Detroit Federation of Teachers

NO to School Vouchers

Members hear from the Political Action Committee and AFT Retiree Activist, Lois Lofton-Doniver, about why we're against school vouchers in Michigan. We are asking for members to let the governor know.

Tea Party at Ronald Brown Academy

Seventh graders were greeted with a tea party from Ronald Brown Academy staff. More about this in the May/June edition of The Detroit Teacher.

40th Annual Building Representatives Recognition Dinner

A good time was had by all at the spring Building Representatives dinner at Sindbad's. This annual event is held to show appreciation for the hard work performed by our building reps.

Speaking to Members

Members attending the June membership meeting had the opportunity to hear from Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, Jocelyn Benson. She answered questions from the rank and file.

From Chalkboards to AI: A Teacher’s 65-Year Journey

On her very first day of student teaching at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, N.Y., Martha Strever pushed, pulled and pounded on the school’s door, which was locked. No one came. Where was everybody? It was, after all, the first day of school.

It turned out everybody was exactly where they were supposed to be: inside, having entered through the school’s front entrance. Strever had been knocking on a side door. Flustered but undeterred, she not only found her way inside, she also found her life’s calling.

Photo credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel are often overlooked because of their support roles. They are the last ones hired and often the first ones fired when budgets get tight. This certainly seems true right now as the Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education funds, effective July 1, which has hamstrung summer school programs, hindered English language support, halted professional development this summer, and left before- and after-school programs in limbo for the coming school year.

DFT Office Hours for Mid-Winter Break

The DFT Office will close at the end of the day on Friday, February 13th and will remain closed for the next week. The office will reopen on Monday, February 23, 2026.

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND STAFF DURING IMMIGRATION RAIDS

The following resolution was adopted by members at the December General Membership Meeting.

RESOLUTION

TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND STAFF DURING IMMIGRATION RAIDS

December 11, 2025 General Membership Meeting

WHEREAS, four students from Western International High School have been detained in the last two months by Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite the fact that all of them have filed formal petitions for asylum.

WHEREAS, the student climate and learning culture at Western and for all immigrant students in DPSCD is now one of fear instead of hope.

WHEREAS, the teachers at Western International are often the first to learn about their students' detainment and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to fight to find their students' quality lawyers and resources to help under a limited time constraint.

WHEREAS, the teacher unions of Chicago and New York City have already made such public statements.

THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED that as the Detroit Federation of Teachers Union we make a public statement that

1. Requests our four DPSCD students, Mor, Santiago, Kerly, and Antony be released from ICE custody and returned home immediately.

2. Call on our new mayor elect Mary Sheffield to reiterate that as a welcoming city, Detroit Police Department should not cooperate with ICE and Border Patrol. We have seen this done successfully by the Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City mayors.

THEREFORE, IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that DFT and DPSCD provide training for all schools on how to help migrant kids and families avoid getting picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at home or in public – going beyond the district’s guidance limited to keeping ICE out of schools.

Condolences to the Family of Dr. Divers

The DFT is sending condolences to the family of Dr. Arthur J. Divers. Dr. Divers had a career in DPS spanning 43 years and was an active member of the DFT. He retired in 2001, having worked at Foch Middle School, Jefferson Intermediate, and Osborn High School. After retirement he remained active in the retirees chapter, having served as vice president and chapter president. In 2010 AFT Michigan recognized his work as an educator, a political and community activist by awarding him the Walter Bergman Human Rights Award. Funeral arrangements have been announced by Swanson Funeral Home and can be found on this link: https://www.swansonfuneralhomes.com/obituary/dr-arthur-divers.

DFT Schedule for Thanksgiving Week

The DFT Offices will close for the Thanksgiving holiday on Tuesday, November 25th at the end of the business day. We will reopen on Monday, December 1, 2025. We send our wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving for all.