PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Unfortunately, today I must share very irritating news. As you probably already saw, yesterday Dr. Armbruster sent an email to all 13,500 teachers attempting to coerce you into giving up your contract rights. He even included a screenshot of someone's comment from our private, members-only facebook group. Your justified outrage online has been clear .

What the district is doing is moral manipulation. Teacher autonomy exists for a reason and it is protected in our contract. Teachers are professionals. We know our students best, and we must have the flexibility to decide what works in the moment. Yet the district has spent years trying to control and micromanage every part of our work because they do not trust that we are teaching well.

Collaboration can be powerful, but only when it’s genuine, not when it’s forced. And certainly not when it’s used as a tool of coercion.

We are in the middle of bargaining. Take a moment today to email the school board and share your frustration with how OCPS teachers are treated. Constant walkthroughs that disrupt student learning, toxic work environments, and pay that hasn’t kept up. But as much as teachers need to be paid better, it costs nothing to treat them well.

Our School Board needs to hear from you (you can send one email and copy/paste these all in the "to" or "bcc" line). teresa.jacobs@ocps.net, angie.gallo@ocps.net, maria.salamanca@ocps.net, stephanie.vanos@ocps.net, vicki.felder@ocps.net, melissa.byrd@ocps.net, anne.douglas@ocps.net alicia.farrant@ocps.net

Speaking of bargaining, this Wednesday is our next session. We have been waiting for the district to put a salary proposal on the table. We will do so this Wednesday if they have not. Teachers can't continue to wait. Tallahassee hasn't adequately funded teacher raises but we will be fighting for every dollar we can get.We will also continue to call on state leaders to do better, but the district also needs to make teacher pay a top priority instead of spending so much energy trying to take away your contract rights.

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

DENTAL DEADLINE TOMORROW!

OCPS REFUSED TO ALLOW CTA TO EMAIL YOU OUR DENTAL INFO TO YOUR WORK EMAIL. BE SURE TO UNDERSTAND YOUR BETTER OPTIONS WITH YOUR UNION!

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

LABOR DAY CTA FAMILY DAY PICNIC AT THE CTA OFFICE!

Bring your family—or come on your own—to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together in the labor movement! Join our sisters, brothers, and siblings from the Central Florida AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for an afternoon of food, fun, and solidarity! Free food and entertainment provided. Sept. 1, 11am-2pm RSVP HERE.

OCPS CIGNA DENTAL VS. CTA HUMANA DENTAL: DID YOU KNOW you have a choice in your dental plan this year? CTA has secured incredible Humana dental coverage with LOWER RATES THAN OCPS OFFERINGS for MEMBERS ONLY! With plans as low as $4.44/per pay period, choose the Humana dental plan that works best for your family. Humana includes a vast network of Orlando-area providers, and our CTA dental plan provides superior coverage, with a cost-savings to members included! Click here to search for an in-network provider.

Coverage will become effective on 10/1/25- click here for self-enrollment or call 407-890-6874 to speak with a Benefit Counselor to assist you with selecting the best fit for you and your family!

Please note that OCPS is rolling your dental plan from Delta Dental to Cigna and you must cancel in the myOCPS (SAP) portal to ensure you terminate district coverage. Your CTA Humana dental will replace your former Delta Dental coverage, but the district coverage must be manually terminated. To cancel Delta Dental, go to “Employee Self Service”, “Benefits”, “Annual Enrollment 2”, click “Remove Plan”, click “Review Enrollment”, “Save”. You will see a green checkmark saying your plan selections have been saved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

DENTAL DEADLINE TOMORROW!

LABOR DAY CTA FAMILY DAY PICNIC AT THE CTA OFFICE!

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 this Wednesday, August 27th at 10am. 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 at orangecta@gmail.com 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.

Members of the Bargaining Committee have received an email containing the Zoom link for our next virtual update meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, August 27, at 5:00 p.m. During this meeting, we will share detailed information about what was presented at the bargaining table, including the salary proposal. Please be sure to check your email for the link, and feel free to reach out with any questions ahead of time. Your participation and insight continue to be essential to this process.

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.

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.

