Detroit Federation of Teachers

Standing With Houston Educators

Earlier in October Organizing Fellow, Yolanda King, and President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins traveled to Texas for an AFT Human Rights Conference. While at the conference the DFT was awarded a Powerful Partnerships grant. Standing in the center, next to the DFT President is actor/activist Erika Alexander, a SAG-AFTRA award winning actress.

African American Leadership Awards 2023

Three of our own were nominated for the African American Leadership Awards: President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, Treasurer Rodney Fresh and Retirees Chapter Secretary, Michelle Broughton. We are pleased to announce that President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins was the recipient of the Sophie Womack Quality of Life & Leadership award.

Listening to History

Retirees at the November Chapter meeting listened to AFT Archivist, Dan Golodner, as he gave a brief history of the DFT from 1920-1967. He presented a slide show presentation and gave some anecdotes about past DFT leadership. Displayed on the screen is a copy of the DFT charter from February 24, 1931.

Regina Fuqua standing in front of 1987 DFT tshirt

New Addition to the Staff

The DFT staff has expanded by one. We are welcoming Regina Fuqua as an Organizing Fellow. She will be working alongside Yolanda King to service members with membership and dues.

DFT on Gov. Snyder’s Decision to Appeal Teacher Pay Ruling

DETROIT—Statement by Ivy Bailey, interim president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, on Gov. Rick Snyder’s decision to appeal Court of Appeals ruling on teacher pay:

“When an attorney general refuses to assist a governor in an appeal, you know something’s wrong. Gov. Snyder refuses to return money taken illegally from school employees without any guarantee they would receive retirement health benefits. Some school employees are owed thousands of dollars—no small amount of money. Add this to the list of Snyder’s disrespectful actions, insults and attacks against educators. It’s unconscionable that he would waste taxpayers’ money defending an unconstitutional law.”

July 5, 2016

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.