AFT Human Rights Conference Report–Two Community Partnership Grants Coming to Michigan
I had a great time at the AFT Human Rights Conference in Houston last Thursday through Sunday. Also part of our Michigan contingent were Eric Rader, President of HFCCFT 1650, Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, President of DFT 231, and Maria Sepulveda, WSU-UPTF 477.
At the conference, we received the great news that two AFT Powerful Partnerships Grants will be headed our way to support our coalitions with two great community groups:
- Center for Change: A Northern Michigan Advocacy Group, which works closely with several of our locals across the northern lower peninsula and eastern upper peninsula.
- 482Forward, which will be building on our longstanding coalition in Detroit to partner with our locals in Dearborn and Hamtramck.
Supporting UAW
Nicole Barnett, Vice President of the Northville Federation of ParaEducators Local 3813, pulled an all-nighter feeding and marching with the striking UAW workers on the midnight shift!
Find a picket line near you at https://uaw.org/standwithus/
Detroit Casino Workers Need a Raise
Last Thursday, allies and workers from Detroit’s three casinos, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Big 3 united in a march for economic justice through downtown to the Transcending monument at Hart Plaza.
Please do not patronize the casinos while our union siblings are on strike. Updates can be found at https://www.detroitcasinocouncil.org/
AFT Nurses and Health Professionals and AFT Public Employees 2023 Professional Issues Conferences – November 16-18
Registration is still open for both the AFT Nurses and Health Professionals and the AFT Public Employees professional issues conferences. These concurrent events will be held at the Baltimore Hilton in Baltimore Nov. 16-18.
The deadline for registration is Nov. 9 but don’t wait until the last minute—register now! We’re excited to see you and share ideas, learn from one another and grow as activists.
Professional Development
AFT Michigan Workshop
Saturday, November 4, 2023
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
AFT Michigan David Hecker Building
2661 E. Jefferson – Detroit, MI
This in-service is designed to build educators’ professional repertoire of strategies for addressing school climate and communicating effectively with families to improve student achievement.
Click here to register
AFT ELearning Platform: Reading Comprehension Instruction
We’re excited to share a new online module for members on the AFT’s eLearning platform: Reading Comprehension Instruction. From Oct. 30 through Nov. 20, this 10-hour module will address how to teach reading comprehension effectively, focusing on best practices. The content is appropriate for all K-12 teachers who need help to increase their students’ comprehension of text, whether the text comes from literature or a textbook. Participants will have opportunities for interaction and engagement, including short videos, research, journaling and knowledge checks. A certificate of 10 contact hours will be provided upon full completion of the module.
Upcoming Webinar November 8: Special Education Essentials: Supporting Every Student
You’re invited to join AFT’s Share My Lesson for a free, for-credit webinar, Special Education Essentials: Supporting Every Student on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. EST.
Do you know why there was a need to create a federal law to safeguard the rights of students with disabilities? How do teachers and other school personnel ensure students are receiving a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment? If you want to know the answers to these questions and others, join us for this essential webinar on special education, where we will delve into the critical foundations and practices that shape the education of students with disabilities.
Our expert presenters will guide you through the legal responsibilities outlined by the federal government, shedding light on the essential components of special education services and how they are delivered. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the safeguards in place to protect the rights and dignity of students with disabilities.
This first webinar in a series of four webinars will dive into practical strategies and approaches that teachers and other school personnel can employ to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Discover how to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities while fostering an atmosphere of diversity, equity and inclusion within your school community.
State of Education Symposium on the Impact of New Legislation for Public School Employees – October 28
Fall Leadership Institute – November 16-18
Registration is still open for the 2023 Fall Leadership Institute until November 9.
The Fall Leadership Institute, running from November 16-18, is a weekend-long conference aimed at providing labor organizers and union leaders with the tools they need to thrive. Workshop offered for everyone – from seasoned leaders to those aspiring for leadership.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students 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!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
