Clare Berke

What position are you running for in the WTU? Secretary

If you are running on a slate, provide the name: Pogue Lyons/Bell

What school(s) do you work at? Banneker HS

What is your current role at your school? ELA Teacher

How many years have you worked for DCPS? 13

Describe your leadership experience, including what you have done in the WTU I have been taking on leadership positions since I ran for treasurer of my elementary school in 1992. ha! Since becoming a teacher, I have served as a professional development facilitator and curriculum writer for DCPS and One World Education. I have also taken on an assortment of leadership opportunities, like working with the Flamboyan Foundation, the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, the PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools program, and local theatres. In the WTU, I have served on SCAC, Personnel, LSAT, and most recently, as Building Representative at Banneker since 2019. I have also been a WTU Teacher Leader and am currently on the IMPACT Writing Committee.

Why are you running? (Max. 1000 characters) I am running because I believe in the power of public education to transform lives. I want to work with other elected leaders to ensure teachers get a fair contract, a fair evaluation system, and fair pay. When teachers are supported and respected, students, families, and communities benefit.

What is your vision for the union? (Max. 1000 characters) The WTU is at a critical point. Many people are involved and speaking out, but there are also more members who we need to reach to get a full understanding of what unites us. I think we are on the right track with improving our communication systems and leveraging building representatives to mobilize their teachers. I also think that the union can advocate for professional development opportunities for teaching literacy and improving special education services. We should be at the forefront of what works in education and uniting forces to garner what we need and deserve to be the best at our jobs.

If elected, what are your top 3 priorities that you would focus on to achieve your vision for the WTU? (Max. 1000 characters) I am especially interested in supporting literacy teachers in implementing the science of reading, developing stronger communication networks among members, and honoring the teaching profession as a viable and enjoyable career.

What are your top 3 contract priorities for future negotiations? DCPS should provide free or low cost professional development classes in research-based practices, increase teacher pay and/or housing support to live in the area, and commit to an unbiased evaluation system that supports teacher growth and decreases teacher stress.

What is the strategy the WTU should take to achieve that vision? Create an action plan to address each initiative, seek input from our membership on the big ideas behind each initiative, develop practical next steps that leverage our members to communicate with each other and our communities about the importance of each initiative, and celebrate and reflect on our progress as we revisit our goals and grow our support.

If elected, what is your role in achieving that vision? I will help coordinate input, listen and clearly communicate members' needs and ideas, and guide conversations that push us forward together.

If elected, how do you see yourself working with caucuses like DC-CORE? I will gladly work with all members, committees, and leaders.

Do you believe that the WTU should organize and prepare to be "strike ready"? Yes