LEAVE AT THE END OF THE STUDENT DAY - AUGUST 29, 2025: Teachers can leave at the end of the student day on Friday, August 29, 2025. "On the day before a scheduled holiday, the employee duty day shall end at the close of the student day. Non-school-based personnel may leave 30 minutes before the end of their regular day. If the day before the Winter and/or Spring Holiday period for school based teachers is a non-student contact day, it shall be 6.5 hours in length." Article XIV. Duty Day. G / P.57 "Scheduled Holiday - A weekday, during the student calendar year, when students are not required to be in attendance." Glossary / P. 130

UPCOMING EVENTS

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. Feel free to eat inside with A/C! 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, 11am-2pm

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

CLARIFICATION REGARDING DISTRICT EMAIL ON AUTONOMY: Our contract guarantees individual teacher autonomy while following the standards and protects your daily uninterrupted planning time—no PLCs/Collaborative Teams, 504s/IEPs, team meetings, or other meetings can be required during this daily time. Collaboration is valuable when it’s voluntary and student-centered, not when it’s used to impose identical pacing or common assessments that are designed for district purposes. Your union is here to support you at orangecta@gmail.com or 407-298-0756. The district really should spend more time and energy creating a culture where teachers are respected for their expertise and professionalism, and less time pressuring them into compliance with district desires. As you know, we have proposed contract language in bargaining regarding school climate, and so far, the district has rejected it. They don’t seem to believe this is an issue in OCPS for teachers. We will continue to fight for you every day and push the district to begin respecting you as professionals. We will also continue to defend our contract when it is violated.

FACULTY/STAFF HANDBOOKS: All school faculty/staff handbooks must comply with our contract. The contract is available on our website, and as a PDF, you can “Control F” to search. Have you noticed violations in your school handbook? Send them to us at orangecta@gmail.com. We are filing a class action grievance to address the many violations we have found so far.

SCHOOL START TIMES: The legislature recently updated the statute regarding school start times, and it would require the School Board and district to follow a detailed process if they decide not to change the start times. During the August 19 Work Session, the Board reviewed several factors related to this issue. Some of the items discussed, if pursued, would need to be bargained with us. Stay tuned for more updates.

A/C ISSUES: We are here to support you. If the A/C isn’t working in your classroom/hallway/building, please notify us. We escalate every school we hear about and track it to check in with the district to get you relief as quickly as possible. In case you missed it, here is an article published by IN THESE TIMES about our push to address A/C issues in bargaining.

FEA INNOVATIVE GRANT APPLICATION: Are you an FEA member? Do you have an idea that would benefit your students? Is there a project you would like to do in your classroom that you otherwise cannot afford? Apply for the 2025 FEA Innovative Grant!

Applications must be submitted to the CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804) by September 30, 2025. Click HERE to apply!

LAST CHANCE TO BE ENTERED INTO IPAD DRAWING!: Everyone who signs up a member in August will be entered into a drawing for an iPad to be given away at the September AR meeting! YOU are the strength of your union. Help your union grow by asking one person this week to join. You will also receive $35 for every member you sign up! Don't forget to have your new member list you as a recruiter on the online membership application at joinmyunion.com. We have many members who are saving well over the amount of their dues through our CTA members-only benefits, like home insurance, travel, and others through FEA, NEA, and AFT. If your colleague has questions that you don’t have an answer for, connect them with us, and we are happy to give them a call and list you as the recruiter!

CTA MEETUP WITH CONGRESSMAN FROST AND REPRESENTATIVE ESKAMANI: CTA members had a great time at our first social spending the evening with other teachers, catching a breath after week two and getting the chance to connect with Congressman Frost and Representative Eskamani, true champions for educators. Great turnout and great energy! Wishing you all a wonderful third week!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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!

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.

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.

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.

SCHOOLS WITHOUT AN AR: We're making great progress and have reduced the number of schools without an AR in half! 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

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

Back to School with Liberty Mutual Insurance: With kids going back to school, you have enough to worry about. Give yourself some additional peace of mind by reviewing your current insurance policy to ensure everything you love is fully protected. Call (855)414-6787 or visit Liberty Mutual to learn more.

Online Courses for Educators: As a new school year starts, FEA has partnered with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and VESi to offer members an annual subscription, which allows you to complete up to 9 semester hours online non-matriculated graduate (transcript) credit for $275, with no additional costs. This is an exclusive offer for FEA members.

FEA members can access 35 online courses covering topics like building school communities, student behavior, classroom management, elementary/secondary math concepts, reading & writing, and more. You can learn online are your own pace and from the convenience of your own home! 

You must be an FEA member to be eligible for this course subscription program. You may access the registration page by logging in to the FEA member side of the website, which will provide additional information about this benefits program.

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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