“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”

Amelia Earhart

BARGAINING COMMITTEE: Thank you to every member who signed up to serve on the CTA Bargaining Committee for the upcoming 2026–27 contract negotiations. The Bargaining Team is a small group that represents educators at the bargaining table while the Bargaining Committee is an expanded group where each of our over 200 schools are invited to have a representative. This gives each school a chance to have your voices heard and also someone who can help provide updates to all members of the bargaining unit as the process unfolds. Those interested in serving on the bargaining committee can email us at orangecta@gmail.com. Please note that we’ve made a scheduling change to accommodate more members and ensure thorough preparation: 

• Wednesday, January 21 – Introduction
  This meeting will provide updates on the process and an overview of where we are in bargaining. The meeting will include an insurance update. 

• Saturday, January 31 – In-Person Meeting

During this session, we will review member suggestions, recommend contract language, and recommend articles to open in negotiations. 

LABOR MANAGEMENT UPDATES: 

CTA President Clinton McCracken meets with District representatives monthly for a "Labor Management Committee" to advocate for members, seek clarity on topics and workplace issues. Below are updates on some of the topics discussed during these recent meetings.  We continue to discuss other issues as well, and updates will be provided as they become available. 

Parental Leave

As you know, we secured three weeks of maternity leave and committed to continuing discussions on a path toward full parental leave. At our most recent Labor Management meeting, CTA began discussions on implementing full parental leave. The conversation will continue at the January meeting, with the expectation that the district will bring data to discuss.  

School Closures

CTA sent a proposed MOU on December 5, 2025. During the meeting, the MOU was mentioned, and the union stated that more information is available than the district is sharing, based on the memo from 12.11.2025. Click HERE to read the memo. More information about school closures and the MOU is shared in a separate section of the newsletter. 

Positive Patways

CTA raised concerns about a situation at the school and how it was handled.  The union expressed concerns about the training administrators receive on how to support employees when situations arise.  

Guiding Coalition

The parties discussed the supplement principals are using to pay teachers in the group. 

Skyward - Discipline Referrals 

CTA is following up on concerns about discipline referrals and that not all personnel involved in the process are trained. CTA will send additional details to the district to get more information. Members of the bargaining unit having issues with the referrals may email us at orangecta@gmail.com. 

Progress Report

CTA proposed an MOU to prevent unnecessary Wednesday meetings when progress reports are due. 

Construction / Renovations

CTA requested an updated list of schools under renovation/construction, or those that will be going into renovation/construction. The union also discussed the issue with playgrounds in elementary schools. 

CFE Survey

The district gave a summary of the results. District leadership is reviewing the results. 

Orange Center ES

CTA requested an update on the status of Orange Center ES. The Union saw comments from the principal in a news article indicating there is more information than has been communicated so far. 

12.03.2025 - News 6 - “NSI will be the entity that runs the school. That will be the governance. Working through Lift Orlando and the board NSI creates, they will work with OCPS. A partnership like this means it will be the OCPS building, and I’ll have access to OCPS resources and assets,” Albert explained. 

Other Items

Additional items being discussed include, but are not limited to, Targeted Schools. Computer Programs, Skyward - Middle School Attendance, CTE Advanced Degrees, and PDIS Access. 

2026 - 2027 REAPPOINTMENT / TRANSFER TIMELINE - SCHOOL CLOSURES: Declining enrollment not only impacts schools that may be subject to closure or consolidation, but it also has direct implications for the reappointment process for the 2026–2027 school year; the Union disagrees with the tentative timeline presented at the December Labor Management Committee meeting, as it cannot be followed in the same manner as in years past, times are changing, enrollment is expected to continue declining, and CTA expects the District and School Board to prioritize the protection and placement of our educators.

The December 5, 2025, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proposed by OCCTA not only addresses protections for educators affected by school closures and consolidations, but it also addresses the timeline for potential non-reappointments and transfers for the 2026-2027 school year. 

The MOU outlines:

• School Closures:

  • A clear timeline for notification, preferences, and placement (January 15–February 5, 2026).

  • Priority placement and up to two school preferences for displaced educators.

