Detroit Federation of Teachers

MEMBERS: Available at November General Membership DFT Meeting

The red DFT t-shirts members have been waiting for are here. If you were not able to pick up your T-shirt at the October meeting, you have your next opportunity at the end of the DFT General Membership meeting on Thursday, November 14 after adjournment. Wear your Red for Ed with pride!

Winners at the General Membership Meeting

Five lucky winners at October's DFT General Membership Meeting, courtesy of Combined Insurance, a Chubb Company. You just never know what surprises are in store at our monthly meetings!

Retiree Chapter Officers Sworn In

President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins was on hand at the October Retirees Chapter meeting to swear in the officers of DFT231R. The officers are (from left to right) Victor Gibson, President, Mary Helen D'Angelo, Treasurer, Michelle Broughton, Secretary, and Cynthia Pearson-Matthews, Executive Vice President. The Social Vice President (not pictured) is Lois Lofton-Doniver.

Paying Tribute to Patrick Falcusan

We took time from our business at the October General Membership meeting to pay tribute to our Financial Analyst/Retirement Counselor, Patrick Falcusan, for his 30 years of service to the DFT. he has worked under every president, from Mary Ellen Riordan to Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins. Well done, Patrick!

WHAT'S NEW: DFT Executive Board elects to continue contract negotiations with DPSCD

DFT Members:

On May 15, our Executive Board rejected a tentative contract agreement with DPSCD. I wanted to share my statement with you:

"We've continually stated what's best for educators is best for students. The executive board felt that the tentative agreement doesn't move DPSCD forward and place our students first. We want to continue negotiations."

--Ivy

WHAT'S NEW: Call your legislators & tell them to protect teacher pensions

Republicans in Lansing are getting ready to launch a new round of attacks on working families next week, and we need to start fighting back right now.

These new bills are being pushed by the billionaire DeVos family to destroy pensions for newly-hired teachers, librarians, and bus drivers.

Call your legislator right now at 866-834-6910.

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!