Detroit Federation of Teachers

Preparing for the Day of Action

Members of the DFT Leadership Team sort and count out materials to distribute to schools for the National Day of Action. It takes many hands to prepare for such an event and we cannot do it without everyone's help.

March 4 Action: Wear Red for Ed

One of the actions for March 4 Education/Protect Our Kids was to wear red. Keidan Special Education Center is just one of many work locations across the district which put on their "red for ed".

March 4 Action: Clap In

Priest Elementary Middle School greeted students this morning with a clap-in. The students thought it was great and the staff wore Red for Ed. Many schools clapped in students at the entrance bell, while others did it at dismissal.

March 4 Action: Signs and Literature Drop

Literature and buttons were on hand for the parents at the Jerry L. White Center, while Gardner Elementary provided #ProtectOurKids signs along with pączk for its Day of Action.

Smears vs. solutions

Randi Weingarten at a Massachusetts high school

Summer is upon us, and parents, children and teachers are winding down from what has been an exhausting and fully operational school year—the first since the devastating pandemic. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 has affected our students’ and families’ well-being and ignited the politics surrounding public schools. All signs point to the coming school year unfolding with the same sound and fury, and if extremist culture warriors have their way, being even more divisive and stressful.

You are invited to the Second Annual Crowning & Cultivating: Women in Leadership Colloquium. The event, celebrating Women's Month, will be held Saturday, March 25th, at 1 pm. Join us to be empowered, encouraged and loved on! Come share your stories and hear the stories of other powerful women. Come out and enjoy a transforming experience with many statewide leaders. We are pleased to announce Laura Dickerson ( UAW Region 1A Director ) as the Keynote speaker. Other speakers include Lakia Wilson Lumpkins (DFT President), The Honorable Monique Baker McCormick (Dist. 6 Wayne County Commissioner) and more. We will also celebrate the amazing life of Ruby Newbold, retired president of DAEOE Local 4168. Newbold was a true icon throughout the state of Michigan.

If you are interested, please RSVP below. Use the code "Crown" to receive 25% off any purchase.

What: Second Annual Crowning & Cultivating: Women in Leadership Colloquium

When: Saturday March 25th, 2023

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Where: Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 -17100 W 12 Mile Rd Southfield MI 48076

How: Click here to receive your discount today. Use the code "Legends" to receive 25% off your purchase.

Only 10 Vendor tables are available! No tickets sold at the door!

WHAT'S NEW: DFT PRESIDENT SPEAKS AT GOTV/AFT TOWN HALL

The AFT kicked off its first get-out-the-vote town hall with two special guests: Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz (wife of vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz) and longtime AFT ally Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). DFT President, Lakia Wilson Lumpkins was asked to speak at this forum to explain what DFT members will be doing to promote Get Out the Vote in Michigan, a swing state that will be a major factor in this fall's presidential election. Read the article here: GOTV AFT Town Hall Meeting.

WHAT'S NEW: Tenative Agreement is Ratified

We are pleased to announce the ratification of the tentative agreement. The final results of the vote are YES 954 NO 197 total votes cast 1,151

The next step in the process is to have the DPSCD School Board agree to accept the results of the vote. This is planned for the July 9 regular school board meeting. Once the school board has agreed to this, then we will publish the tentative agreement to our website, under key documents.

On behalf of the negotiating team, thank you for your support.

WHAT'S NEW: DFT Retirees Chapter Virtual Meeting for February

The February DFT Retirees Chapter meeting will be virtual. There will be no face-to-face meeting due to the Mint having scheduled another event for the same afternoon. Please reach out to Treasurer, Mary Helen D'Angelo, for the Zoom link to join the meeting. She can be reached by phone. Details are on the Events tab.

WHAT'S NEW: Tentative Agreement Is Ratified

We have concluded the ratification vote of the tentative agreement.

YES: 1121

NO: 406

The negotiating team of President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, Executive Vice President Jason Posey, Labor Affairs Administrator, Karin Whittler, Retirement Counselor/Financial Analyst, Patrick Falcusan and Atttorney, Marshall Widick sincerely appreciate the vote of confidence that has been given by our members in ratifying this agreement.