  • Seniority-based placement criteria, with efforts to place teachers near their home or zone.

  • Protections for teachers at receiving schools, ensuring they are not involuntarily displaced.

  • Equal rights for teachers on approved leaves of absence.

• A detailed, phased process for the unassignment of  PSC teachers and the non-reappointment of annual and probationary contract teachers (March–May 2026).

• Hiring Freeze: Prohibition against requiring displaced teachers to compete with external or voluntary transfers.

• The Union’s right to review placements and access data on impacted staff.

• Enforceability through the grievance process, including remedies like reassignment to available vacancies.

Remember, this isn’t just about school closures. It’s about what happens to teachers when enrollment drops. Educators in OCPS don't know what the future holds, and while enrollment is expected to continue to decline for the 2026-2027 school year, hiring from outside is scheduled to begin on April 30. We’re calling on the district to prioritize the placement of current OCPS teachers first. That starts with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guarantee a clear, fair, and collaborative process. 

Click HERE to email the School Board today and demand a plan that puts teachers first. This affects all of us, not just those at impacted schools.

CONTRACT REMINDERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

CTA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Join us at one of our upcoming Professional Development opportunities! You receive a substitute provided by the district and a TDY day (this does NOT count against your personal leave).

• Empowering Teachers with AI for Instructional Innovation and Equity

This interactive training introduces educators to the ethical, practical, and policy dimensions of using artificial intelligence in schools. Participants will explore how AI tools are shaping education, engage in discussions on bias, data privacy, and intellectual property, and learn strategies to promote safe and equitable classroom use. Through collaborative activities and guided reflection, educators will gain a foundational understanding of AI’s impact on teaching and learning while aligning with Florida’s AI integration roadmap and AFT guardrails. 

Jan 16 Registration HERE-this training is ONLINE through Zoom.

• UDL: Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines

Are you looking for ways to: design lessons that meet students where they are in the learning process? Anticipate and reduce barriers for students to achieve rigorous goals? Use students’ strengths and interests to drive instruction? Then join us for our next Professional Development course. This interactive module is based on the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines. Participants will build an understanding of neuroscience as a foundation for educating the whole child and designing instruction to best meet the needs of diverse learners.

Jan 30-31 Registration HERE

Feb 27-28 Registration HERE

• Finding Strengths: Supporting Students with Disabilities

Participants will use the case study method to develop appropriate accommodations and modifications to support student access to grade-level academic content.

Feb 6-7 Registration HERE

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOM 1/22: We're excited to continue our new monthly Zoom series for our newest members! These sessions cover everything you need to know to get connected and empowered, including how to navigate our website, where to find your contract, who your AR is, ways we can support you, and ways you can help strengthen your union. Orientations will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month. New members can RSVP HERE for our next session on 1/22. (Future sessions: 2/26, 3/26, 4/23)

EQUALITY FLORIDA QUARTERLY SERIES: Navigating Challenges & Building Support for LGBTQ in Florida Schools 

Join CTA & Equality Florida for a workshop focused on supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff in Florida’s K–12 schools. Together, we will review practical classroom “do’s and don’ts” that create safe, affirming spaces for all students, and explore current trends and challenges impacting LGBTQ+ inclusion across our state. This session is designed to provide both guidance and a collaborative space where teachers, staff, and administrators can share insights, strengthen strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student and educator feels seen, respected, and supported. RSVP TODAY!

Date:  May 13

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804)

TOGETHER WE RISE BOOK TALK: Save the date: Shift Happens by J Albert Mann – Book Talk 

Shift Happens is smart, funny, and compelling history of labor in the United States, covering a wide range of topics from colonization to the modern gig economy. It’s accessible and comprehensive approach makes it a valuable resource for young readers and educators alike. Mann’s narrative is enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on the history of the worker actions that brought us weekends, pay equality, an end to child labor, and other actions that have shaped America. Read this book and plan to attend the Together We Rise Book Talk provided by FEA on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOWARD FENNER SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN: We are now accepting Howard Fenner Scholarship applications! Each year, we are thrilled to offer this scholarship to graduating high school seniors who are children of CTA members. A small portion of our members' dues is set aside to fund this scholarship. For those wishing to apply, please see the scholarship application HERE on our website.

