| Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT Delegates Attend Historic 2016 National AFT Convention

Members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers joined more than 3,000 union delegates from around the country in Minneapolis July 18-21 for the American Federation of Teachers’ biennial convention. Interim President Ivy Bailey and Executive Vice President Terrence Martin were part of a delegation of 10 DFT members attending the national gathering.

DFT on Gov. Snyder’s Decision to Appeal Teacher Pay Ruling

DETROIT—Statement by Ivy Bailey, interim president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, on Gov. Rick Snyder’s decision to appeal Court of Appeals ruling on teacher pay:

“When an attorney general refuses to assist a governor in an appeal, you know something’s wrong. Gov. Snyder refuses to return money taken illegally from school employees without any guarantee they would receive retirement health benefits. Some school employees are owed thousands of dollars—no small amount of money. Add this to the list of Snyder’s disrespectful actions, insults and attacks against educators. It’s unconscionable that he would waste taxpayers’ money defending an unconstitutional law.”

July 5, 2016

DFT teacher honored at Tony Awards

Detroit's own Cass Tech Drama Teacher, Marilyn McCormick, was honored on June 12 at the 70th Annual Tony Awards in New York City. Marilyn received this year's Excellence in Theatre Education Award. The annual award, sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has "demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession."

Resources to host a "Labor & Education in the Pulpit" Event

Interested in hosting a "Labor & Education in the Pulpit" event? This resource contains a flyer you can use and the feedback forms to let us know how it went.

Here's the Flyer!

DFT Fights Back: Legislative Actions, June 3- June 8

Description. Now is time for us to turn anger into action. I am asking you to join us this weekend and over the coming weeks to fight for the schools our kids deserve. Will you sign up to join us in this fight? Phone bank for an hour. Sign up for a community walk. Speak at your church. Or distribute information in your community. Sign up for phone banking and neighborhood walks here.

DFT Members: We Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!

Educating. Organizing. Mobilizing. That’s how Detroit Federation of Teachers members have spent the last few weeks. And our work is making a difference. Let’s stand together and keep our union strong.

Educators, parents deliver community-driven education platform to DPS

A group of about 35 teachers, parents and community activists gathered at the Fisher Building Monday afternoon to present Detroit Public Schools Transition Manager Judge Steven Rhodes with “The Public Schools All Detroit Children Deserve,” a platform document that outlines a community-driven vision for public education. You can read the community platform here in English, or Spanish.

House bills would kill Detroit public schools and retaliate against us

Michigan House Republicans made it clear with their early morning vote that they plan to destroy Detroit’s public education system, take away the rights of educators and school staff, and bust the union. Under cover of darkness at 4 a.m. today, lawmakers passed some of the worst bills we have ever seen, all targeting the Detroit public school system—which overwhelmingly serves black and brown children.

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.

Subscribe to