Member Benefits
The Washington Teachers’ Union is proud to offer members dental and vision benefits, pre-paid legal services, as well as sick leave and maternity/paternity banks. Please note that the sick leave and maternity/paternity banks are benefits for full members, and applications for these banks are now submited online on the BSwift Benefits System.
If you need any assistance, please contact WTU Membership
Services at 202-293-8600.
Dental and Vision Benefits
As a member of the Washington Teachers’ Union, there is no payroll deduction for dental and vision benefits. Contributions are paid by DC Public Schools; however, if a member is on leave for more than 10 days, for any reason, premium payments will stop and you will be ineligible for the dental and vision benefits until active pay status has resumed.
Washington Teachers’ Union members must enroll during open enrollment to receive these dental and vision benefits; enrollment is not automatic.
Washington Teachers’ Union does not provide medical benefits for DC Public Schools’ teachers. Please contact DC Public Schools Benefits Specialists at 202-442-4090 with questions and concerns about medical benefits.
Sick Leave Bank
Washington Teachers’ Union encourages its members to join its Sick Leave Bank designed t to assist members affected by illness.
Registered WTU Sick Leave Bank members are eligible to draw full paid leave from the for major illnesses at a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 30 days annually if they no longer have remaining leave.
Maternity & Paternity Leave Bank
Washington Teachers’ Union’s Maternity and Paternity Leave Bank allows new mothers, fathers and legal guardians 30 days of paid leave per school year for additional time with a new child. WTU’s Maternity and Paternity Leave Bank is not just for new parents, but also includes individuals who become legal guardians unexpectedly.
Pre-Paid Legal Program
Washington Teachers’ Union members receive unrestricted and unlimited access to a broad range of free legal services through a partnership with Robert Ades & Associates, P.C.
WTU Pre-Paid Legal Program Brochure
Additional Benefits and Discounts
Washington Teachers’ Union members receive additional discounts as members of the American Federation of Teachers. Our list also includes discounts at bookstores, retailers and school supply stores to cut out-of-pocket expenses.