Boston Teachers Union

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Boston Teachers Union was nominated

In 2005, the Boston Teachers Union and the Boston School Committee negotiated an agreement under which the Boston Teachers Union would open a new, teacher-run school to showcase their commitment to educating Boston’s children. Both the Union and the Boston Public Schools were excited about this unprecedented partnership, and worked hard to make it a reality. A committee of educators and union officers met regularly during the 2008-09 school year to plan and design the school. The first lead teachers were hired in February 2009, a partnership with Simmons College was formalized later that spring, and the Boston Teachers Union School opened its doors in September 2009, with 150 students in grades K1-2 and grade 6. By September 2011, we were a full K-8 school with approximately 340 students. We are a shared leadership school. We do not have a principal, but instead direct the operation and development of the school through our committee structure, and our weekly faculty meetings. Our decision making is intentional and many decisions are made by consensus. Two lead teachers with a reduced teaching load perform many of the daily administrative tasks. We are part of a national network of teacher-powered schools.

Student experience design

Our school is a community where every child is known, valued, and included. Through carefully designed learning experiences we ensure that all students have meaningful access to learning. We believe inclusion goes beyond ability; it honors the full identity, strengths, and potential of every person. Guided by patience, love, and a growth mindset, we work together to take responsibility for caring for one another, meeting basic needs, and nurturing the unique genius within every learner.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Co-leadership	5+ years
Culturally Responsive Practices	5+ years
All Courses Designed For Inclusion	1-2 years
Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics	3-4 years
Restorative Practices	1-2 years

All Practices

Adaptive Learning Software

AI For Teacher Productivity

Anti-racist Practices

Apprenticeships

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Family And Community Support Services

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Mental Health Services

No Tracked Classes

High Quality Instructional Materials

SEL Integration School-wide

Universal Design For Learning

key reasons for innovating