PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Happy first day of school! I know you’ve had a whirlwind week getting classrooms and workspaces ready, organizing materials, and preparing for the arrival of your students. Today marks the start of another year of changing lives—and I’m proud to stand alongside such dedicated professionals.

We've fought hard over the years in bargaining to get the Contract we have and we are defending it when it is violated. Our bargaining team and expanded bargaining committee also worked hard over the summer to start negotiating for non economic contract improvements while we waited for the state to finish the delayed session and finalize funding details.

Your daily uninterrupted planning time is exactly that—yours. PLCs, Collaborative Teams, or whatever a school or the district chooses to call them cannot be required during your daily uninterrupted planning time. Neither can 504 meetings, IEP meetings, grade-level meetings, or any other meeting. This time is protected so you can plan, prepare, and do the work you know your students need. CRMS, common boards, common assessments, team lesson plans or templates are also not required. And I can't believe I have to say this but you can drink soda or coffee in your classrooms and you don't have to hide it. We are in the process of reviewing school handbooks that members send to us and looking into our options to defend our contract. Please call us if you need support. We are here for you.

In bargaining we have proposed limits on the excessive walkthroughs that have been happening. The district has so far rejected it. We’ve also proposed a collaborative school climate survey and a process to name Climate Intervention Schools—because while we know there are schools where educators feel valued and supported, there are others where toxic environments drive good people away. The district could agree to these proposals today. It costs nothing to treat people well because respect doesn’t come with a price tag—our members are united in fighting for it. I encourage you to continue emailing us how you are impacted by excessive walkthroughs, or any details about the climate at your school that can help us explain at the bargaining table why these proposals are critical.

On wages, we expect the district to bring us a salary proposal soon. We are ready to respond quickly, because educators deserve raises early in the school year—not months later. Tallahassee hasn't adequately funded for teacher raises. We will continue to call on state leaders to do better. But the district also needs to make teacher pay a top priority instead of focusing on micromanagement.

We are stronger together. Let’s make this a year of progress and solidarity, and a year when all members of our bargaining unit stand together to make a difference in our profession. And remember—if you need support or have questions, our team is here for you, Monday through Friday, 8–5, at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com. We are always in your corner.

In Solidarity,

Clinton McCracken, Orange CTA President

NEW CTA DENTAL PLANS AVAILABLE!

NEW Optional CTA Member Benefits Are Here! — available to members at special rates. Visit ctabenefits.com or call 407-890-6874 to enroll!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

NEW CTA DENTAL PLANS AVAILABLE!

BARGAINING

Bargaining involves ALL of us. Every win we’ve ever achieved came from collective action and engagement, not just behind closed doors but through shared strength across every school in the district. When members stay informed, share updates, and speak up, we build the momentum that moves the community, the school board, and the district. We met throughout the summer, and our next meeting is August 27th. While you'll be in school for the next session, ask a friend or family member who is free to attend on your behalf! CLICK TO RSVP.

Next Bargaining Dates: Aug. 27, Sept. 12, Sept. 24, Oct. 3. Check the bargaining section of our website and join our Facebook group to keep updated. Also, as a reminder, we have invited every school to have a representative on the expanded Bargaining Committee to ensure all voices are heard in this process. Contact your Association Representative or CTA Specialist if you don't yet have someone on this committee. Let’s show the district that we’re paying attention, we’re united, and we’re action ready.

LABOR MANAGEMENT UPDATES: We have been advocating on behalf of members and below are several topics we are currently discussing.

12-month payment option
Parent Square
School Counselors
Worksites Renovations / Construction
Work Order Tracking Form
Early Release, possible switch to Fridays
Meet the Teacher / Open House
Maternity Leave
CFE
Referendum - CTA is advocating for the one mill to be increased and to be used for salary increases.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS BECAUSE MEMBERS STOOD STRONG TOGETHER

Tentative Agreement: Language for members’ top priority: Unfounded Claims
Tentative Agreement: Reduces sick leave donation requirement (from 10 to 4 days)
Tentative Agreement: No meetings on the last Wednesday of the student school year
3 weeks of paid maternity leave
MOU about Open House and Meet the Teacher
504 reviews have been reduced to every 3 years instead of annually
Added 3 days paid Bereavement Leave
Moved a teacher non workday to April to ease the long period of no time off
Doubled CTA PD course offerings, including a virtual AI course launching in September
Union Recertification with 98% of members voting in favor
Recovered membership density after SB256 and built even more momentum
Percentage Raises

