Berkeley Federation of Teachers Archives

BUSD prepares for ‘distance learning’ in fall, creating child care concerns for some families

By Natalie OrensteinMay 292:45 p.m.May 31

The Berkeley School Board on Wednesday approved a general planning framework as the district gets ready for 2020-21.

Who gets to learn in Berkeley, and how, when COVID-19 has closed all schools?

By Natalie OrensteinMarch 2511:26 a.m.May 11

Berkeley schools are undergoing identity crises as they scramble to try to keep serving all their students.

Several people hold a huge banner saying "keep teachers in berkeley" in a meeting room

Berkeley Unified reaches agreement with teachers union for 12% raise, more

By Natalie OrensteinOct. 3120192:25 p.m.Nov. 25

The union president called the contract proposal a “huge win” for educators.

Recent stories

Protesters in red march in a street. Some are wearing masks or holding signs

‘Wildcat’ strike takes 150 educators, 2,500 kids out of class — union says agreement reached

By Natalie OrensteinOct. 2920193:21 p.m.Nov. 7

Monday was a tumultuous day for Berkeley Unified.

A packed room of seated protesters, wearing red and holding signs that say "More than praise, we need a raise."

Dozens of Berkeley High teachers say they’ll call in sick Monday over union negotiations

By Natalie OrensteinOct. 2520192:18 p.m.Nov. 7

For the second time this month, teachers will buck union leadership and leave administrators scrambling to deal with major absences.

Some Berkeley High teachers stage an unofficial ‘wildcat’ strike

By Natalie OrensteinOct. 2220193:02 p.m.Nov. 7

With the school district and union still struggling to reach a contract agreement, teachers stayed home to ramp up the pressure.

Mass of protesters in the street, carrying banners supporting Berkeley teachers

Teachers flood meeting, demanding raises and special-ed support

By Natalie OrensteinSept. 1920193 p.m.Sept. 19

The first big teacher rally of the school year was part dance party, part protest.

Dozens of people are seated in a meeting room. Several are kids. One has a big sign that says, "Keep teachers in Berkeley."

Berkeley Unified might ask voters to pay a teacher tax in 2020

By Natalie OrensteinSept. 1120193:16 p.m.Sept. 11

As the district recuperates from millions of dollars in budget cuts, officials are pondering three different ballot measures that would support the schools.

Charter school angling to operate in Berkeley gets nixed by Monterey County

By Natalie OrensteinJune 1120194:25 p.m.June 13

Wednesday is the Berkeley School Board’s last chance to approve Compass — or close REALM.

Berkeley teachers to rally in Sacramento Wednesday; district says keep kids home

By Natalie OrensteinMay 2120191 p.m.May 22

The statewide ‘Day of Action’ is promoting bills that would bring in more funding for public education and cap charter school growth.

Woman in teachers union shirt speaks at a podium. Several people are standing behind her, some holding signs that say "Keep teachers in Berkeley."

Berkeley Unified is thinking of building housing for workers — and the city might help

By Natalie OrensteinApril 4201912:22 p.m.April 9

Many Berkeley teachers are living paycheck to paycheck. Would they live in a housing complex developed by the district?

Several red-clad people stand outside the gate to a courtyard, holding tall signs shaped like sunflowers. One has a huge sign that says, "Keep teachers in Berkeley."

School Notebook: Board cuts $2M, teachers flood meeting, theater gets gift

By Natalie OrensteinMarch 1420192:48 p.m.March 14

Berkeley school news — in brief.