Detroit Federation of Teachers

Entire UTR Slate Reelected

Congratulations to United for Teacher Rights on their reelection to the DFT leadership team. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins is being returned for a second term. The term of office will begin in January 2025 and will be for two years.

DFT Provides Breakfast to Drew

DFT staff stopped by Charles Drew Transition Center to express condolences to their staff on the loss of Crystal Lee.

New Red DFT Shirts for Members

Members are wearing their new red DFT shirts, which are available at General Membership Meetings. Be sure to attend the next meeting in January and pick up yours.

Retirees Celebrate the Holidays

The retirees chapter of the DFT came together one afternoon in December for their annual holiday party. The luncheon was held at Golightly Career and Tech Center, where first year students prepared the food. Holiday garb was on full display and it was a festive gathering for all.

AFT Michigan and MEA Presidents respond to selection of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education

LANSING — The selection of Betsy DeVos to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education is an affront to students and education professionals in Michigan, according to the leaders of Michigan’s school employee unions, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan and the Michigan Education Association.

DeVos brings no credible experience or expertise in education, but rather has pushed for the privatization and dismantling of public education at every turn. She rejects evidence, research and the experiences of front-line educators in pursuit of policy changes that only serve to profit billionaires.

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Affordable health care agreement for DFT members

The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the Coalition of Unions fought for and won an agreement that guarantees affordable access to quality healthcare and provides more options for school employees and their families. Read more from DFT president Ivy Bailey.

DFT Calls on the District to Guarantee Safe, Healthy Schools

In response to news of an unspecified threat targeting Detroit public schools, Detroit Federation of Teachers leaders are urging schools transition manager, Judge Steven Rhodes, to meet their obligation to ensure safe and secure environments for students and educators.

Read the letter from DFT to Judge Rhodes.

Detroit Civil Rights Lawsuit Makes National News

Check out this article in the Los Angeles Times on the class action lawsuit filed against Gov. Rick Snyder and state education officials on behalf of Detroit’s students and families. DFT leaders participated in a press conference on Sept. 13 announcing the lawsuit. Read the full article here.

Members Ratify New Contract Agreement

The Detroit Federation of Teachers has voted to ratify a new contract agreement. While the contract is far from perfect, the ratification is a significant step in the right direction for our members and our school district. Our fight forward begins now.

AFT Leaders on the Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Concerning Detroit Schools

Statements from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, AFT Michigan President David Hecker and Detroit Federation of Teachers Interim President Ivy Bailey on today’s unprecedented federal civil rights lawsuit against Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan State Board of Education, charging that the state is violating the U.S. Constitution by not providing students with their fundamental right of access to literacy skills and interventions.