Educators at Codman Academy Charter Public School announced recently that they are organizing a union with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU). The new entity will include more than 60 staff at the school and is the second Dorchester charter this year to join the BTU. Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) staff members did so earlier this year.

“We’re unionizing Codman Academy CPS so that we have a voice at the table to build a safe learning environment that celebrates creativity and holistic development for our students, community, and educators,” said Marcus Parker, a 3rd grade teacher at Codman Academy. “Our students deserve the best, and we know that by unionizing with the Boston Teachers Union, we’ll have the power to win them that.”

Said Tanesha Ryland, a 9th grade math teacher at Codman Academy: “It has become increasingly challenging to give our students what they need. By joining BTU, we will gain the right to negotiate over our working conditions, student needs, and a fair discipline process.”

Jessica Tang, president of the BTU, said this agreement is a message of demanding better for students and educators.
“We are inspired by the dedicated educators at Codman Academy for organizing together to achieve a better learning and working environment,” she said.