Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT Represented at the Nation's Capital

A group of DFT delegates registering for the National Convention in Washington, D.C.

DFT Attends Retirement Luncheon

Past President Ivy Bailey and EVP Jason Posey stand with Kim L. Mitchell and Marva Fletcher at the recent DPSCD Retirement Luncheon. Congratulations to members who retired this school year.

Clapping In Students on the First Day

Students at Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy were greeted by a clap in from community members on the first day of school. More images will be in the September issue of The Detroit Teacher.

DFT members in red for national convention

DFT at AFT National

The first day of the AFT National Convention featuring our DFT members in red.

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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