THE STUDENT LOAN HELP GROUP (TSLHG): The Student Loan Help Group (TSLHG) is planning a webinar on January 13th , 2026 at 4PM ET to break everything down into eight clear sections, including educator-specific programs, upcoming changes in 2026, how to avoid common pitfalls, and actionable steps members can take. Included will also be a live Q&A session with the Student Loan Help Group (TSLHG) experts. January 13th, 4PM ET: Zoom Link

STUDENT DEBT AND LOAN FORGIVENESS: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program for people who work full time in the public sector or for certain nonprofit organizations. It can lead to borrowers having their remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments. Almost every AFT member is eligible for this program! Check aft.org/pslf for more information.

40-HOUR READING/ESE RECERTIFICATION COURSE FOR MEMBERS: FEA PD is excited to announce that we will be holding our first participant version of the 40-hour Reading/ESE Recertification Course starting January 2026. We will be accepting 50 registrations for this course. All others will be put on a waitlist. This 40-hour Reading/ESE course was created to fulfill the Florida statute requirement for renewal or reinstatement of a professional certificate under rule 6A-4.0051. Participants must hold a professional certificate to enroll in this course.

Click here to register for the course! Registration link contains more course information.

GRIEVANCES: We’re actively pursuing multiple contract violations around the district. Over the past 50 years, educators have fought hard to win a contract that protects our rights, and it’s our responsibility to defend it whenever those rights are ignored or violated. Members have stepped up to stand together. If you believe your contract is being violated, call us right away so we can answer your questions and discuss how to pursue a resolution.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

JANUARY 13 FIRST DAY OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION: During the first week of session, FEA anticipates that some major legislation will pass during that first week, including SB 318 related to voucher funding accountability.  Click HERE to read the 2026 legislative session updates. 

JOB STABILITY, FAIR PAY, AND DECREASED RELIANCE ON TEST SCORES: 

When SB 320 passed its first committee on a unanimous vote  in December, there was plenty of reason for educators to celebrate. This bill undoes many of the burdensome requirements that get in the way of teaching and learning. Among other things, SB 320 

• Creates a pathway for multi-year contracts to bring back stability to the teaching profession that was lost in 2011 when SB 736 eliminated multi-year contracts for new teachers. 

• Removes many of the regulations on how teachers are paid that have led to salary compression and limited raises for experienced educators. Along with this, the bill expands eligibility for pay for advanced degrees to ensure that those with advanced degrees are fairly compensated for their expertise. 

• Removes the Value-Added Model from being the sole determinant in teacher placement for schools in turnaround status. 

The bill is not all good news, however. It also contains a provision that would weaken collective bargaining rights when it comes to salary supplements. 

Last year, a nearly identical bill passed the Senate unanimously, but a companion bill in the House was never filed. We anticipate having good news to share soon about a House companion bill this year. Stay tuned!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CTA HOSTS COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE BRUNCH: CTA hosted a roundtable discussion this past Saturday focused on public education and the impact of recent legislation on our schools, including teacher pay and the underfunding of public education, Schools of Hope, vouchers and under-enrolled schools, and more. The conversation was thoughtful and brought forward many valuable insights, but the most important outcome was the time spent identifying actions each of us can take to move these issues forward.

To take action on schools of hope, visit schoolsofnope.org, and we encourage members to stay informed and engage whenever possible. Together, our actions make a difference. 

We're thankful to our many local elected officials, community leaders, faith leaders, and educators who came to participate in this important discussion.

CTA COMMITTEES: Interested in becoming more involved with your union? We invite members to sign up for the committees listed below! This is a great way to connect and build solidarity with other members. Committees meet monthly on Zoom. Sign up HERE and we'll reach out with more information.

• FYRE (Florida Young Remarkable Educators): FYRE continuously engages and empowers diverse teams of early career educators through training, collaboration, networking and opportunities to experience their union in action — giving a voice to new members with which to advocate for their students, their union and their profession.

