Detroit Fed of Teachers Secures Major Contract Wins
The newly merged DFT 231 has successfully ratified two new contracts, setting a strong foundation for the start of the next two school years.
These agreements include significant gains for both teachers and classroom aides, including wage increases, retention bonuses, and longevity stipends.
Key highlights include:
- Classroom Aides and Support Staff: Enhanced recognition for paraprofessionals and classroom aides, ESL endorsement bonuses, stronger due process protections and increased pay for substitute teachers.
- Leave Benefits: Reimbursed time for maternity and paternity leave, allowing members to recover up to 30 days of lost time. Increased compensation for payout upon retirement.
- Literacy Initiatives: A stipend for the completion of the science of literacy program.
- AI Protections: Safeguards for professional decision-making in grading and placement. Prohibited AI-determined teacher discipline, placement and evaluation. Mandatory district-provided AI professional development.
- Special Education: Bonuses for special education evaluators. Stipends for general education teachers supporting students identified and placed as ASD or emotionally impaired.
- Union Activity Protections: Stronger Protections for Building Representatives
- CTE: Career and Technical Ed staff bonuses
- Health and Safety: Building Representative notifications of building issues and threats. Expanded leave protections for members contracting childhood diseases.
This ratification marks a significant step forward for our members in Detroit. Let this victory serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we stand united, and let’s carry this momentum forward as we continue to fight for the rights and respect our members deserve.
Planning for Retirement? AFT Michigan Can Help!
Are you within 1–10 years of retirement, considering early retirement, or simply looking for a clearer understanding of your pension benefits? AFT Michigan is offering upcoming pre-retirement sessions designed to help members who are in MPSERS prepare for a smooth transition into retirement.
Join us for an informative session featuring AFT Michigan Retiree Network Chair Marina Russo and Joe Banach from the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP). Joe will walk members through retirement options, pension benefits, important timelines, and the steps you need to take before retiring.
Choose the session that works best for you:
Saturday, September 19 (In Person)
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4hBSycK
Tuesday, September 22 (Virtual)
4:30–6:30 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bWjbpd
Saturday, April 24 (In Person)
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4x82u2f
Tuesday, April 27 (Virtual)
4:30–6:30 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4w33pzX
What You’ll Learn:
- How your pension plan and retirement options work
- How age, service credit, and final average compensation affect your benefit
- How to use ORS tools to model retirement scenarios
- What documents and steps are required when you’re ready to retire
- Common mistakes to avoid and important timelines
- Answers to your retirement questions
*Before You Attend, to get the most out of the session, please:
- Create or log into your Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) account: michigan.gov/ors
- Confirm your total years of service credit
- Bring your ORS login credentials and any personal retirement questions or scenarios you’d like to discuss
Don’t wait until retirement is right around the corner to start planning. Take advantage of this opportunity to understand your options and make informed decisions about your future.
AFT launches ‘Shop Smart, Not Target’ Campaign
As the new school year begins, the AFT is asking our 1.875 million members as well as families and allies to shop at local businesses that stand with workers and communities rather than shopping at Target. Target still refuses to call for an end to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s occupation of the Twin Cities, the community in Minnesota where the company is headquartered. That’s a deal breaker for us. Shop at local businesses when you can, and use our new tool to find other retailers that stand with workers and our communities.
Support the Detroit Historical Society Cultural Workers United – Wednesday, Aug 26
Celebrating Union Hall Artists in Residence
Join us Labor Day 2026 to celebrate the creativity that lives within our movement as we toast the artists participating in the first-ever Union Hall Arts Residency for Union Members. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING DOWNTOWN DETROIT LABOR DAY MARCH & RALLY.
RSVP: www.unionhallarts.org/LaborDay
Millions of Borrowers Will Get One Big Bill Thanks to Trump’s Big Ugly Bill
On July 1, the Trump administration made changes to federal student loans that could raise costs and limit access. One of these changes makes Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) harder to get for millions of student loan borrowers.
Since its bipartisan creation in 2007, the PSLF program has promised that student loan borrowers who complete 10 years of public service employment while making on-time loan payments will have their loan forgiven. Millions—including teachers, nurses, first responders and other public service workers—made commitments to their communities based on that program and that promise.
However, as a result of changes made in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill—often known as the Big Ugly Bill—borrowers who choose or are placed into the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, including all new parent PLUS loan borrowers, will not be able to participate in PSLF.
These changes have already created confusion, disincentivized public service and undermined the public confidence necessary for PSLF to remain effective. There is a very simple solution to this issue: Congress must restore the promise of PSLF and ensure all federal loan repayment plans qualify. Excluding entire categories of public service workers from accessing PSLF undermines the program and harms communities.
Borrowers should act now to learn how the new rules may affect them and ensure they are on a repayment plan that works for them. Check out the AFT’s resources at AFT.org/PSLF to help borrowers navigate the changes and learn more about their options.
Upcoming Professional Development Workshop
Classroom Management that Brings Joy to Learning
September 12, 2026
AFT Michigan David Hecker Bldg
2661 E. Jefferson – Detroit, MI
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This in-service will take a deeper look at how classroom management and classroom leadership should work together to inspire learners, build trust, and create a shared vision for learning. It will also focus on practical strategies for creating a joyful, purposeful learning environment.
Click here for more information and to register.
AFT ShareMyLesson Webinars
Get ready for the new school year with free professional learning from AFT’s Share My Lesson—designed to support your work, your students and your well-being. Join us in August and September for live webinars on climate change, defending democracy, artificial intelligence, building CTE partnerships, reading instruction for paraprofessionals and grant funding, all from trusted experts and practitioners.
Browse all upcoming sessions (including October and beyond).
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
Students, educators and staff across the country are heading back to school or getting ready to! As we get out kids and their classrooms prepared for a great year, make sure they’re set up for success with union-made supplies.
