Detroit Federation of Teachers

Winners at the General Membership Meeting

Two lucky winners at September's DFT General Membership Meeting, courtesy of NTA Life Insurance. Smiling with their new televisions are Syndeara Jackson (left) and Kecia McClendon. You just never know what surprises are in store at our monthly meetings!

Canvassing with a Hollywood Star

Hollywood actress, Kerry Washington, came to Detroit with the cast of her former show Scandal, to lead off a door-knocking campaign to canvass voters.

Solidarity on the Streets of Detroit

DFT participated in the Labor Day parade with fellow Union siblings from metro Detroit

September Building Rep Training

Shout out to these folks who participated in the September Building Representative professional development. It gives these members an opportunity to network and share feedback about their roles.

DFT member says 'Thank you!'

When the call went out to assist DFT member Deborah Martins of Bow Elementary School, who was in urgent need of donated sick days, members answered in a generous way. Deborah wants to make sure her sincere thanks are heard:

Thank You For Your Support
My heartfelt thanks to you for being there during my time of need. My love to you and yours.
Please accept my thanks for all that you have done to help me. I appreciate you so much.
--Deborah Martins

Teacher Appreciation Gala

The DPS/DFT 2nd Annual Teacher’s Appreciation Gala will be held June 4, 2016 at the Detroit-Dearborn Doubletree Hotel from 6pm-12am. This event is to recognize our hard work and dedication to the children of Detroit Public Schools. The deadline to sign up is May 2, 2016 so don't delay.

Detroit Teacher - March 2016

News in this issue of The Detroit Teacher:

DFT Actions Are Building Momentum
We Are So Close to a Breakthrough
Retirement Guide 2016
Detroit Teacher is Michigan Counselor of the Year

and much more...[Download here].

2015-16 DPS Calendar

[Download here] the 2015-16 DPS Academic Calendar.

Settlement of 2012 Lawsuit on Evaluations and Layoffs [4.16.13]

The DFT and the DPS reached a settlement agreement [Download here] which resolved a number of disputes -- one of which was the lawsuit challenging the flawed evaluation, layoff, and recall procedures used by DPS. Approximately 422 teachers were laid off as a result of those flawed procedures, which were neither negotiated nor agreed to by the DFT.

Some of the highlights of the settlement are as follows:

Teachers who received an evaluation score that did not make them "eligible" for retention shall have those scores expunged from their permanent record.
Teachers who received a score that made them

3 Percent Healthcare Deduction [8.17.12]

This afternoon, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed our position and an earlier Court of Claims ruling that the Legislature’s imposition of the 3 percent retiree healthcare deduction from school employees’ paychecks is unconstitutional. The Attorney General is likely to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. Until a final decision is reached, the deductions will remain in the escrow account.

This is another victory in defense of our rights and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail and get your money back to you. Unfortunately, as you know, the Legislature yesterday passed SB 1040, which eliminates retiree health care for new hires, while increasing costs for current employees and retirees. Even after we win this lawsuit, we will all be paying more for retirement.

We will continue to provide you accurate information as we get it, and remember, the Supreme Court justices we elect this November will be the ones deciding whether you get your money back or not.

-David Hecker, AFT Michigan President