• Government Relations

• Human and Civil Rights

• Minority Affairs

MEMBERS ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP: Remember that our members-only Facebook Group is the ONLY group affiliated with your Union. Be sure you are getting accurate information when asking questions online. We have seen inaccurate information in other places. Also, while anonymous posting is currently an option, remember that CTA staff are unable to fix any concerns when they’re posted in the group. For assistance from staff, you must email or call the office. We often see contract violations in comments but can’t file a grievance to resolve it if you don’t contact us directly. You can also file a class action grievance and remain anonymous, but again, that must be done by contacting the office.

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN 

YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR UNION!

1. We can accomplish more together than all alone

2. Stronger collective bargaining power to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions

3. Contract support for grievance process to protect your rights

4. Free Professional Development

5. Amplify your voice for pro-public education policies

6. CTA members-only  benefits (like our new Dental/Vision plans) and FEA/NEA/AFT benefits

7. Representation when you need someone in your corner

8. Assistance with Evaluation system

9. Support network and community

10. Being part of the solution for change instead of passively accepting problems

CTA BENEFITS

MEMBER ASSIST: MemberAssist is here to handle life’s everyday headaches so you don’t have to. From the small stuff to the big stuff, we’ve got you covered: Fixing a leaky faucet, planning a vacation, finding a doctor, booking childcare, pet care, senior care, movers, and more! How it works: Submit a request any time; no task is too big or too small. Our expert LifeConcierges handle it for you. Sign up here: memberassist.net  Less stress, more life. Start using MemberAssist today! 

Already a member? Join the MemberAssist referral program. Every time a colleague signs up with your referral link, you score guaranteed rewards,  no luck, no drawings, just real perks for spreading the word.  Sign up here: https://app.getoveralls.com/dashboard 

CTA DENTAL/VISION: NEW Optional CTA Member Benefits Are Here! — available to members at special rates. Visit ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional benefits include:

CTA MEMBERS SAVING THOUSANDS!: Don't miss out on your chance to save significantly on your homeowners insurance. We have many members who are saving thousands each year currently.  

Contact ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional benefits include:

• Dental (Humana) & Vision

• Aflac (Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, BenExtend)

• Disability Insurance

• Life and Long-Term Care

• Cosmetic/elective coverage (fertility, weight loss, medspa, and more)

• Legal Protection & ID Theft

• Pet Insurance

• Auto & Home Insurance

FEA BENEFITS:  You must be an FEA member to be eligible. Access the registration page by logging in to the FEA member side of the website.

Other benefits through CTA include:

• 20% off tuition at National University

• 10% off Student Loan Program Services

• Voyage Retirement Solutions Financial Plan

• NEA Benefits

• AFT Benefits

• FEA Benefits

• TSLHG - Student Loan Experts

THE NEA TRAVEL PROGRAM: This is a free benefit for NEA members. Receive exclusive deals and discounts, saving you up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Plus earn NEA Travel Dollars to use like cash along the way and help you save even more (1 credit = 1 USD). New to the program? Enroll for free today and earn $500 Travel Dollars on NEA! Valid for one year and replenished annually.

SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION: Thinking about retirement, but not sure if the Florida Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is the right fit for you? DROP allows employees in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to keep working while continuing to build their retirement benefits. This webinar will cover:

• How to determine the income you'll need for retirement

• Options for replacing income in retirement

• Understanding DROP, how to qualify, and more

To learn more and register, visit invest.suncoast.com/events

CTA SOCIAL MEDIA: Click to join the CTA Members FB group (the only official CTA FB Group). “Like” CTA’s public FB Page HERE to see posts in your feed. Follow Instagram, Threads, Bluesky @orangecta.

FREE CTA MEMBER T-SHIRT: Members click HERE to order your T-Shirt if you haven’t yet received one.

LABOR MOVEMENT HISTORY

Did you know as a member of CTA you are also a member of the Florida Education Association (FEA), the National Education Association (NEA, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the AFL-CIO? Click HERE for a history of FEA. Click HERE for a labor history timeline from the AFL-CIO.

Clickable links for the flyer above:

• Thursday, January 8 at 4:00pm ET - Register here 

• Thursday, January 22 at 4:00pm ET - Register here 

• Tuesday, January 27 at 4:00pm ET - Register here