CONTRACT REMINDERS

Have a contract concern? If you are a member, contact your CTA Specialist at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY MEETINGS SCHEDULE: During preplanning, teachers should have received the meetings (including PD) schedule for early release Wednesdays for the first semester. The principal has two early release days per month to use at their discretion, while the rest are protected for uninterrupted teacher planning. "Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, the administrator may use a maximum of two (2) early release days per month. The remaining early release days shall be used for uninterrupted planning time after student contact time. Teachers will be provided a copy of the schedule during preplanning for the first semester and before winter break for the second semester. Before the beginning of the school year, the District will send communication discouraging the scheduling of unnecessary meetings and/or Professional Development scheduled the Wednesday before report cards or progress reports are due." Article XV. Work Year. D. P61. Please reach out to your CTA Specialist if you didn't receive the schedule by Friday, August 8.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAPPY HOUR WITH CONGRESSMAN FROST AND REPRESENTATIVE ESKAMANI: Get to know your local leaders, Congressman Maxwell Frost and Representative Anna V. Eskamani, at a happy hour for CTA Members on Friday, August 22! Come out to share your ideas, concerns, and hopes for public education with your elected officials. Your first drink (and light appetizers) are on Congressman Frost! RSVP HERE

Date/Time: Friday, August 22, 5:30 pm

Location: The Falcon Bar (819 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801)

EQUALITY FLORIDA WEBINAR: As we enter a new school year, many educational and mental health professionals are navigating an environment marked by uncertainty, rapidly shifting policies, and growing concern for the safety, inclusion, and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth in our schools. Questions about what is legally required, what is still allowed, and how to support students and families have become increasingly common—and urgent.

Join Equality Florida for a timely and essential webinar designed to provide clarity, foster connection, and equip you with the tools to confidently support LGBTQ+ students and their families. This session will offer practical guidance rooted in current legal realities, trauma-informed practices, and real-world experience.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 27, 4:30 - 6:00 PM ET

Registration: Click here to register

LABOR DAY FAMILY/UNION PICNIC AT CTA: Join us and our sisters/brothers/siblings in labor from the Central Florida Central Labor Council for an afternoon of great food, entertainment, and solidarity at our annual Labor Day Picnic! All CTA members and their families are welcome. As proud members of the AFL-CIO, we’re honored to host this celebration of the power of working people standing together. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 after years of union-led rallies, marches, and collective action for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions. Let’s carry that legacy forward—bring your family, enjoy the day, and connect with friends who share our commitment to a better life for all. RSVP HERE.

Date: Monday, September 1

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

CTA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: 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, UDL: Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines! 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. Register today!

Date: September 19-20 (OCPS provides a TDY for September 19)

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

ORLANDO CITY & ORLANDO PRIDE: Join Orlando Pride & Orlando City to celebrate Back to School! Take advantage of one (1) complimentary ticket with the purchase of a ticket to select home matches! Click HERE to claim your complimentary offer today!

NEW REGIONAL MEETINGS 9/25: We have created three district subregions to better support members. This first meeting in your region will be in person (location TBD), and we will host in-person and/or Zoom meetings each quarter. We will be working with ARs in each Region to build the strength of our union. All ARs have a list of each school/worksite and which Region they are in. RSVP HERE and we will send the location once it is determined.

Region A (Mostly East and Southeast and some Central schools)-CTA Specialist Sarah Yelensky

Region B (Mostly North and Northwest and some Central schools)-CTA Specialist Brian Antoine

Region C (Mostly South and Southwest and some Central schools)-CTA Specialist David Cintron

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOMS: We're excited to launch a new monthly Zoom series for our newest members! These sessions will 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 at 5pm except November and December, when they'll be the third Thursday. New members can RSVP HERE. 10/23, 11/20, 12/18, 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23

SCHOOL COMMITTEES: Each Association Representative at schools will coordinate a vote to establish or choose a representative to the following committees: Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC), Placement Review Committee, and Budget Advisory Committee, and a representative for the Bargaining Committee. The members of the FAC are in charge of establishing a process to elect the teacher representative to the School Advisory Committee.

