting DPSCD's teacher evaluation model. Members also gained more knowledge of our local's history; acquired a stronger sense of what it means to be an activist; and were trained on an app that is designed to mobilize members in short order.

Our featured speakers included Mary Cathryn Ricker, AFT executive vice president; and Brandon Johnson, Chicago Teachers Union deputy political director.

On the session's third

WHAT'S NEW: Appeal planned in Detroit literacy lawsuit tossed by federal judge (Detroit Free Press story)

Plaintiffs plan to appeal a closely watched federal lawsuit — dismissed Friday by a judge in Detroit — that accuses Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials of depriving Detroit children of their right to literacy.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III asserted in his ruling that as important as literacy is, the U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee a fundamental right to literacy.

The students and families who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit said Monday they would appeal the ruling to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Friday's decision is as deeply disappointing as having to file a lawsuit

WHAT'S NEW: America Needs Unions Now More than Ever As Supreme Court Sides with Corporate Billionaires Rigging Economy against Workers

WASHINGTON– The following statement was issued by leaders and members of AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU following the decision by the United States Supreme Court to rule against working people and in favor of billionaire CEOs and corporate interests in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, holding that requiring fair-share fees in the public sector violates the First Amendment of the Constitution. Read more by clicking here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/america-needs-unions-now-more-ever-supreme-court-sides-corporate

An awesome time had by all during the "For the Teachers, By the Teachers" 4th Annual Teachers Appreciation Gala on June 16. Detroit Police Chief James Craig was keynote speaker.

The meal was delightful, the band was entertaining and laughter filled the air. The speakers’ inspirational stories gave motivation to the career we hold so dear. The Teachers, the sponsors, the speakers and the entertainment were acknowledged at the 4th Annual Teachers Appreciation Gala planned "For the Teachers, By the Teachers."

Every person walked away with a word of encouragement and a token of appreciation.

It is

Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD general superintendent, recently was a guest on the metro Detroit broadcast "The Teachers' Lounge."

The weekly broadcast airs on Comcast Cable in various cities, including Detroit on Channel 91. The show is co-hosted by Leslie Carlis, Marnina Rose and DFT officers William Weir and Donavon Gardner.

Here's a Web link to the broadcast https://www.facebook.com/theteachersloungedetroit/videos/2108441392778812/?t=3

Vitti discussed a variety of issues during the one-hour interview, including class size and race. It aired live on June 14.

What's missing from Michigan's proposed social studies standards? Read Bridge magazine feature:

https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/history-gets-conservative-twist-michigan-social-studies-standards

Read proposed K-12 Social Studies standards:

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SS_May_2018_Cut_Cap_Final_622356_7.pdf

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