Monica Brokenborough
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PS
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PLATFORM - "RESTORATION OF A BROKEN SYSTEM"
Two years ago, I was featured in a nationwide story as the teacher that "blew the lid off of a graduation scandal". Unfortunately, this "lid" has been discreetly put back into place. Although, there have been some changes in leadership, the same issues are prevalent and no real solutions have been presented to better service students and educators. Several solutions to problems that are plaguing our educational system are presented in our contract and district policies. However, there is a lack of compliance and enforcement of policies and our collective bargaining agreement.
As your next WTU President, I will hit the ground running with the development of various Memorandums of Agreement with the Chancellor regarding pertinent matters of concern. Additionally, I will collaborate with DCPS to incorporate the Strategic Action Plan below.
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
Collaboration
In order to properly service all of our students, it is imperative that educators, administrators, stakeholders, and management refrain from hostility and bias. We must work as a team and put our students at the forefront to regain recognition as a national model for education. I pledge a centralized focus on our students and a collaboration model that suits the needs of union members.
Pursuant Article 11.2.5, educators will be invited to the bi-monthly collaborative DCPS-WTU Meetings.
IMPACT
Have you read Articles 15.2.1 and 15.2.4?
The WTU shall have the opportunity to consult with the Chancellor on the Teacher evaluation process prior to its implementation. Additionally, DCPS shall develop and implement professional development for all educators regarding IMPACT.
I propose a discussion regarding removal of student test scores as a part of the evaluation (and other revisions). School leaders have deemed test scores unreliable.
Member Engagement
Do you find it difficult to attend the monthly union meetings?
In addition to the monthly in-person meetings, I will provide members with options that meet their busy schedules. Specifically, meetings can be conducted via live streams, on-demand, pod casts, and You Tube Channel. Additionally, educators will be able to present items of concern for the agenda.
Fair Compensation Package for ALL
Many educators express frustration for being placed into a "salary holding zone". The current contract prohibits educators with 12 years of experience from receiving a pay increase until they've reached 16 years of experience! As the cost of living continues to soar, educators in this holding zone will suffer financially. I propose a Memorandum of Agreement to immediately renegotiate this urgent matter as we await our next contract negotiations.
Effective Student Discipline
My recent State Board of Education testimony entitled "Open Season on DC Teachers" expresses problems with restorative justice practices and the dire need for safe classrooms for both students and educators. Assaults on educators are plaguing our district and effective student disciplinary methods need to be incorporated.
WTU Accountability
Imagine winning a wrongful termination grievance only to hear your amount of backpay is ruled "complicated". An arbitrator recently stated: "The question of the proper amount of backpay is complicated. There is a four year and eight month interval between the Grievant's termination and today's Award. Much of that is properly payable as backpay, but part of the responsibility for delay falls on WTU." (see page 32)
Direct Support for Educators
I propose that all educators that receive an IMPACT score below "Effective" during the year will immediately receive "Direct Support" from the administrator that provided the score. A form devised by the parties will be individualized for each educator and will highlight specific areas of improvement agreed upon by the educator, administrator, and union representative. Implementation of this "Direct Support Form" will allow educators an opportunity to receive early and aggressive intervention, true peer review, and input from teachers themselves
Equity Amongst All Wards
As an educator that has serviced students in both Ward 2 and Ward 8, I realize that educators needs vary greatly. I will not implement a one-size fits all model. I propose WTU presence at town hall meetings within every ward to ensure the needs of students and educators are being met. Additionally, I recommend an "East Meets West Exchange Program". This program will promote diversity and allow students to engage in a variety of educational settings across our district.
Effective Professional Development
Each year, hundreds of teachers lose their jobs due to "poor evaluations". Therefore, it is imperative that our professional development complies with contract articles such as 2.2: A clear statement of job performance expectations and a clear statement of support to be given to teachers. I propose compliance with all matters pertaining to professional development that will effectively service students and educators.
Retaliation Free Workplace
Relational trust and adult culture are a couple of historical approaches to improving student achievement. Although DCPS has a Non-Retaliation Policy, many educators experience retaliatory acts and are discouraged from engaging in the union and addressing pertinent matters that hinder student achievement. Recently a Hearing Officer ruled that Building Representatives were retaliated against due to their union activities.
I propose compliance with the aforementioned policy as well as the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations which addresses a wide array of common workplace issues.
Chancellor & WTU President Intervention
Did you know that the Chancellor & President can intervene in schools with the highest number of concerns? The parties will work together to resolve extreme workplace issues to prevent future compliance issues.
Less Paperwork
Are you stressed from creating lengthy lesson plans?
Pursuant Article 23.18.1, No teacher shall be required to provide more detail than that which is required in the system-wide template.