SEPTEMBER AR COUNCIL MEETING 9/8: Each month, Association Representatives attend the AR Council meeting. Some schools have multiple ARs (based on membership), and we ask that at least one AR attend in person so that you can bring items back to your school. However, we also have a virtual option. A 10-minute slideshow is shared at each AR council meeting that ARs should share either through a meeting or group chat with members, so you are informed of all that is happening. These meetings are typically the second Monday of the month.

NEW DIGITAL MEMBER GUIDE: We are excited to share your new 2025-2026 Member Guide school year is now digital. Live links are embedded throughout the guide to help you access the information you need. Find information on Union Benefits, Calendar, Contract FAQs, Bargaining, Social Media Info, Ways to Get Involved, Association Rep Info, CTA Board Info, and more!

FAMILY IMMIGRATION EMERGENCY PLAN CHECKLIST: Immigration enforcement actions can impact our students and the communities we serve. That’s why AFT has developed a new checklist to help educators, school support staff, and healthcare professionals support families in creating a Family Immigration Emergency Plan. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress, protect loved ones, and ensure that children and family responsibilities are cared for.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

BARGAINING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE: Every OCPS school/worksite should have a representative on the expanded Bargaining Committee. This member attends bargaining dates when possible, communicates bargaining updates to instructional personnel at their school/worksite, and shares insights from the school/worksite to the committee and Bargaining Team. Make sure your voices are heard! Email us at orangecta@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the bargaining committee or contact your AR (ARs are welcome to serve on the Bargaining Committee as well).

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, organize, 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
Howard Fenner Scholarship
Marion Cannon Scholarship
Ulysses Floyd Scholarship
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.

SCHOOLS WITHOUT AN AR: These schools do not currently have an Association Representative. When members don’t have an AR at their school, they lose their first line of support, their direct link to information, and a strong voice to defend their rights—stepping up as an AR ensures your colleagues are never alone. Contact orangecta@gmail.com if you are interested in serving in this role. ARs can also be eligible to have their local dues reimbursed.

WELCOME TO TEACHING CONVERSATION SERIES: Starting a teaching career is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a new teacher or working alongside one, having the right support makes all the difference.

That’s why we created the Welcome to Teaching Conversation Series, an on-demand podcast from Share My Lesson and the AFT. In each short, practical episode, early career educators talk with AFT professional development leaders about what it really takes to succeed in the classroom—and how to build lasting support systems.

Explore the free, for-credit episodes:

Classroom Management: Set clear expectations and handle behavior challenges with confidence.
Children’s Well-Being: Create safe spaces where students can thrive emotionally and academically.
Family Engagement with a Focus on Literacy: Build strong, consistent connections with families to support student success.
Teacher Well-Being: Learn practical tips for managing stress and staying grounded.
Civics Instruction: Teach civil dialogue and real-world engagement with confidence.
Union Partnership and the Path to Thriving in Teaching: Teaching can feel like an island. Find out how to feel more connected, supported and empowered.

Each episode includes companion blogs and teaching resources you can use right away.

Read the full article to access the full podcast series, bonus content, and ideas to support educators at every stage.

P.S. If you know a new teacher or mentor at your school, forward this email and share the series with them—because no one should have to go it alone.

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN - YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR UNION!

We can accomplish more together than all alone
Stronger collective bargaining power to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions
Contract support for grievance process to protect your rights
Free Professional Development
Amplify your voice for pro-public education policies
CTA members-only benefits (like our new Dental/Vision plans)
FEA, NEA, AFT benefits
Assistance with Evaluation system
Support network and community
Being part of the solution for change instead of passively accepting problems

IPAD GIVEAWAY: We will be giving away an iPad at our September AR meeting. One entry for every new member you sign up in August. We will also give away one iPad to a lucky new member who signs up in August!

2025-2026 MEMBERSHIP GOAL: Each school will increase membership by 5%.

CTA BENEFITS

NEW CTA DENTAL/VISION: NEW Optional CTA Member Benefits Are Here! — available to members at special rates. Visit ctabenefits.com or call 407-890-6874 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 407-890-6874 to enroll. Optional benefits include:

Dental & 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

Other benefits through CTA include:

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.

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.

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