DC charter teachers seek to unionize

Teachers at Paul Public Charter School, one of the oldest charters in Washington, D.C., last week publicly announced their intent to unionize—a first for charter schoolteachers in the nation’s capital. The American Prospect reports that the Paul educators are forming their own local—the District of Columbia Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff – or DC ACTS -- which will be affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers. Seventy-five percent of Paul’s teaching staff have signed a petition in support of joining DC ACTS, and asked administrators to voluntarily recognize their union. “All teachers should have a union,” Elizabeth Davis, president of the Washington Teachers Union, told Union City. “Teachers’ unions are the leading advocates for ensuring that classroom teachers have a stronger voice in decisions and policies impacting our schools. The Washington Teachers’ Union has always been interested in helping support charter school organizing and will continue to do so in any way we can." photo from Paul Charter School website

---