News | AFT-Maryland

Baltimore City Council calls for funding for Community Schools Strategy

In the midst of a busy and tumultuous week in Baltimore, the city council passed a quiet but important resolution. The council unanimously decided to call on the Mayor to increase her budget for community schools and out-of-school-time to $10 million.

The Baltimore Teachers Union has been working diligently with AFT and community partners as part of the Baltimore Education Roundtable to promote additional funding for community schools and out-of-school-time.

Chandra Carriere speaking on behalf of the Baltimore Teachers Union said, "We recognize that the school, being anchored in the community

What does your 2% look like?

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Click here to find out how you can help on Twitter & Facebook.

Volunteers Needed today!

We are standing with our neighbors to build a better city for all of the residents of Baltimore. We continue to fight for justice for all.

BTU is dispatching volunteers TODAY, April 28th, from our office at 5800 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215. Volunteers are needed for clean up, for activities with students, and other community help.

Come by, lend a hand. Together, we can build a better city for all.

What: Community Volunteer Opportunities
When: Tues. April 28, 2015, 11:00a.m. until....
Where: BTU, 5800 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215
For Information, call the BTU: (410) 358-6600

On Current Unrest in Baltimore City

At this time of tension and anxiety regarding the tragic events surrounding Mr. Freddie Gray, we have a heightened responsibility to our students, families, and school communities. First, the safety of our staff and students is our top concern. We are in constant contact with the Mayor’s Office, Baltimore City Police Department, and the City Health Department, and are coordinating with them to ensure we are ready to respond to situations as they arise.

We will make crisis counselors and mental health professionals available at schools throughout the city for all of our students, and they will

AFT-Maryland and Baltimore Teachers Union President Marietta English is featured in an important story on ways wrap-around services such as community schools and out of school time can significantly reduce the school-to-prison pipeline facing our young people today.

Under President English's direction, The Baltimore Teachers Union and AFT-Maryland have been vital partners in the Baltimore Education Coalition which has been the most prominent and tireless advocate for community schools and out of school time in the city.

Click here to read the full article on ThinkProgress.org.

Members return to Annapolis to oppose budget cuts

AFT-Maryland once again took to Annapolis to let state senators they did not want to see a change in Maryland charter school law as well as to call on the General Assembly to fully fund education in Maryland.

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MD Senate unanimously votes for state's $40 billion budget

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Senate voted unanimously Thursday for the state’s $40 billion budget.

For the full article, visit The Washington Post. Excerpts follow:

Teachers talk about going to Annapolis to lobby their legislators

Melissa Lake and Shannon Jeter, both teachers at Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School and members of the Baltimore Teachers Union, talk about going to Annapolis to advocate for Public Schools and their students.

For this and more videos, visit our Facebook page.

Baltimore Central Labor Council AFL-CIO Night in Annapolis

AFT-Maryland joins the Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO for their annual Night in Annapolis: Monday, March 23, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for labor and elected officials to exchange ideas. We need you, your co-union members, family, and friends to make this a success. Be sure to wear your union jackets, shirts, and hats.

Monday, March 23, 2015
Lawyer's Mall
College Avenue at Rowe Boulevard

AFT-Maryland will provide buses for state & city employees, teachers, families, and community members to attend this rally. Buses will leave Baltimore from the AFT

Rally for a Better Budget

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In a show of solidarity, AFT-Maryland members and staff stood side by side with AFSCME members as they called on Governor Hogan and the MD General Assembly not to cut state employees' salaries. The event was well attended as a sea of green and blue shirts, hats, and signs covered Lawyers' Mall in Annapolis.