Detroit Federation of Teachers

EVP Jason Posey addresses retirees, red Retirees t-shirt with DFT apple and on back Teachers Never Retire

EVP Addresses Retirees Chapter

The keynote speaker for the DFT231R chapter meeting in September was Jason Posey, the executive vice-president. He thanked the attendees for their service to the union post-retirement. He also urged the retirees to come into schools to talk to members about organizing and the importance of belonging to a union. To purchase the t-shirt and other updated information for retirees go to the drop down menu of membership, tab is Retirees.

Building Reps Learning about grievances at PD

Thank You Building Reps

Building reps were given practice in writing grievances at the September Building Representatives Professional Development. It was great to see new faces. Organizing Fellow, Yolanda King, facilitates these monthly workshops so building reps can be kept current on best practices and also have an opportunity to mingle with their peers.

DFT Pickets with UAW

DFT members, along with other unions, walked the picket line with striking UAW workers earlier in September. The DFT led chants of No Deals, No Wheels and Let's Go, Local 9 oh oh. The DFT stands in solidarity with the auto workers.

David Hecker Building sign with DFT members, Mike Duggan, Detroit Mayor congratulates Hecker

DFT Congratulates David Hecker

DFT members turned out to celebrate the retirement of David Hecker. Current and former DFT members stand behind the sign that shows the state federation building that has been named the David Hecker Building. City of Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, expresses his well wishes at the event.

Detroit Teacher: Special end-of-year issue

Check out the special end-of-year DFT newsletter. Read all about:

The DFT Member Spotlight, featuring Cass Tech's Tony Award winner, Marilyn McCormick, and Thirkel Elementary's Mitzi Davis
How to stay engaged with the union over the summer
Updates on contract negotiations, school board elections and Michigan House races
How you can join a delegation of DFT members to participate in a Save Our Schools rally on July 8 in Washington, D.C.
Much more!

Click here to read this special edition of Detroit Teacher!

In unity,
Ivy Bailey

P.S. Show that you’re “still committed” to ensuring a strong voice for educators by signing up for alternative dues collection now!

DFT teacher honored at Tony Awards

Detroit's own Cass Tech Drama Teacher, Marilyn McCormick, was honored on June 12 at the 70th Annual Tony Awards in New York City. Marilyn received this year's Excellence in Theatre Education Award. The annual award, sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has "demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession."

Resources to host a "Labor & Education in the Pulpit" Event

Interested in hosting a "Labor & Education in the Pulpit" event? This resource contains a flyer you can use and the feedback forms to let us know how it went.

Here's the Flyer!

DFT Fights Back: Legislative Actions, June 3- June 8

Description. Now is time for us to turn anger into action. I am asking you to join us this weekend and over the coming weeks to fight for the schools our kids deserve. Will you sign up to join us in this fight? Phone bank for an hour. Sign up for a community walk. Speak at your church. Or distribute information in your community. Sign up for phone banking and neighborhood walks here.

DFT Members: We Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!

Educating. Organizing. Mobilizing. That’s how Detroit Federation of Teachers members have spent the last few weeks. And our work is making a difference. Let’s stand together and keep our union strong.

Educators, parents deliver community-driven education platform to DPS

A group of about 35 teachers, parents and community activists gathered at the Fisher Building Monday afternoon to present Detroit Public Schools Transition Manager Judge Steven Rhodes with “The Public Schools All Detroit Children Deserve,” a platform document that outlines a community-driven vision for public education. You can read the community platform here in English, or Spanish.